Utah Jazz acquire best power forward since Karl Malone
Zion Williamson’s career has not exactly gone according to plan, but when he has been able to suit up for the New Orleans Pelicans, he’s looked every bit the part of a future MVP candidate. For that matter, he’s frequently looked like a present MVP candidate.
We cannot sufficiently emphasize the improbability of Williamson joining the Utah Jazz. Sure, there are rumblings about his discontent in New Orleans, but speculation also suggests that the young phenom has an eye on the Big Apple. That’s unfortunate, because he’d make for a snug fit in Salt Lake City.
The biggest (and perhaps only) hole in Williamson’s game throughout his young NBA career so far has been defense. The Utah Jazz can accommodate that hole better than most teams in the NBA. Rudy Gobert doesn’t need help protecting the rim, and his presence alone renders Zion’s shakey perimeter defense a smaller problem than it’s likely to be on most teams.
Meanwhile, the Jazz satisfied their itch for a small-ball 5 this offseason with the acquisitions of Rudy Gay and Eric Paschall. Those were solid additions, but Zion Williamson would unlock an entirely new offensive height as the Jazz’s part-time small ball center. Rim protection may lack in such formations, but Royce O’Neale at the 4 spot would at least shore up the perimeter. More importantly, the offensive potential of such lineups would easily compensate for any defensive warts.
In spite of concerns over his durability, Zion Williamson is one of the brightest stars in the NBA. He’s coming off a season averaging 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest. Simply put, the Jazz would love to have him.
The Utah Jazz, in all likelihood, will never roster any of these players. That’s perfectly fine: they’re one of the deepest, most talented teams in the NBA, and any fan asking for more is bordering on extreme greed. On the other hand, everyone is entitled to dream, and any one of these players would be a dream acquisition for fans in Salt Lake City.