On the 22nd day of Draftmas, The Game Haus presents the Utah Jazz 2017 NBA Draft profile.

Summary

The Utah Jazz had a pretty impressive season in which they won 51 games, the most since the 2009-2010 season. Utah also won their first round matchup against the Clippers 4-3. Unfortunately, they ran into the Warriors who were too much to handle as the Jazz got swept. It was still a very successful season and Utah now has some success to build upon.

The number one offseason goal for the Jazz is to keep All-Star forward Gordon Hayward. Hayward has a player option that he could decline making him an unrestricted free agent. Many believe he will decline it to test his market and make a possible move. Losing Hayward would be a vital blow to the future success of the Jazz.

Utah was not a great scoring team as they ranked 28th in the NBA in points per game averaging 100.7 per game. Despite not scoring a lot of points, the Jazz shot 46.6 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from three, both ranking ninth in the NBA. Their low ranking in points per game is attributed to their pace which was the slowest in the NBA at 93.62. Their offense is very efficient and it works for their players.

Utah was the best defensive team in the NBA if you look at points allowed per game (96.8). The Jazz forced opponents to shoot just 44.3 percent from the field, ranking second in the NBA. They must improve in forcing turnovers as they ranked dead last in the league with 11.5 per game.

Picks & Needs

First Round: No. 24, No. 30

Second Round: No. 42, No. 55

Whether or not Gordon Hayward stays or goes, the Jazz need another capable wing player. Obviously, if Hayward leaves it becomes more critical but they need more depth. At pick 24 there should be a few wings available for the Jazz.

Another need is a point guard who can become a star. George Hill could not come to a contract agreement with the Jazz and is looking for a max deal. The Jazz are smart to not give Hill that kind of contract and will need to replace him in the draft. Dante Exum was drafted fifth overall to be the star point guard but injuries have derailed that plan. Exum has shown a few flashes but if the Jazz continue to wait on the development of Exum they risk team progression. If they can find a point guard in this draft they like the Jazz should jump on him.

Besides needing a wing and point guard there isn’t much the Jazz need. Creating depth is what can turn this team from a playoff team to a legit contender and that is what the Jazz will accomplish in this year’s draft.

Targets & Thoughts

Pick #24: Caleb Swanigan, PF, Purdue

Caleb Swanigan doesn’t fit the need at the wing or the point, but at this point in the draft there won’t be much value for those positions. The next best option is to create depth and drafting Swanigan would be a home run for the Jazz. Swanigan’s motor is unmatched by anyone else in this class. He is a rebounding machine averaging 12.5 per game in just 32.5 minutes per game. Swanigan was awarded Big Ten Player of the Year for his efforts this season.

Pick# 30: Josh Hart, SG, Villanova

Josh Hart is the heart of Villanova and their amazing tournament runs as of late. Hart can add to the depth the of the Jazz if they end up keeping this pick. There is a high chance they decide to trade it. Last season, Hart averaged 18.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists on 51 percent shooting. He also shot 40.4 percent from three. Hart would fit right in with the Jazz and become a solid role player immediately.

Pick # 42: Nigel Williams-Goss, PG, Gonzaga

Nigel Williams-Goss was a major key in Gonzaga reaching its first ever national championship game. He was a leader and floor general for the Bulldogs. Williams-Goss stuffed the stat sheet averaging 16.8 points, 6 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Williams-Goss is a sleeper pick who could develop into a starting point guard one day and even if he doesn’t he can be a solid backup option for Utah.

Pick #55: Jaron Blossomgame, SF, Clemson

This is the pick that the Jazz will throw at the wing position. Jaron Blossomgame has a solid all around game. He was a four year player at Clemson and improved his field-goal percentage every season. With some NBA coaching he could become a very good bench player.

Conclusion

The Jazz are a good team on both ends of the floor. Keeping Gordon Hayward is priority number one this offseason and if they don’t it will set them back a few years. If they manage to keep Hayward then the Jazz will continue to get closer to the Finals.

Utah has a lot of flexibility by having four picks in this draft. They could trade up or down and make this team even better going forward. Utah is on the cusp of contending for a title and this draft may give them the pieces that get them there.

Thanks for checking out the Utah Jazz 2017 NBA Draft profile and tune in tomorrow for day 23 of NBA Draftmas to see what the San Antonio Spurs are going to do.

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