The J-Notes
Fansided

A way-too-early prediction of the Utah Jazz’s 2023-24 starting lineup

By Jared Koch

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 18: Collin Sexton #2, Walker Kessler #24, and Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz react during the 2023 NBA All Star KIA Skills Challenge at Vivint Arena on February 18, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - FEBRUARY 18: Collin Sexton #2, Walker Kessler #24, and Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz react during the 2023 NBA All Star KIA Skills Challenge at Vivint Arena on February 18, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 16: Gradey Dick #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks scores a basket during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 16, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 16: Gradey Dick #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks scores a basket during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 16, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Shooting Guard: Gradey Dick

If you’ve read our first mock draft for this offseason, you’ll see we had the Jazz taking a shot on Kansas freshman wing, Gradey Dick with their projected ninth-overall pick. If that selection does end up becoming true, it would make sense to see the lottery pick start for the Jazz next season.

This entry theoretically doesn’t have to be specifically Gradey Dick either. Whoever the Jazz end up using their projected top-10 pick on come June would see some starting minutes pretty quickly; whether it be at guard, or even if the Jazz opt to select someone in the frontcourt.

In this scenario, Gradey’s the pick for the Jazz. He provides great size (6’8) at the guard position, as well as bringing some efficient shooting and scoring as well. While his game isn’t refined at the moment, lacking in overall defensive ability as well as not being the best finisher at the rim; he has the build and potential to soon become a perfect wing in the modern NBA.

Dick may not be one to start right away as a win-now type of player, but he could quickly develop into a versatile athlete and scorer if given the right opportunity early.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 22: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz controls the ball during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Vivint Arena on March 22, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 22: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz controls the ball during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Vivint Arena on March 22, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Small Forward: Lauri Markkanen

Barring any crazy circumstances, we should be seeing All-Star Lauri Markkanen return in a Jazz uniform coming next season. After the explosion we saw from him last season and what he was able to accomplish, it would be wrong if the Jazz decided to deal him elsewhere.

Danny Ainge seems to be on the same page too, as he’s gone on to tell Lauri Markkanen already that he can buy a house in Utah; making Salt Lake City his home for the foreseeable future. You don’t tell a player that unless you really plan to keep him on the team.

Markkanen will be entering year two with the Jazz next season, coming off of what looks like a Most Improved Player season if things continue to hold up. In what will be his age-26 season, we could even see Lauri take another jump as the Jazz’s leading scorer.

Last season, Lauri Markkanen posted career highs across the board averaging 25.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Lauri is a no-brainer starter to predict to be here next season.