Darren Collison
A season ago, Darren Collison led the entire NBA in 3-point shooting at a mark of 46.8 percent which came on three attempts per game. He wasn’t quite as hot this year, but he still managed a mark above 40 percent as he’s done in each of the past four seasons.
That’s incredible efficiency, the likes of which could work wonders for a Jazz offense that struggles to convert from the perimeter. Not only that, but Collison is a reliable floor general who’s coming off a season with a career-high six assists per game. His efficiency combined with that passing ability make him an underrated option that Utah would undoubtedly be wise to consider.
Not only that, but he’s also an unrestricted free agent giving Utah a good shake at going after him and presenting a pitch. Collison has played for a number of teams throughout his career, the majority of which have been small markets, so I’d expect him to prioritize fit over nearly anything else. And it’s clear to see where that fit would exist with the Jazz.
Collison wouldn’t be Utah’s top option, but he’d still be a solid one if he could be convinced to join the Jazz ranks at the right price. The one concern he may present, yet again as pointed out by The Athletic’s Tony Jones, is while his efficiency is top of the line, his gravity and the attention he commands isn’t quite as prolific as other top shooters.
This is why you (not you individually) have to watch people play. Darren’s numbers look fine on paper. In reality, he shoots 2 3’s a game and has no gravity. If he’s off the ball teams clog the lane and live with him shooting. That doesn’t help the jazz https://t.co/vk9RHxbXoi
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) April 30, 2019
Sure, his percentage is great, but Collison’s low attempts and non-reputation as a dynamic scorer make it such that he isn’t breaking down defenses nearly as much as the Jazz need in a newcomer, and not as much as many of the players already on this list.
I still like Collison’s fit with the Jazz as somewhat of a summer consolation prize and an undeniably efficient floor general. I also think he’s a rather realistic option financially and in terms of availability. However, adding him would likely mean the Jazz struck out on more appealing options. It will be interesting to see how his free agency pans out in conjunction with that of the Utah Jazz.