Ranking the 9 players Utah traded for this summer

6 of 10

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 8: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dribbles the ball while Jarred Vanderbilt #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends in the first quarter at Target Center on December 8, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

#5: Jarred Vanderbilt

Every team needs a player like this, at any position. The ideal starting five had your number one option who can score a lot and make everyone around him better. They also have the secondary scoring option, who is usually pretty efficient from behind the arc, and then a pass-first guard who racks up solid assists and points. Then there’s the guy who does a little bit of everything quite well.

Vanderbilt will never win a scoring title, but he is efficient in the paint and can get his shots up. He can guard almost every position, although struggles against shifty point guards. Then again, who doesn’t? He’s a good defender, a great rebounder, and works well in the pick and roll. He was the worst starter on the Wolves last year, but with Russell, Edwards, Towns, and McDaniels, that’s not a bad spot to be.

The Jazz have their second option in Sexton, a passing guard in Agbaji, and then their anchor in Vanderbilt. All they need is a superstar. At 22 years old Vanderbilt could improve significantly, but even if he doesn’t, he’s a solid NBA player and will be with the Jazz for a long time, and is a central part of their rebuild.

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