The Utah Jazz have pulled out all the stops to ensure they get a high lottery pick. Not just because of all the talent that's coming in, but because they don't want to risk giving that pick up to Oklahoma City, who has already formed a team more than ready to build a dynasty.
As if it wasn't bad enough that they basically stole Jared McCain right from under everyone's noses, if Utah's pick falls out of the top eight, it goes to the Thunder. The Jazz have prepared well for this, as they've lost more than enough to give them a pretty good chance at keeping the pick, though there is still a chance (albeit a minuscule one) that they lose it.
In the event that they keep their pick, FanSided's Christopher Kline wrote up a mock draft where they would, but they would wind up with the No. 7 pick. Who would they take? Illinois guard Keaton Wagler.
Kline explained why Utah would take him, citing his size, skill, and IQ before explaining why Wagler makes sense for the Jazz.
"Wagler wasn't a top-100 recruit coming into the season, but he quickly climbed the ladder with the Illini, becoming a consensus top 10 pick.
"NBA teams value feel more than ever, and for good reason. Wagler is a limited athlete, not particularly strong or bursty, but he processes the floor at light speed. He is also extremely creative, able to patiently create and exploit angles as a ball-handler. Better yet, he's a knockdown shooter, whether he's pulling up or flying around screens and spotting up along the perimeter. After tripling down on frontcourt depth with the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade, Utah targets Wagler to run next to Keyonte George in the backcourt long term."
Just keeping the pick is ideal for Utah
Utah will be ecstatic just to keep the pick, as this was the last year OKC was eligible to have it conveyed to them and it will be extinguished after this season. They didn't get the highest pick from this, which would only continue their bad lottery luck, but at least their bad luck in that regard wouldn't peak if it fell to No. 9.
As for Wagler, picking him makes sense because from how Kline puts it, the Jazz would be drafting someone who is ready now and fits a position of need at guard. Utah doesn't really need another wing or a big, so taking not only guard but one that's ready to contribute from the jump would be a win.
The Jazz will end the season feeling pretty good about their future. Like anyone else, they would prefer a high lottery pick in a loaded class, but they're more than happy to accept a prospect like Wagler, as he could give them great production on cheap value!