The J-Notes
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Who would the Utah Jazz protect during an NBA expansion draft?

By Dan Lower

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 10: A general view of the Rain City Showcase in a preseason NBA game between the LA Clippers and the Utah Jazz at Climate Pledge Arena on October 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 10: A general view of the Rain City Showcase in a preseason NBA game between the LA Clippers and the Utah Jazz at Climate Pledge Arena on October 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Oct 25, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) shoots the ball during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) shoots the ball during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

#8 – Collin Sexton

Despite last year’s injury-plagued season, Collin Sexton still would warrant protection in the expansion draft as a scorer and rotation player off the bench, or a starter if injuries were to afflict Jordan Clarkson or Talen Horton-Tucker.

This could change if Keyonte George starts to show well during the 2023-24 season. If Keyonte does indeed take Collin’s place in the rotation, then the Utah Jazz would rather get something for Collin in a trade, than let him go for nothing.

#7 – Ochai Agbaji

As one of the young, developing players on the Utah Jazz roster, Ochai is valued for his ability to play both shooting guard and small forward, and for his defensive promise. He still has time to develop and possibly become a starter, or sixth man in a 3 and D role. As such, the Jazz will likely keep him around for now, especially where his salary is reasonable.

Oct 14, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks (0) shoots from the key above Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) in the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Gabriel Mayberry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks (0) shoots from the key above Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) in the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Gabriel Mayberry-USA TODAY Sports /

#6 – Taylor Hendricks

As the highest pick of the 3 rookies on this year’s Utah Jazz roster, Hendricks is likely to be protected. Teams don’t invest a Top 10 pick on a player, only to give them up for nothing within a year. Hendricks will have opportunities to prove himself and carve out a role this season and beyond, especially if the Jazz fall out of playoff contention by March. As such, he isn’t going anywhere and will be protected from the expansion draft.

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