Kira Lewis, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Kira Lewis
When you’re talking fit, Alabama’s Kira Lewis may be one of the best options for the Utah Jazz come draft day. The sophomore guard, who just turned 19 years old, fills a positional need and has the two-way potential that the Jazz look for in a prospect.
Mike Conley is aging and entering a contract season, while Emmanuel Mudiay will hit free agency this summer. Whether it’s in the draft or free agency, the Jazz will be looking at multiple point guard options. Lewis may be one of them.
In a draft class that is very guard-heavy, Lewis seems to be a bit underrated among the national media. He averaged 18.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 37.6 minutes for Alabama this season. Lewis is currently projected to be a late first round/early second round draft choice.
Lewis has decent size at 6’3″, and is a blur in the open court. His speed and athleticism make him a dangerous player in transition and going to the basket. He can make things happen with his dribble penetration.
He can still improve as a shooter, but he’s got solid mechanics on his shot. He’s also a pesky defender. Overall, there’s a lot to like about this kid. Despite two years of college basketball under his belt, he’s still younger than most in his class. He offers very intriguing upside late in the first round.
Utah Jazz</a>, the 2020 NBA Draft will happen at some point. Now is a good time to get yourself educated with all of the prospects in this years class.</p>
<p>College and international players have already begun announcing their intentions to test the draft waters. Some intend on staying in the draft, while some are simply looking for some feedback from NBA teams.</p>
<p>The Utah Jazz traded their first round pick from a year ago, but they’ll be picking in the first round this year. It will be a late first rounder, and with the protections on it, it’s unlikely to be traded.</p>
<p>This draft class is projected by many to be much weaker compared to previous and future years. I’m inclined to agree with that. Still, there’s a chance the Jazz can get an impact player late in the first round.</p>
<p>It will be good to add some more youth to develop while the main goal is to win a championship. Being in a small market, the draft is so important to a team like Utah. They must draft and develop talent internally because they typically won’t be players in free agency.</p>
<p>Utah’s front office, led by Dennis Lindsey and Justin Zanik, is one of the best in the league, so fans should have confidence in whoever they decide to bring in. That doesn’t mean we can’t speculate, though.</p>
<p>I came up with 10 early entrants that could be an option for the Utah Jazz in the first round. Some names you might have <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"https://thejnotes.com/2020/03/08/utah-jazz-10-potential-draft-targets-tournament/">heard on our site before</a>, while some names may be newer to you. Keep your eyes peeled for an undrafted version of this coming out in the near future (since the Jazz’s second round pick goes to GSW).</p>
<p>Let’s get things underway and take a look at our first prospect, a super-improved forward from Villanova:</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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Saddiq Bey </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82763" src=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"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%2F1204318389.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1204318389.jpeg 1600w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1204318389-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">Saddiq Bey, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Saddiq Bey</h3>
<p>When you watch Saddiq Bey play, it’s easy to fall in love with his game. The Villanova forward possesses elite shooting ability, tough defense and great size at 6’8″. He gets to his spots well, takes smart shots and does it on both ends of the court.</p>
<p>For right now, Bey is maintaining his eligibility, giving him the option to return to Villanova if he decides to go that route. Bey, however, looks like a solid bet to be picked in the first round, and that may be hard to pass up.</p>
<p>Bey averaged 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists for the Wildcats during the 2019-20 season. He shot an efficient 48 percent from the field, 45 percent from three-point range and 77 percent from the free-throw line. He was named to the All-Big East First Team after the season.</p>
<p>He’s a lights-out shooter, but Bey also showcased an advanced ball handling ability during the season. He can create for himself and others off the dribble, which makes him tough to guard, especially if he plays the four position more often in the NBA.</p>
<p>Bey also uses his length well on the defensive end. He doesn’t move as well compared to some other wing players but he’s disciplined and always tries to get up a contest.</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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Tre Jones </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82764" src=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1209143182.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1209143182.jpeg 3200w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1209143182-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Tre Jones, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Tre Jones</h3>
<p>In my experiences with Tre Jones, I’ve seen him projected to go anywhere from the middle of the first round to the back end of the second round. It’s a head-scratcher, to my personally. I’d label Jones as an easy first round target thanks to his defense, leadership at his position and improved shooting.</p>
<p>Tre Jones, the younger brother of Grizzlies guard <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jonesty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Tyus Jones</a>, is destined to play in the NBA for a long time. I do envision him being a starter one day, but he’s more likely to begin his career as a backup. Utah, ironically, will be in need of a backup point guard.</p>
<p>Tyus has developed into a solid rotational player, but I think Tre has higher upside, mostly because of his ability on the defensive end of the court. He’s a dog out there.</p>
<p>As a sophomore at Duke, Jones averaged 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists while hitting 36 percent of his triples. He was one of the best on-ball defenders in the country and led the Blue Devils to a 25-6 record.</p>
<p>Like I said, his draft stock is tough to gauge at the moment, but if he’s available when the Utah Jazz are on the clock, I’d be doing backflips. He’d be a great fit in Quin Snyder’s system and would give Utah a point guard for the future.</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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Kira Lewis </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82765" src=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"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%2F1138495722.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1138495722.jpeg 3200w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1138495722-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Kira Lewis, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Kira Lewis</h3>
<p>When you’re talking fit, Alabama’s Kira Lewis may be one of the best options for the Utah Jazz come draft day. The sophomore guard, who just turned 19 years old, fills a positional need and has the two-way potential that the Jazz look for in a prospect.</p>
<p><a href=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"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> is aging and entering a contract season, while <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/mudiaem01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" ref="nofollow">Emmanuel Mudiay</a> will hit free agency this summer. Whether it’s in the draft or free agency, the Jazz will be looking at multiple point guard options. Lewis may be one of them.</p>
<p>In a draft class that is very guard-heavy, Lewis seems to be a bit underrated among the national media. He averaged 18.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 37.6 minutes for Alabama this season. Lewis is currently projected to be a late first round/early second round draft choice.</p>
<p>Lewis has decent size at 6’3″, and is a blur in the open court. His speed and athleticism make him a dangerous player in transition and going to the basket. He can make things happen with his dribble penetration.</p>
<p>He can still improve as a shooter, but he’s got solid mechanics on his shot. He’s also a pesky defender. Overall, there’s a lot to like about this kid. Despite two years of college basketball under his belt, he’s still younger than most in his class. He offers very intriguing upside late in the first round.</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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Jordan Nwora </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82766" src=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"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%2F1204336695.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1204336695.jpeg 3200w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1204336695-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Jordan Nwora, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Jordan Nwora</h3>
<p>Louisville junior Jordan Nwora would have been drafted a year ago if he decided to keep his name in, but he ultimately opted to return to Louisville and improve his draft stock. I’d say he’s done just that, and could be an option for the Utah Jazz to consider in the first round.</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>Nwora, a 6’7″ wing from New York, has improved each of his three seasons in college basketball. He’s shown promise as a shot maker, rebounder and defender as he accumulated a larger role with the team.</p>
<p>Nwora averaged 18.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists while hitting 40 percent of his three-pointers. He’s not the most athletic guy, but he’s smart and makes good decisions. His best use in the NBA may be as a small-ball four that can stretch the floor and hit from the perimeter.</p>
<p>You can never have too many wings in today’s NBA, so Nwora could be a hot commodity in the later stages of the first round. He’s shown steady improvement over the last three years and will only benefit playing in a system like Utah’s.</p>
<p>Could the Utah Jazz find success with another Louisville player like they did with <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/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>? We could soon find out.</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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Immanuel Quickley </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82762" src=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2075,w_3200/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197505653.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz" width="3200" height="2075" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1197505653.jpeg 3200w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1197505653-768x498.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Immanuel Quickley, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Immanuel Quickley</h3>
<p>After a rather disappointing freshman campaign at Kentucky, Immanuel Quickley returned and made a name for himself as a sophomore. The 6’3″ guard has put himself on first round radar after a stellar season for the Wildcats.</p>
<p>Quickley put up averages of 16.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists while hitting 43 percent of his three-pointers. He’s already announced that he intends to remain in the draft, forgoing the remainder of his college eligibility.</p>
<p>Quickley gets his shot off super quickly, has a soft touch in the lane and has pretty good size for a point guard. You’d like to see his assist numbers up, and by a lot, but that’s something he can improve upon once entering the league.</p>
<p>Teams picking late in the first round will be attracted to his shooting mostly, but his off-ball movement and upside as well. He’s only 20 years old and projects to be a good role player for whichever team drafts him.</p>
<p>If his defense and playmaking were a bit sharper, we’d be looking at Quickley as a for-sure first round pick. There’s still a chance he gets there, especially in this weaker draft class, but regardless, his upside is intriguing.</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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Paul Reed </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82785" src=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1066,w_1600/https%3A%2F%2Fthejnotes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1205109406.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz" width="1600" height="1066" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1205109406.jpeg 1600w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1205109406-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">Paul Reed, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Paul Reed</h3>
<p>Throughout the entire 2019-20 season, there was one prospect in particular that I just kept coming back to because I loved his game so much — DePaul’s Paul Reed.</p>
<p>What is it that I love about Reed, you might ask? I love his length, his soft-touch floater, his rim protection and his shooting potential. He has the makings of a modern-day big that can play both the power forward and center positions.</p>
<p>As a junior this past season, Reed averaged 15.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks while shooting 55 percent from the floor and 31 percent from deep. He’s improved every season and still has a lot of developing to do. I think he has a chance to be a serious player in this league.</p>
<p>Even though Utah doesn’t draft on positional needs, Reed would rill a role as a young front court addition. With <a href=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/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>‘s free agency quickly coming up, the Jazz may want to get younger at that position, making Reed an intriguing option.</p>
<p>The only thing that matters, though, is how high he is on their draft board. The Utah Jazz are going to draft the best player available every single time, as they should.</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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Isaiah Stewart </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82786" src=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"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%2F1200808751.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1200808751.jpeg 3200w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1200808751-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Isaiah Stewart, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Isaiah Stewart</h3>
<p>Washington freshman Isaiah Stewart hasn’t been mentioned very much when it comes to draft prospects linked to the Utah Jazz, but late in the first round, his upside would be enticing. The former five-star recruit from Rochester, New York would also provide some insurance with Rudy Gobert’s free agency approaching next year.</p>
<p>Stewart is more of a traditional big man offensively, possessing a back the basket game with a solid touch. He doesn’t space the floor at all right now, but he did shoot 77 percent from the free-throw line, which is promising.</p>
<p>On the season, Stewart averaged 17.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 32.2 minutes. He was efficient and rarely tried to do too much for Washington. He’s currently projected to be a late first round draft pick.</p>
<p>At just 18 years old, Stewart is pretty built. He has great strength to go with elite length. He’s only 6’9″ as a center, but his 7’5″ wingspan helps him tremendously. That’s quite the combination. Stewart has the tools to be a major challenge on both ends of the court.</p>
<p>At this point, Stewart seems pretty underrated among most. We’ll see if he’s available when the Jazz are on the clock, and if he is, he could end up being a major steal, especially with Utah’s developmental program.</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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Tyrell Terry </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82789" src=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"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%2F1212603828.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1212603828.jpeg 3200w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1212603828-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Tyrell Terry, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Tyrell Terry</h3>
<p>One of the more underrated freshman in the country during the 2019-20 season was Stanford’s Tyrell Terry. The 6’1″ guard played his way onto mock drafts and looks like he has a chance to be a first rounder if he chooses to keep his name in the draft.</p>
<p>Stanford has a chance to be elite next season, so I’m not so sure that he’ll stay in. Regardless, he’s someone that the Jazz should take a strong look at. His 6’1″ frame and lack of length is concerning, but he has a lot of offensive tools to succeed at the next level.</p>
<p>Terry averaged 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists as a freshman, shooting 44 percent from the floor and 41 percent from distance. His shooting stroke is silky smooth and quick, he can draw contact and finish around the basket.</p>
<p>He’s definitely not an NBA ready defender, but added strength and time in the league will help. His limitations on that end of the floor are not because of lack of effort. I think, over time, you will see an improvement from him in that area.</p>
<p>Terry could benefit from another season of college basketball, but at the same time, there’s a good chance he lands in the first round this year if he stays in. Decisions, decisions…</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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Devin Vassell </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82790" src=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"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%2F1193658012.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1193658012.jpeg 3200w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1193658012-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Devin Vassell, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Devin Vassell</h3>
<p>Florida State wing Devin Vassell is arguably the best player on this last, and by the time the draft comes, I can see him potentially sneaking into the lottery. Right now, though, he projects to be a late first round pick, and someone that would fit perfectly on the Utah Jazz roster.</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>Vassell will make an NBA team very happy on the wing thanks to his perimeter defense and three-point shooting. He might be the best “3&D” prospect in the draft. He has long arms, good quickness and a high release point, making his shot difficult to block.</p>
<p>The sophomore wing from Florida State averaged 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 28.8 minutes. He shot 49 percent from the field and 41 percent from the three-point line. He’s someone that would fit perfectly into Utah’s offense.</p>
<p>Years from now, I have a feeling that we’re going to be looking back at this draft and wonder why Vassell didn’t go earlier. I feel pretty certain that he’s going to last in the NBA for over a decade on the wing with his two-way ability.</p>
<p>Vassell might be a dream scenario for the Utah Jazz late in the first round.</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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Patrick Williams </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-82791" src=https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"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%2F1201128554-1.jpeg" alt="Utah Jazz" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1201128554-1.jpeg 3200w, https://thejnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/07/1201128554-1-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Patrick Williams, Utah Jazz draft prospect. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Patrick Williams</h3>
<p>We finish things off here with another Florida State guy, this one being freshman big Patrick Williams. He’s going to be a project and take many years to develop, but the upside alone is enough to earn him a first round selection come draft day, and possibly from the Utah Jazz.</p>
<p>Williams is another guy that I’m really drawn to. He has elite athleticism, a strong frame and shooting potential. He’s only 18 years old and has the ability to play multiple positions on the court.</p>
<p>As a freshman, Williams averaged 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 22.5 minutes of action. He shot 46 percent from the floor and 32 percent from deep.</p>
<p>Williams is so fun to watch defensively. He can move around the perimeter very well for his size and protect the basket. He doesn’t get pushed around despite being so young. In that department, he may be NBA ready.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Conley, the ambidextrous one, is HORSE champion" data-url="https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/17/utah-jazz-mike-conley-ambidextrous-one-horse-champion/" 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/2020/04/18/utah-jazz-early-entries-first-round/4/"https://thejnotes.com/2020/04/17/utah-jazz-mike-conley-ambidextrous-one-horse-champion/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Conley, the ambidextrous one, is HORSE champion </a> </div>
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<p>He’s still a work in progress offensively. He’ll throw down some massive dunks and hit a three-pointer from time to time, but he struggles to create for himself. Look for him to improve his shooting and ball handling as he enters the next stage of his basketball career.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">