Five free agents the Utah Jazz should target this offseason

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Frank Ntilikina vs Utah Jazz (Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports)

Utah Jazz Free Agent Target #4: Frank Ntilikina

We’ve lost track of how many times we’ve advocated for Ntilikina to make his way to Salt Lake City. We think this is the third, but it might be the fourth.

He’s just that good of a fit. There’s a widespread perception that Ntilikina can’t shoot. Perception tends to lag reality in the NBA, because that hasn’t been true for two years.

Last season, Franky Smokes shot a smoking 47.9% from downtown on 1.5 attempts per game. Granted, his accuracy has regressed this year. Still, the 34.0% he’s shooting on 2.1 tries per game this year justify everything else he bring to the table.

Namely, some of the better point of attack defense in the NBA. Ntilikina navigates screens like they were wired with explosives. He hassles ball handlers like they disrespected his family. His DBPM of 0.8 pales in comparison to last year’s 2.5 mark, but the latter is more reflective of his reputation.

Ntilikina, as we recently argued on Dante Exum’s behalf, doesn’t need to be viewed as a point guard anymore. He can line up at the position (or not) and defend the opposing team’s best non-big offensive player. Offensively, he functions best as a catch-and-shoot player.

Some may protest that Ntilikina would be redundant with the recently acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Color us unconcerned. Let them battle it out in practice. Anyway, there’s a strong possibility they can co-exist. NAW projects as a better ball-handler / offensive creator, while Ntilikina is more of a defensive specialist.

We wish he was a little bigger, but he’d still provide for these Utah Jazz in several areas of need.

Next: Free Agent #3