#5 – Keyonte George
Even though Keyonte has had an up-and-down preseason, the Utah Jazz have faith that he will work his way up in the rotation by midseason. Of the 3 rookies, he has shown the most promise so far, and perhaps that is why the fans groan when he makes a rookie mistake – we think he’s better than that. Donovan Mitchell had his growing pains as a rookie, even when averaging 20ppg and taking the lead for that Utah Jazz team. Keyonte may not be the leading scorer, but we have high hopes that he can be the heir apparent at point guard sooner rather than later. As such he won’t be left for another team to choose in the expansion draft.
#4 – John Collins
As the starting power forward for the Utah Jazz, John Collins is definitely on the protected list. Teams don’t give away starting-caliber players in the expansion draft unless the player is unhappy or injured. And until Taylor Hendricks or Luka Samanic prove able to man the 4 spot full-time, Collins is sticking around.
#3 – Jordan Clarkson
Whether he starts or plays a reserve role, Jordan Clarkson is valuable to the Utah Jazz. He recently signed an extension to stay and seems to like being here. He can get his shot nearly anytime he wants on offense.
That’s something the Jazz need, as they build a young team into playoff contention. If JC ever moves on, it won’t be in an expansion draft – he has too much value to contending teams around the NBA. Danny Ainge would ask for something in return.