Ranking every Utah Jazz player by how impactful they can be this year

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JULY 6: Luka Samanic #19 of the Utah Jazz brings the ball up the court against the Memphis Grizzlies during the first half of the NBA Summer League game at the Delta Center on July 6, 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 Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

13. Luka Samanic

Despite being buried further behind the starter than someone like Omer Yurtseven, Luka Samanic may find more minutes to play due to those ahead of him. Samanic is the team’s third-best power forward, just behind Taylor Hendricks and starter John Collins. Samanic isn’t going to get minutes over Hendricks, as Hendricks is a vaunted prospect (and Samanic is not). And he’s not going to get minutes over Collins, as he’s the new addition the team is quite excited about.

Samanic is someone who can be a very unique and dynamic forward, having good handles, and solid passing skills, and is largely just a unique force at the position. He lacks a bigger frame and may not be as strong as others in his position. Inconsistency as a shooter is also going to hinder him from time to time.

That inconsistency as a scorning threat is the biggest issue with Samanic. If he can develop a reliable shot and find minutes, he can help the team to a degree, but he likely isn’t going to be the savor the team needs if Lauri Markkanen or Collins goes down with a major injury.

He may prove us all wrong but who knows at this point.

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