Five Utah Jazz Late First Round Draft Options

Five Utah Jazz Late First Round Draft Options

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SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz own three first-round picks in next week’s draft, and while the main focus will be on picks nine and 16, the team also owns the 28th pick thanks to the Philadelphia 76ers.

While the Jazz will likely shop the 28th pick on or before draft night, there’s still a decent chance they end up picking.

With that in mind, here are five names Jazz fans should be familiar with if the team ends up keeping the 28th pick.

Utah Jazz Late First-Round Draft Options

Noah Clowney: F/C – Alabama

Average: 9.8 ppg | 7.9 RPG | 0.8 APG | 48 FG% | 28 3Pt % | 65 FT%

Standing 6-foot-10 with long arms and above average athleticism, Noah Clowney has unicorn attributes due to his lanky frame and three-point shooting potential.

Although Clowney hit just 28 percent of his three-point attempts as a freshman, he has a comfortable release that lends itself to improved efficiency with more practice.

The South Carolina native’s length will be an asset in the NBA on the defensive end, but his small build may prevent him from developing into a primary rim protector or true low-post defender.

Clowney is a project, but as one of the younger players in the draft, has room to develop into one of the more unique three-and-D prospects in the NBA.

Leonard Miller: F/C – G League Ignite

Average: 18.0 ppg | 11.0 RPG | 1.6 APG | 55 FG% | 32 3Pt % | 79 FT%

Standing just over 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Leonard Miller has good size for an NBA power forward, along with very translatable athleticism.

Miller isn’t the best athlete likely to be selected later in the first round, but he uses his fluidity, strength and body control far better than most 19-year-olds.

The Toronto native can get to the rim with his ball handling and has a great touch once he gets there, highlighting his potential as a creator in the half court.

Despite his strong scoring ability at the rim, Miller has yet to prove he can consistently knock down the deep ball in the G League.

Additionally, his defensive fundamentals are lacking, calling into question his versatility on that end.

Miller’s motor, fluidity and existing skill set are a solid base entering the league, but his game may need some streamlining at the next level as he likely won’t be given the same freedom in the NBA that he was in the G League.

Trayce Jackson-Davis: F/C – Indiana

Average: 20.9 ppg | 10.8 RPG | 4.0 APG | 58 FG% | NA 3Pt % | 69 FT%

One of the most productive players in all of college basketball, Trayce Jackson-Davis is the prototypical upperclassman who projects as a late first-round draft pick.

Standing 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan, Jackson-Davis simply dominated younger players in college with his physical style of play and upper-level athleticism.

The Indiana native loves to dunk the ball and is a real threat in transition, catching a ton of lobs in the half court.

Jackson-Davis’ rebounding, shot blocking and passing are also a plus, highlighting his overall feel for the game in addition to his athleticism.

At 23 years old, Davis doesn’t have the same room to grow as some other bigs expected to be selected late in the first round. The bouncy forward is a complete non-shooter from the perimeter, attempting just three total deep balls in four years at Indiana.

Davis won’t dominate the bigger players in the NBA like he did in college, but his varied skill set should give him multiple avenues to figure out how to become a contributor at the next level.

Andre Jackson: G/F – UConn

Average: 6.7 ppg | 6.2 RPG | 4.7 APG | 43 FG% | 28 3Pt % | 64 FT%

One of the best connections in all of college basketball, Andre Jackson proved invaluable on the national championship-winning UConn Huskies.

Jackson is a classic jack-of-all-trades prospect who has a natural feel for the game on both ends of the floor, allowing him to create for others offensively while playing on the outside defensively.

Standing 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Jackson has elite vertical athleticism that should translate well to the NBA, especially in transition.

Jackson is a poor shooter and tends to play out of control when trying to create for his teammates, despite his excellent assist numbers.

The New York native might be better off filling the gaps of a championship contender in the form of Juan Toscano-Anderson on the Golden State Warriors or Christian Bruan for the Denver Nuggets, rather than landing on a team trying to build for the future.

Underground Brandin: G – Santa Clara

Average: 19.9 ppg | 8.8 RPG | 3.7 APG | 48 FG% | 43 3Pt % | 77 FT%

After an almost non-existent season at Illinois as a freshman, Brandin Podziemski transferred to Santa Clara and became one of the most productive players in all of college basketball.

Standing just under 6-foot-4, with a 6-foot-5 wingspan, “Air Pod” has good size for the lead guard position.

Podziemski is a deadly three-point shooter, knocking down 2.5 per game. game as a sophomore at impressive percentages, shooting off the dribble, in transition and in catch-and-shoot situations.

The Wisconsin native also has good touch inside the arc, showing a nice floater and even some movement with his back to the basket.

Although he registered a 39-inch max vertical, Podziemski’s athleticism didn’t jump out in college. He lacks quickness, which hurts his creation off the dribble and when trying to stay with his man defensively.

The 20-year-old will likely only be able to guard one position at the NBA level, limiting his lineup versatility.

Podziemski’s bizarrely high rebounding numbers are a sign that there may be more to his game than just scoring, but his style of play in Santa Clara won’t resemble the opportunity he gets in the NBA.

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Ben Anderson is a Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12 with Jake Scott on 97.5 KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.

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