None of these guys are likely to play their way into a permanent rotation spot on the team. They’ll only be considered in the event that the pandemic forces the Jazz’s hand. In that event, the Jazz could do worse than any of these 3 throwback NBA veterans.
Even in his prime, Mario Chalmers wasn’t the splashiest name in the NBA. By 2021, he’s 35 years old and unlikely to thrive in a high usage role. Luckily, the Utah Jazz don’t need to make a splash.
The last time we saw Chalmers in NBA action was as a member of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2017-18. Admittedly, he wasn’t exactly setting the league on fire. His 27.7% three-point accuracy that season was far below his career mark of 35.1%. That’s concerning for a player who would be responsible for floor-spacing as much as anything else.
It’s less concerning, however, when you consider that a team like the Utah Jazz would only give him a look in dire circumstances. In his heyday, Chalmers developed a reputation as a game managing point guard. He may not move the needle too far in either direction. That makes him a relatively safe, reliable option if the Utah Jazz end up desperate.
target a defensive minded wing.</a> It’s also been suggested that they might look to <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2021/12/23/3-veteran-free-agents-utah-jazz/"https://thejnotes.com/2021/08/10/utah-jazz-free-agency-3-guards-rotation/">fill out a top-heavy guard rotation.</a></p>
<p>Why not look at a guy who scratches both itches?</p>
<p>Iman Shumpert is not as far removed from NBA action as Chalmers. He actually suited up for the Brooklyn Nets in three games last season. He’s probably still a reliable option to make good on a modest 10-day contract.</p>
<p>Shumpert’s three-point accuracy has been inconsistent throughout his NBA career. The last time he held down a regular rotation role was for the Sacramento Kings in 2018-19. That season, he shot a solid 36.6% from downtown.</p>
<p>The Jazz would love if he could replicate that accuracy in Salt Lake City. Nonetheless, three-point shooting was never Shumpert’s calling card in the NBA. Defense was. He’s the owner of a career 0.7 Defensive Box Plus Minus (DBPM). That’s not an elite figure, but it does reflect a net positive player. Shumpert is capable of guarding 1s, 2s, 3s and even some smaller 4s. It’s worth noting that he’s only posted a negative DBPM once in a season where he played over a handful of games (2014-15).</p>
<p>Just like Chalmers, it feels unlikely that Shumpert would fill a long-term role on the Utah Jazz. However, it does feel a little <em>more</em> possible. If his three-pointer was falling, he could be the sort of 3-and-D contributor that every contender needs to bolster their roster with.</p>
<p>If not? He probably doesn’t last in Utah after that first 10-day contract. The Jazz have little to lose, while Shumpert would be playing with everything to gain.</p>
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<p>Realistically, Utah Jazz fans should hope not to see any of these faces in 2021-22. If they do, it probably means one or more of their key players is in the league’s Health and Safety Protocols. If necessary, however, any one of them could probably fill in on a short term basis.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">