MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 18: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a team practice on March 20, 2018 at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Small Forward – Tyreke Evans
Although Tyreke Evans often plays at the shooting guard position, he’s more than capable of sliding to the three and likely would do so if he were to become a member of the Utah Jazz. A lot of Jazz fans are likely going to disagree with me including Evans on this list, and that’s OK. Between his injury history, money concerns and questions about his willingness to come to Utah, he certainly is somewhat of a risky pickup, so I totally understand why fans would be wary of him.
However, high risks can sometimes bring about high rewards, and I think there are solutions to each of the concerns regarding Evans.
To backtrack a little, though, let me remind you that Evans had an explosion of a year this past season with the Memphis Grizzlies as he put up 19.4 points per game. He’s been considered somewhat inefficient in the past, but that certainly wasn’t the case in 2017-18 as he shot 45.2 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from deep. Once again, he’s even better above the break at 40.5 percent.
However, while Evans’ three-point shooting is a nice touch, the more important thing about him is that the guy can flat out score. Evans proved this past season that he’s a versatile offensive player that can contribute in a number of ways. Having a second guy alongside Donovan Mitchell who’s more than capable of putting up 20-point games on a consistent basis would be an absolute luxury for the Jazz.
But what about those concerns I mentioned earlier? The first of those is definitely money related. Coming off of injuries, Evans was a bit of a mystery heading into this past season which resulted in him landing just a $3.3 million contract. That’s next to nothing to pay for a 19.4-point-per-game scorer. In other words, he’s likely in for a nice little raise this summer.
He’s certain to be highly sought after as well. Although Memphis wasn’t ultimately able to find a suitable deal for him, he was originally thought of as one of the most likely to be dealt at this year’s trade deadline. With that being so, let me make one thing absolutely clear – the Jazz SHOULD NOT overpay for Evans. While I’m all for taking risks, if other teams are forking over major cash to him, then the Jazz should just stay away.
However, the Jazz won’t be the only team aware of the risks surrounding Evans. And in a market that, as I said, is strapped for cash, Evans may have a hard time finding the kind of offer he wants. Several teams will wonder about his injury history and whether or not this past year was a fluke or if he really has turned the corner.
If there’s hesitancy across the league to offer him, then the Jazz could take a risk and use their mid-level exception to sign Evans without handcuffing themselves too much financially. According to NBA.com, the mid-level exception heading into the 2017-18 season for non-taxpayer teams (such as the Jazz) was $8.406 million. It will be about $8.8 million for the upcoming season.
They aren't the biggest names, but these seven affordable under-the-radar free agents could help make the Jazz better next season. Via @jaredwoodcoxhttps://t.co/D8nH8YcXn5
$8.8 million (assuming Utah used their entire MLE) is certainly an upgrade from the $3.3 million Evans was at with Memphis. If that’s the ballpark of offers he receives, he may be convinced to go for it in Utah. After all, the Jazz have built a reputation of developing players and while I don’t know how Evans currently views joining Utah, he has to have seen how close they are to being legitimate contenders in the West and I have a feeling that would interest him.
If fit and financial questions were worked out, his injury history would still remain a troubling concern. However, if he’s able to produce as he did in Memphis for most of the year, he could potentially be a bargain pickup for the Jazz who actually has the potential to be a difference maker. He’s shown a willingness to both start and come off the bench, so there’s plenty of ways he could contribute.
I’ll be honest, I think there’s too many obstacles for this pairing to actually come to fruition. But I still love the idea of Evans joining the Jazz as a dynamic offensive threat to pair along with Donovan Mitchell if he can be had for the right price.
The small forward position is one I’d really like to see Utah shore up. If they do so, they’ll likely go for someone a little more affordable and less risky (as I mentioned in my recent under-the-radar free agent piece, I’m a huge fan of Glenn Robinson III). Still, the idea of Evans remains an intriguing one.
Utah Jazz</a> fans what position the team most needs to look to shore up for next season, they’d probably suggest adding a wing player or potentially a stretch-four. While either of those options would be solid, the Jazz will more than likely be looking for multiple ways to improve across the board by scanning available players at all positions.</p>
<p>Especially since the Jazz may lose out on some players currently on their roster in free agency, there’s a chance they’ll need to patch up some holes. That’s particularly true regarding unrestricted free agent <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/n/netora01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Raul Neto</a> who has served as a nice stopgap as a backup point guard and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/f/favorde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Derrick Favors</a> who may pursue a bigger role or more money elsewhere.</p>
<p>With that being the case, I’ve compiled a list of five players – one at each position – that could potentially be a good fit for the Jazz. They’re not necessarily the sexiest of names or the biggest of targets, but they’re ones that could absolutely make sense for the Jazz be it due to current need or the potential loss of impending free agents.</p>
<p>Assuming Utah does end up needing to replace the backup minutes currently held by Raul Neto, let’s kick it right off with the point guard position:</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/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Point Guard </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">TORONTO, ON – MAY 03: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball in the first half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Point Guard – Fred VanVleet</h3>
<p>In a recent piece I put together about <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/12/utah-jazz-seven-potential-under-radar-free-agent-targets/">seven under-the-radar free agents</a> that the Utah Jazz could pursue, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vanvlfr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Fred VanVleet</a> was one of those who made the cut. Though I had hoped to not repeat any from that list here, I felt that VanVleet was simply a guy I couldn’t keep off.</p>
<p>There are a few other free agent point guards that interest me, such as <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/larkish01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Shane Larkin</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/caldejo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jose Calderon</a>, and even <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/s/smartma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Marcus Smart</a> who can play multiple positions, but as far as fit and reality are concerned, VanVleet is my top pick. He’s a crafty backup point guard who shoots the ball well and can proficiently run the point in the absence of the starting one-guard.</p>
<p>If the Jazz were to lose Raul Neto, VanVleet would be an ideal replacement and also an upgrade. He has a toughness and grit about him that would fit perfectly with this Jazz squad. He shot 41.4 percent from three this past season on 3.4 attempts per game. On above the break threes – an area where Utah certainly needs to improve – he shot an even better 42 percent.</p>
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<p>Some worry about his lack of size – he is a full inch shorter than Neto – but he has over 15 pounds on Neto and is strong for his size. His experience with Toronto would be invaluable and from both a skill and personality standpoint, he would fit in perfectly with the Jazz.</p>
<p>And not only would he be a good Neto replacement, but let’s be honest, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/exumda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Dante Exum</a> (assuming he’s retained) is still somewhat of a mystery at this point. As such, it would be nice to have a point guard like VanVleet around in case Exum succumbed to injury or inconsistency.</p>
<p>VanVleet made a minuscule $1.3 million this past season. His play more than likely has earned him a pay raise for next year, but it remains to be seen how much, especially in a market that is strapped for cash. While he’s set to make more, he could still very well be a bargain pickup for the Jazz if they hope to shore up their point guard depth and make minor improvements to their team this offseason.</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/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Shooting Guard </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 25: Joe Harris #12 of the Brooklyn Nets looks to take a shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second quarter during their game at Barclays Center on March 25, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Shooting Guard – Joe Harris</h3>
<p>In <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/13/three-point-threat-episode-32-playoff-summaries-utah-jazz-offseason-focuses/">a recent Three-Point Threat Podcast</a>, my J-Notes colleague <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://thejnotes.com/author/jkeeffer/">John Keeffer</a> and I talked quite a bit about Brooklyn Nets guard <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harrijo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Joe Harris</a>. As a largely unheralded player on a Nets team that has faced significant struggles in recent years, he’s a guy that’s largely gone unnoticed among most fans. However, that doesn’t change the fact that he could be an exceptional pickup.</p>
<p>Harris shot the three-ball even better than the aforementioned VanVleet, converting at a 41.9 percent clip. On above the break threes, he shot 44.9 percent. The Jazz are in desperate need of more reliable shooters to spread the floor, and Harris would absolutely fit that bill.</p>
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<p>At six-foot-six, 219 pounds, he has the size to be versatile and play some at the three, meaning he could be used in a variety of lineups. He’s not a defensive ace, but could certainly still improve in that area. He’s an unselfish, team-first kind of guy that would likely fit Utah’s culture extremely well.</p>
<p>Not only that, but he made just $1.5 million this past season. Again, his play and hot shooting may turn some heads in free agency, but it’s not unreasonable to assume that he could be picked up on a team-friendly contract. Harris isn’t necessarily a guy who will take the Jazz to the next level, but he certainly is a beneficial role player piece, the kind that all championship caliber teams must have.</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/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Small Forward </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-69246" src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F936022024-850x560.jpeg" alt="Tyreke Evans Memphis Grizzlies" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 18: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on during a team practice on March 20, 2018 at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Small Forward – Tyreke Evans</h3>
<p>Although <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/e/evansty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Tyreke Evans</a> often plays at the shooting guard position, he’s more than capable of sliding to the three and likely would do so if he were to become a member of the Utah Jazz. A lot of Jazz fans are likely going to disagree with me including Evans on this list, and that’s OK. Between his injury history, money concerns and questions about his willingness to come to Utah, he certainly is somewhat of a risky pickup, so I totally understand why fans would be wary of him.</p>
<p>However, high risks can sometimes bring about high rewards, and I think there are solutions to each of the concerns regarding Evans.</p>
<p>To backtrack a little, though, let me remind you that Evans had an explosion of a year this past season with the Memphis Grizzlies as he put up 19.4 points per game. He’s been considered somewhat inefficient in the past, but that certainly wasn’t the case in 2017-18 as he shot 45.2 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from deep. Once again, he’s even better above the break at 40.5 percent.</p>
<p>However, while Evans’ three-point shooting is a nice touch, the more important thing about him is that the guy can flat out score. Evans proved this past season that he’s a versatile offensive player that can contribute in a number of ways. Having a second guy alongside <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mitchdo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Donovan Mitchell</a> who’s more than capable of putting up 20-point games on a consistent basis would be an absolute luxury for the Jazz.</p>
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<p>But what about those concerns I mentioned earlier? The first of those is definitely money related. Coming off of injuries, Evans was a bit of a mystery heading into this past season which resulted in him landing just a $3.3 million contract. That’s next to nothing to pay for a 19.4-point-per-game scorer. In other words, he’s likely in for a nice little raise this summer.</p>
<p>He’s certain to be highly sought after as well. Although Memphis wasn’t ultimately able to find a suitable deal for him, he was originally thought of as one of the most likely to be dealt at this year’s trade deadline. With that being so, let me make one thing absolutely clear – the Jazz SHOULD NOT overpay for Evans. While I’m all for taking risks, if other teams are forking over major cash to him, then the Jazz should just stay away.</p>
<p>However, the Jazz won’t be the only team aware of the risks surrounding Evans. And in a market that, as I said, is strapped for cash, Evans may have a hard time finding the kind of offer he wants. Several teams will wonder about his injury history and whether or not this past year was a fluke or if he really has turned the corner.</p>
<p>If there’s hesitancy across the league to offer him, then the Jazz could take a risk and use their mid-level exception to sign Evans without handcuffing themselves too much financially. According to <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"http://www.nba.com/article/2017/07/01/nba-salary-cap-set-2017-18-season-99093-million">NBA.com, the mid-level exception heading into the 2017-18 season for non-taxpayer teams (such as the Jazz) was $8.406 million. It <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://hoopshype.com/2018/02/09/nba-trade-deadline-isaiah-thomas-los-angeles-lakers-midlevel-exception-2018-offseason-free-agency/">will be about $8.8 million</a> for the upcoming season.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">They aren't the biggest names, but these seven affordable under-the-radar free agents could help make the Jazz better next season. Via <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://twitter.com/jaredwoodcox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@jaredwoodcox <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://t.co/D8nH8YcXn5">https://t.co/D8nH8YcXn5
<p>— The J-Notes (@TheJNotes) <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://twitter.com/TheJNotes/status/995508814446149638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 13, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>$8.8 million (assuming Utah used their entire MLE) is certainly an upgrade from the $3.3 million Evans was at with Memphis. If that’s the ballpark of offers he receives, he may be convinced to go for it in Utah. After all, the Jazz have built a reputation of developing players and while I don’t know how Evans currently views joining Utah, he has to have seen how close they are to being legitimate contenders in the West and I have a feeling that would interest him.</p>
<p>If fit and financial questions were worked out, his injury history would still remain a troubling concern. However, if he’s able to produce as he did in Memphis for most of the year, he could potentially be a bargain pickup for the Jazz who actually has the potential to be a difference maker. He’s shown a willingness to both start and come off the bench, so there’s plenty of ways he could contribute.</p>
<p>I’ll be honest, I think there’s too many obstacles for this pairing to actually come to fruition. But I still love the idea of Evans joining the Jazz as a dynamic offensive threat to pair along with Donovan Mitchell if he can be had for the right price.</p>
<p>The small forward position is one I’d really like to see Utah shore up. If they do so, they’ll likely go for someone a little more affordable and less risky (as I mentioned in <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/12/utah-jazz-seven-potential-under-radar-free-agent-targets/">my recent under-the-radar free agent piece</a>, I’m a huge fan of <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/robingl02.html" ref="nofollow">Glenn Robinson III</a>). Still, the idea of Evans remains an intriguing one.</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/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Power Forward </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">The Orlando Magic’s Mario Hezonja (8) shoots against the Charlotte Magic’s Dwight Howard at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, April 6, 2018. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Power Forward – Mario Hezonja</h3>
<p>I know what you might be thinking. <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hezonma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Mario Hezonja</a>? At power forward? Isn’t he a guard?</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>Yes, it’s true, he’s listed in several places as a guard/forward. But as the league continues to trend more towards small ball and “positionless basketball”, Hezonja has the versatility to play at the four-spot.</p>
<p>Some Jazz fans would likely want to see promising restricted free agents such as <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/p/parkeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Jabari Parker</a> or <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gordoaa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Aaron Gordon</a> in this spot, but not only am I unsure about those guys, but I have a feeling their current teams are likely to match any offers sent their way. There are a lot of other true power forward free agents that I like, such as <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bjeline01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Nemanja Bjelica</a>, <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/i/ilyaser01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Ersan Ilyasova</a> and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/booketr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Trevor Booker</a>, but the idea of Hezonja still intrigues me the most.</p>
<p>Hezonja is six-foot-eight, 218 pounds and particularly late in the season this past year, he played a good number of his minutes at the four-spot and was pretty effective with that opportunity. In the final seven games of the regular season, he shot 42.1 percent from three while putting up 13.9 points per game.</p>
<p>Obviously that’s far from large enough of a sample size during a mainly inconsequential time of year for it to hold any true merit, but chalk it up to one of the many stints where Hezonja has shown significant promise.</p>
<p>Although Mario was brought into this league with the expectation that he would be an electric shooter, his detractors are quick to point out that he hasn’t come anywhere close to living up to that hype. As just a career 41.8 percent shooter from the field and 33.2 percent shooter from deep, it’s certainly a valid point.</p>
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<p>Still, the skill set and potential are there, and that’s exactly what the Jazz would need to view Hezonja as if they were to pick him up. Remember that it was just a year ago that people were calling <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/rubiori01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Ricky Rubio</a>‘s shot hopeless, yet the Jazz were able to help him have a career year from both the field and from deep, despite how poorly he started. Rubio’s improvement during the year was nothing short of incredible.</p>
<p>And if they’re able to repeat that with Hezonja, he could very well blossom into just the kind of shooter and stretch-four option that Utah needs. The framework is there due to his size and raw skills. If the Jazz can fill in the blanks, this could be a phenomenal addition.</p>
<p>Hezonja made just over $4 million this past year. If he finds himself with offers too far over that, the Jazz might be hesitant to add him (unless they use their mid-level exception as I suggested with Evans). However, when viewing his untapped potential in regards to both his fit and skill set, he’s certainly deserving of a long, hard look.</p>
<p>Not to mention, if Hezonja wants to expand his game and remain in the NBA, he would be wise to truly consider the Jazz, who have built a reputation as an excellent development squad. As an unrestricted free agent, he can go wherever he chooses, and it would be a good idea for him to prioritize fit and growth potential as his top considerations.</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/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Center </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-69318" src=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F940325206-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">PORTLAND, OR – MARCH 30: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 30, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Center – Montrezl Harrell</h3>
<p>When you have an All-NBA center and probable Defensive Player of the Year on your team as the Jazz do with <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goberru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Rudy Gobert</a>, you don’t typically look at his position as an area of focus. Utah doesn’t have a need to replace Gobert and if they keep Derrick Favors and <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/u/udohek01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Ekpe Udoh</a>, they don’t really have the need to add a center at all.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, if they lose Favors in free agency or decline Udoh’s option, then the opposite will be true – they’ll need to shore up their frontcourt with some size. Although <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2018/05/15/utah-jazz-one-potential-free-agent-target-at-each-position/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/harremo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 ref="nofollow">Montrezl Harrell</a> is undersized as a center, he does have experience playing at that position, so he could be a solid pickup. Not only that, but aside from starter-caliber centers, the likes of which are too expensive and unnecessary with Gobert on the roster, the free agent center market isn’t all that appealing.</p>
<p>But Harrell could be one of the lone exceptions to that. He showed great promise in the latter part of the year with the LA Clippers this past season. In the final two months of the year, he averaged 14.4 points on 66 percent shooting from the field. He could use some improvement in the rebounding department, but has all the scrappiness and hustle that Jazz fans would want, making him an ideal fit and spark plug off the bench.</p>
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<p>In situations where Utah needs to go big, he could form a potent duo alongside Rudy Gobert. Or against smaller lineups where Gobert has struggled, Harrell could be a nice backup at the center position.</p>
<p>He made just $1.4 million this past season and certainly should still be available at a reasonable price heading into next year. He won’t single-handedly boost the Jazz into another echelon, but he could be a nice extra piece off the bench that would add versatility without breaking the bank.</p>
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