A Bold trade-up and 4 other NBA Draft events Jazz fans should root for
By Tyler Watts
The Utah Jazz have three first-round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, and they will be looking to jumpstart their rebuild. Lauri Markkanen became an All-Star last season, and Walker Kessler is their center of the present and future. The Jazz must build out their roster around them, and it starts with the ninth pick in this draft.
Utah has a hit-and-miss draft history that includes home runs and strikeouts. President Danny Ainge drafted Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart, while he was in Boston. They are hoping he continues that track record in Utah. It started with Kessler, but can he keep it up this year?
The Jazz will play a key role in this year’s draft. Rafael Barlowe of NBA Big Board shared the rumors that the Jazz are targeting Bilal Coulibaly (subscription required) at nine, and they could try to trade up for a second lottery pick, but what should fans be cheering for on Thursday night.
2023 NBA Draft events Utah Jaz fans should root for
5. Jazz draft point guard of present and future
Utah has a gaping hole on their roster at the point guard position. Jordan Clarkson is one of the NBA’s best sixth men, but he could decline his player option and head into free agency. Collin Sexton is also a scoring guard, and Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer noted that the Jazz have made him available on the trade market. Utah desperately needs a true point guard that can lead their attack.
Utah should leave the Barclays Center on Thursday night with their point guard of the present and future. The Jazz have three first-round picks this year plus seven firsts from other teams moving forward. Utah owes their 2024 first-rounder to the Thunder, but they have plenty of selections to trade. The Jazz should walk away with their preferred ball-handler and at least one other talented prospect.
Fans should be rooting for the Utah Jazz to draft a point guard, but that will be far from the only thing to cheer for on June 22.