The NBA Draft Lottery finalized the draft order for NBA teams ahead of the upcoming draft. With the Utah Jazz now locked in the ninth pick, barring any sort of trade, the team will be selecting in the lottery to add yet another young piece to an already competitive roster.
As the draft approaches quickly, there’s no better time than the present to start looking at potential additions for the Jazz.
Draft options for the Utah Jazz with the No. 9 overall selection
Anthony Black
While there’s no guarantee Anthony Black will fall to the Jazz in the first round, it would be a pleasant surprise if he did. The 6-foot-7 combo guard would most definitely be taken into consideration if he does fall to the Jazz in the lottery.
The Arkansas product played just one season at the collegiate level, but in his freshman year, he showed nothing but promise. Black started all 36 games for the Razorbacks, averaging 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 45.3% from the floor and 30.1% from three-point range. Not only does the young prospect show promising play on offense, but the 19-year-old is a tenacious defender as well. Averaging 2.1 steals per game, Black would be a scary addition to an already feisty Jazz defense.
NBA Comparison: Lonzo Ball
Cason Wallace
There’s no hiding Utah’s need for a point guard, and one of the best options in this upcoming draft class is Kentucky guard Cason Wallace. The SEC All-Freshman player had an impressive season with the Wildcats and was one of the most reliable players on John Calipari’s squad.
In 32 games, Wallace averaged 11.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds on 44.6% from field goal range and 34.6% from three, along with 2.0 steals per game. At 6-foot-4, the Texas native has all the potential to develop into the point guard of the future for the Jazz. If he can develop into a playmaking guard in Utah, the Jazz would be one of the scariest young teams in not only the Western Conference but the league.
Not only would it give the Jazz their playmaker of the future, but it would fill a void for the team heading into free agency, giving the team options in the offseason. Depending on how fast Wallace can develop upon his arrival with the Jazz, Utah could be a team looking to shake up the postseason sooner rather than later.
A very promising fit for the Jazz to consider ahead of the NBA Draft.
NBA Comparison: Jrue Holiday
Gradey Dick
Gradey Dick could potentially be one of the most impactful players in the lottery. The Kansas star played one season with the Jayhawks but highlighted his versatility in that time. In 36 games, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, shooting 44.2% from the field and 40.3% from three.
Dick showed his ability to not only be a sharpshooter but his potential to be a playmaker as well. Despite the low assist numbers, the three-point specialist was able to create for others as the season progressed. If the 19-year-old can develop into a playmaker in addition to his skillful shooting, Dick could be one of the best players to come out of the draft.
The shooting that the young forward could bring to Will Hardy’s offense would make the Jazz a more dangerous team than they already are. Not only would Dick add to an already massive frontcourt, but the shooting display he and Markkanen could put together would be exciting to watch.
The Jazz offense with Dick in the lineup could be a nightmare for opposing teams, especially if he can develop under Hardy’s offensive mind and leadership.
NBA Comparison: Klay Thompson, Gordon Hayward
Taylor Hendricks
Taylor Hendricks is one name that has been rising in many recent mock drafts. The UCF product showed out in his freshman year, averaging 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 47.4% field goal shooting and 39.4% from three-point range. Hendricks brings more to the table than just an offense. The 6-foot-9 forward is an elite shot blocker, averaging 1.7 blocks per game with the Knights as a freshman.
If Hendricks is on the board when the Jazz select, it would be an intriguing option for Jazz CEO Danny Ainge. With Ainge having drafted two playmaking forwards in Boston, such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, you’d have to think Ainge would consider bringing in that type of talent to develop in Utah alongside Lauri Markkanen.
Hendricks could be one of the best two-way players to come out of the draft, and his potential could be the highest in the draft (aside from Victor Wembenyama). If the Florida native remains on the board when Utah’s pick comes around, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Ainge swing on the potential with the trust that Will Hardy can mold the versatile talent into an elite player at the professional level.
NBA Comparison: Jonathan Isaac, Jerami Grant