Trade-down option: Nick Smith Jr.
A last possible trade-down target for the Utah Jazz in the first round could include a move for Nick Smith Jr. At least in my opinion, this could also be viewed as one of the most intriguing options for the Jazz. While you could make the argument for the Jazz taking Smith with the No. 9 overall pick, they could probably move a few spots down and still take Smith if that’s the player that they truly want to target in the first round.
Smith is supremely talented. If it weren’t for the injuries that he had to battle through during his freshman season at Arkansas, he’d probably be a top 5 selection, at least, in this year’s NBA Draft. But because of those concerns, there’s a chance that Smith falls out of the lottery completely, which would be ideal for Utah heading towards the draft.
That’s where a team like the Jazz can take advantage. If the Jazz viewed Smith as the point guard of the future, they shouldn’t hesitate to select him. However, if there’s a chance that they could trade down from No. 9 and still get him, that’s something the Jazz should absolutely explore next week.