The Utah Jazz have sent another rookie to their G-League affiliate. The Jazz announced that they sent Isaiah Collier down to the SLC stars, meaning he'll be joining Cody Williams, which will surely make for some entertaining basketball.
Collier has certainly shown some flashes of the player the Jazz want him to be, but there's no harm in giving him more opportunities with the Stars. However, there are
1. This is further evidence of how good Kyle Filipowski has been
Filipowski has been one of the Jazz's more pleasant surprises this season. Making it even better is that many believed he would be the most likely one to be sent down to the G-League since the Jazz's best asset is their frontcourt.
Coming into the season, he would have had to compete with Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and John Collins. The funny thing is, all of those guys have held up their end, and yet, Filipowski has managed to find his niche in the rotation anyway. Sure, he technically has been in the G-League, but that was more of a rehab assignment than anything else.
It's already been clear as day that Filipowski has been the Jazz's best rookie by a landslide. The fact is, it'd be downright shocking if the Jazz send him down to the G-League for the same reason they've sent Williams and Collier down.
That doesn't mean he'll turn out the best long-term, but it's inarguable how much better Filipowski has been compared to the other rookies.
2. Brice Sensabaugh will get more shine in the coming weeks
When the NBA season starts, rebuilding teams like the Jazz always try to give their young genuine chances to show what they're made of. Williams and Collier didn't exactly thrive when given these chances, but there's no reason to fret. They're young and they'll need some time in the oven.
Comparing to Sensabaugh, and it's clear how much more polished he currently is compared to them. Sensabaugh has come into his own a bit this season, as his shooting percentages have risen to 46% overall and 41% from three. The Jazz obviously have every reason to see it all through with him.
Because he has done better in fewer minutes on average this season, Sensabaugh has absolutely earned this opportunity. What makes it better is that the Jazz's wing depth is a little weak, so if he shows that his early season progress is no fluke, that's great news.
3. The Jazz will try to up the trade value of Patty Mills and Svi Mykhailiuk
The oh-so well-known December 15 date is less than a week away. The Jazz didn't splurge on any unrestricted free agent during the offseason, but when that day comes, they can trade Mills and Mykhauliuk.
They probably won't trade them right away, but with Collier and Williams now in the G-League, the two of them could get the opportunity to prove their worth in the coming weeks that could lead to the Jazz getting another asset.
Mills hasn't exactly lit the world on fire, but that hasn't stopped him from being put in trade scenarios. Mykhailiuk played a role in the biggest Jazz blowout in franchise history. If they prove to be serviceable in increased roles, they could be traded to teams who need them and the Jazz get even more assets, even if they may not be good ones.