Bleacher Report recently released a full two-round mock draft and projected that the Utah Jazz would select several elite college basketball players.
The headliner was the projection that the Jazz would select Ace Bailey, a six-foot-10 forward out of Rutgers, with the No. 3 pick in the draft. Bailey has been thriving as a true freshman for the Scarlet Knights and has been previously floated as a draft option for the Jazz.
Bailey should be a name that Jazz fans should familiarize themselves with if they haven't already. If the Jazz cannot land Cooper Flagg, Bailey is considered a top-three prospect in this year's draft and would be a great pickup for the Jazz.
Bailey was a consensus five-star prospect out of high school and had high expectations. While Rutgers hasn't had quite the season they hoped for, Bailey has not been the issue. He is averaging 18.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and one steal per game. He's also been quite efficient, shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.3% from three-point land.
His best performance of the season came against the Indiana Hoosiers, where he dropped 39 points with eight rebounds and four blocks. For fans looking for a player comparison, Michael Porter Jr. is one of the comps offered by Bleacher Report. This is probably the best current player comparison for Bailey, but Bailey has shown a defensive upside that Porter hasn't shown at this point in his career, while not being quite the deep threat that Porter is.
His biggest weakness is as a passer. He tends to turn the ball over when making quick decisions, and his turnover rate is 20% in both pick-and-roll and transition opportunities.
While Cooper Flagg is the golden goose of the draft, Ace Bailey may be flying a bit under the radar because of how hyped Flagg is. If the Jazz can secure Bailey, he would be an elite pickup.
Ryan Kalkbrenner could be the steal of the draft
With the 50th pick, via the Clippers, the Jazz were projected to select Ryan Kalkbrenner, a seven-foot-one center out of Creighton. For those familiar with the college game, Kalkbrenner stands out as a second-round prospect with all the potential to be a difference maker in the Association.
Unlike Bailey, Kalkbrenner has been in college for a long time and is playing his best basketball in his senior season. He is averaging 18.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks this season, on 66.2% shooting and 40.5% from three, while, granted, only taking 42 total shots from deep so far this year.
Kalkbrenner has always been a strong paint player, both offensively and defensively, but has started to expand his offensive game further from the basket. He shoots well enough from three to demand respect, and his mid-range game is also developing.
He struggles to defend the perimeter, and his speed leaves something to be desired. He also needs to put on some weight to deal with the bigger bodies in the NBA, which is why he is projected to fall to the second round.
However, Kalkbrenner has been the lifeblood of this year's Creighton team, and those familiar with him know how dominant he can be as a scorer and rim protector. He dropped a 49-point game this season and recorded eight blocks against Rutgers last season.
With his experience, Kalkbrenner could be an instant contributor to the rotation and have a higher ceiling than combine analysts would lead you to believe.