Trevor Booker
This one may be my absolute favorite just because it seems to make too much sense. Trevor Booker has chemistry with Quin Snyder and Rudy Gobert, and a familiarity with the Jazz system from his former stop in Salt Lake City. Earlier this season, he even alluded to a willingness to rejoin the Jazz.
Booker is one of the league’s ultimate spark plugs as he never lacks in effort and brings about a determination and hustle off the bench every time he enters the game. He has a lot of that toughness and nastiness we’ve discussed up to this point, and wouldn’t back down from any opposing big in a matchup.
He’s versatile enough to challenge centers as well as power forwards and bigger small forwards, making him a dynamic frontcourt presence to go along with the six-foot-eight, 228 pound frame he possesses.
The bad news with Booker is that he didn’t look great in his most recent NBA stint with the Indiana Pacers. Yes, he brought the intangibles he’s so well known for and he was a great veteran presence and energy guy, but his numbers were a bit cringe-worthy. He shot just 46.4 percent from the field and a career-low 21.4 percent from the perimeter.
The Jazz wouldn’t necessarily be relying on Booker for points or shooting, but you’d like to see him be a bit more consistent there. Still, Booker’s fit and familiarity in Utah would be a definite plus. He’d know what to expect in Utah, and the Jazz would know what to expect from him, and that predictability could be a strength for a team that is still searching for stability and needs reliable glue guys.
Booker has long been one of my favorite players thanks to his toughness and tenacity. Factor in as well that his size would fill a major need for the Jazz, and he’s certainly a player that should be on their radar if they’re looking for subtle ways to improve.
More size and depth in the frontcourt is far from Utah’s only need, but it definitely has been a noticeable one during their recent slump. After December 15th when players who were signed this summer are eligible to be traded, we could start to see some movement around the NBA. I’d be surprised to see the Jazz make a trade, but once some activity starts up, I wouldn’t be shocked to see them make some sort of move to bolster their weak bench.