MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 27: Ricky Rubio #3 of the Utah Jazz looks on in the fourth quarter during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 27, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Utah Jazz defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 125-111. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The Utah Jazz may or may not look to deal Ricky Rubio at the 2019 trade deadline, but there are definitely some worthwhile targets at the PG spot.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again here — I love me some Ricky Rubio. The Utah Jazz point-man is one of the best people in the NBA, a hard worker and when he’s truly balling out on the hardwood, he’s something to behold.
Even with a couple of duds sprinkled in, he’s averaged 14 points and six assists per game and registered a respectable effective field goal percentage of just under 53 over his last 12 games, which is nothing to sneeze at.
That said, the NBA trade deadline is just over a week away, so the time to pontificate on potential roster upgrades is nigh. And whether you’re a fan of Rubio or not, he definitely has his warts as a player. When they show themselves — which is more often than we’d probably like — it can be bad times in Jazzland.
As I wrote about last week here on The J-Notes, the Rubio situation is a true conundrum.
So to tip-off our positional series on potential trade targets, I’m going to take a look at some of the point guards who could come in, take his spot and pair with Donovan Mitchell in the Jazz backcourt.
I’m not pretending to know whether this is Utah’s top area of concern or even saying that I’d be willing to deal Rubio if I were Jazz GM Dennis Lindsey. However, a good GM is always on the lookout for ways to improve their team, and if Lindsey thinks a change at the point could do that, here are five good options..
Utah’s purported interest</a> in former EuroLeague star <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/teodomi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">Milos Teodosic</a>. Ultimately, Teodosic landed in Los Angeles with the Clippers, while the Jazz landed Rubio.</p>
<p>Less than two years later, though, Teo seems to be keen on getting to his next stop. Despite a strong (albeit injury-hampered) rookie season, during which the Clips went 22-14 in games he started, the 31-year-old finds himself without a spot in <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/riverdo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Doc Rivers</a>‘ rotation. That’s not what he signed up for when he moved across the pond.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, he remains one of the best passers in the world. This season, Teodosic has assisted on a respectable 26 percent of his team’s field goals when he’s been on the floor. Per 36 minutes, he averages nearly eight dimes. Also — he’s an above average outside shooter, nailing 37 percent of his career 3-point attempts in the NBA.</p>
<p>The rub with him will be defense, but Rubio-like vision with a legit jumper could counteract the issue.</p>
<p>Any NBA team to acquire Teo’s current contract would have team control in negotiations next summer. That said, there are also rumblings he could return to Europe, where <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/798359/anadolu-efes-calling-milos-teodosic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anadlou Efes</a> is said to be high on him.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Our Date with Jrue </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-67315" src=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2824,w_4200/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F03%2F901030270-new-orleans-pelicans-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg" alt="Jrue Holiday New Orleans Pelicans Utah Jazz Donovan Mitchell" width="4200" height="2824" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/03/901030270-new-orleans-pelicans-v-utah-jazz.jpg.jpg 4200w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/03/901030270-new-orleans-pelicans-v-utah-jazz.jpg-768x516.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 4200px) 100vw, 4200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:4200px;">SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JANUARY 03: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives past Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during the second half of the 108-98 win by the Pelicans at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 3, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Jrue Holiday</h3>
<p>My personal No. 1 pick for the Jazz to pursue via trade and the youngest player on this list at 28, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/holidjr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jrue Holiday</a> may be someone who becomes available due to <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/davisan02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Anthony Davis</a>‘ desire <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/28/utah-jazz-anthony-davis-trade-target-jrue-holiday/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to leave the New Orleans Pelicans</a>. That could send them into rebuilding mode and without real need of Holiday.</p>
<p>There’s a lot to love here. He’s got size and length (6-foot-4, with a 6-foot-7 wingspan) to allow him to play the one, two and even spot duty at the three. Also, he’s got a skillset on both sides of the ball to aid that positional versatility. For the year, he’s averaging a cool 21 points, eight assists, five boards and 1.6 steals per contest.</p>
<p>His ability to get points for himself and/or his teammates would make for a nice pairing with Donovan Mitchell, but his defense is also tantalizing. Of NOLA’s rotation regulars, he boasts the best D-rating on the team at just over 108 and the Pelicans allow five points per 100 possessions more when he sits.</p>
<p>In short, he’s a real difference-maker and his talents are wasted on the Pels if AD is on the way out and they’re not build to contend.</p>
<p>He’d be a pricey get at more than $25 million per yer, which is definitely something to take under consideration. Adding that kind of salary might preclude the Jazz from making further significant additions, but they would have him locked up for multiple years and their core would be set, which is a good place to be.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Indy's other guard </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-75134" src=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1089941380.jpeg" alt="Darren Collison Indiana Pacers" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1089941380.jpeg 3200w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1089941380-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">MEMPHIS, TN – JANUARY 26: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers hug after the game on January 26, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Darren Collison</h3>
<p>Like Lin, Indiana Pacers guard <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/collida01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Darren Collison</a> will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, but he would be an upgrade over Rubio to close the year out. And with <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/oladivi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Victor Oladipo</a> injured and the Pacers temporarily dismissed as a contender in the East, now may be the time for Indy to try to get something for his expiring deal.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>For my money, Collison is one of the most underrated point-men in the NBA. Even this season, with less minutes and the lowest usage rate of his career, he’s putting up 10 points, six assists and 1.5 steals per contest with a 46-40-82 shooting line.</p>
<p>He’s the antithesis of Rubio offensively — a deadly catch-and-shoot player who he led the Association in 3-point shooting (46.8 percent) last season and had the fourth-highest individual offensive rating league-wide. Among all backcourt players, he ranks 22nd in NBA Math’s total points added (TPA) stat at just over 27.</p>
<p>For the record, Rubio checks in at No. 109 with a TPA score of minus-13.</p>
<p>If you can get a shooter and scorer like Collison without sacrificing the ability to also make plays for others, that’s a win. He may be a player you can bring back on a short-term, team-friendly deal in the summer as well, which would leave some money for the Jazz to go out and get the playmaking big man they covet.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Grit n' Grind </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-75135" src=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1060835938.jpeg" alt="Mike Conley Utah Jazz Memphis Grizzlies" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1060835938.jpeg 1600w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1060835938-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 12: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Utah Jazz on November 12, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Mike Conley</h3>
<p>Perhaps the biggest name on this list, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/conlemi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Mike Conley</a> could be the ideal pure point guard for the Jazz. Fellow J-Noter <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/22/utah-jazz-mike-conley-trade-rumors-present-high-risk-high-reward-scenario/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jared Woodcox</a> summed up his fit with Utah as follows —</p>
<blockquote class="left ampstart-left">Not only can Conley score the ball extremely well, but he’s an electric passer and an even better defender. His lock-down abilities on the perimeter would fit like a glove with Coach Snyder’s defensive schemes, making him an absolutely riveting addition for the Jazz on that end.
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<p>That sounds spot-on to me, and the Jazz could legitimately make a play for his services if they’re so inclined. After all, Grizzlies owner Robert Pera informed both he and former All-Star Marc Gasol that the Grit n’ Grind duo <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25833922/mike-conley-says-memphis-grizzlies-owner-willing-trade-marc-gasol-conley" target="_blank" rel="noopener">will be mentioned in potential trade talks</a> as Memphis looks to hit the reset button.</p>
<p>For the year, Conley is putting up 20 points and six assists per game. He’s also a career 38-percent 3-point shooter and, even on the wrong end of 30, he remains a plus defender. The big downside is his deal, which will pay him $32.5 million next season and $34.5 million if he opts in for 2020-21.</p>
<p>That ends up being a crippling sum if he starts to decline or can’t stay healthy, which has been a recurring problem throughout his career. He’s played in 50 games already this season, but was limited to 12 last season due to a bone intrusion in his left heel and was hampered by a bum Achilles in 2015-16.</p>
<p>All that aside, peak Conley is a dream fit at point guard for the Utah Jazz. And, sooner or later, you have to spend money if you want elite-level talent. I, for one, prefer a younger, cheaper Holiday, if you can make it happen.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Four under-the-radar trade targets for the Utah Jazz" data-url="https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/four-under-the-radar-trade-targets-for-the-utah-jazz/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #00265D" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/utah-jazz-trade-2019-five-point-guard-targets/"https://thejnotes.com/2019/01/30/four-under-the-radar-trade-targets-for-the-utah-jazz/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Four under-the-radar trade targets for the Utah Jazz </a> </div>
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