Utah Jazz: 3 candidates to make biggest leap next season

Candidate to make the biggest leap for the Utah Jazz: Elijah Hughes

Utah Jazz fans didn’t see much of rookie Elijah Hughes, as he appeared in only 18 games this season. And while he wasn’t particularly efficient in the G-League bubble, where he averaged 14.2 points per game while shooting 33.8 percent from the field, the 23-year-old still has the potential to be a solid scorer off the bench.

He averaged 19.0 points per game in his last year at Syracuse, so it’s reasonable to assume that Hughes’ scoring average will go up from his 1.7 points per appearance this year.

Jazz fans should keep an eye on him during the NBA Summer League action that will be held in Salt Lake City on Aug. 3-6. Hughes could prove then that he deserves to be a part of the rotation.

Hughes’ progression could be a huge relief to Jordan Clarkson, who had a great season but was often asked to carry all the bench scoring on his own.

Utah’s championship dreams aren’t out of reach next season. And if these players could seriously improve their game, they could see themselves atop the Western Conference once again.