Utah Jazz: Just stating the obvious; Jarrell Brantley looks too good for the G-League
Jarrell Brantley, a Two-Way player for the Utah Jazz, looks dominate as ever with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G-League. When does he get his NBA shot?
One of the more intriguing prospects on the Utah Jazz roster is Jarrell Brantley. The 50th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft has the physical tools, athleticism and overall skill level that will make you go “woah” multiple times throughout a game.
We’re talking about a 6’7″ player that can play and guard three different positions, handle the ball, shoot from outside, overpower and dunk on you in the paint. Yeah — there’s a lot to like about this 23 year old from Charleston.
He showed a lot of those skills during Summer League after he was drafted, almost instantly peaking the interest of just about every Utah Jazz fan. His play was a bit sloppy at times, but you couldn’t deny the raw talent that Brantley has.
Unfortunately, the Jazz didn’t have a spot on the main roster for him, so they decided to give him a Two-Way contract. This contract allows players to spend up to 45 days with their NBA team while spending the rest in the time playing in the G-League on assignment.
Utah also gave Justin Wright-Foreman, the 53rd pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and a close friend of Brantley, a Two-Way contract. They’ve both spent the majority of their time this season with the Salt Lake City Stars, Utah’s G-League affiliate.
In case you haven’t been keeping tabs on Brantley, here’s the run down — he’s been absolutely tearing up the G-League.
He’s looking more and more like a legitimate NBA player after each game. In 28 games, Brantley owns averages of 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 52 percent from the floor and 31 percent from the three-point line.
He’s progressively getting better each month, each week and each day. He’s been a much more confident shooter, a slick playmaker and more under-control as of late.
In the past 17 games, Brantley has hit the 20-point mark 12 times. In those 17 games, his averages are up to 22.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting 35 percent from deep.
For what it’s worth, I’m not saying that Brantley should immediately be called up to the NBA and play a major role for the Jazz. That’s not going to happen, and it shouldn’t happen. I would, however, like to see him even get a few minutes here and there.
He’s only played in three NBA games up until this point, playing a total of 11 minutes. I’m not expecting him to get much more NBA run this season as the Jazz fight for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.
Brantley may be having his way in the G-League, but the NBA is a whole different animal. Letting him soak up this experience now is going to be key in his development.
We don’t know what his future is going to look like, but you can’t help but feel pumped for this young man. He’s balling right now and has caught the attention of many fans.
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He’s been super fun to watch, and if he keeps developing like this, he’s going to have a bright future with the Utah Jazz. They love his ability, so I’m sure they’re absolutely thrilled with what they’ve been seeing from Brantey this season, even if it hasn’t come in a Jazz uniform.