From a roster perspective, it’s hard to find any downside to trading Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah. Sure, he, Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler are experimental, but it’s definitely a risk worth taking. However, since the prevailing theory is that the Utah Jazz are still planning to tank, there could be a problem: the best prospect presented to them at the draft could be a big prospect, which they don’t need.
In addition to the three players mentioned above, the Jazz also have Kyle Filipowski in their deep rotation, and they are rumored to be looking to re-sign Jusuf Nurkic. If they stay in Utah, that limits their draft plans, which could be a problem.
According to FanSided’s Christopher Kline, if the Jazz were to keep their pick, they could do that make the most controversial choice: passing on a better prospect to meet a greater need. Kline has the Jazz getting the No. 4 pick in the draft, which they would use on Kingston Flemings instead of Caleb Wilson. He acknowledged the possibility.
“Utah’s stunning trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. moves the timeline forward quite a bit and leaves the front office with a bit of a conundrum here. Caleb Wilson is the consensus ‘best prospect,’ but the Jazz front court is quite crowded, especially if Walker Kessler is baked into their long-term plans. Kingston Flemings has closed the gap enough to make this a conversation, especially given the Ainges’ affinity for dynamic guard play,” Kline wrote.
That does not alter how impressive the prospect of the Flemish is, as Kline eloquently explained what he brings.
“Flemings operates with incredible poise and maturity for a freshman and truly embodies the ethos of Kelvin Sampson’s Houston program. He is also an absolute blur with the rock, able to play low to the ground and explode down the court with a devastating first step. Flemings’ passing becomes more impressive with each play, and he is enough of a disruptor for the defense to compensate for a smaller frame. He hits 3s efficiently, with his at-rim numbers bordering on ridiculous. The Flemish could be the engine that drives this jumbo Jazz line-up back to the postseason.”
When the Jazz’s roster is at full strength, the likely starting lineup will consist of Markkanen, Jackson, Kessler, Keyonte George and Ace Bailey. Will Hardy would have some trouble figuring out who should be on the bench for the Flemings, but it’s a good problem to have.
The Jazz could also trade up if this happens
If Utah doesn’t want to add more to their loaded frontcourt, and yet it’s obvious that Wilson is the top pick, the easiest decision may simply be to draft him and then dangle him to the highest bidder. Other teams will want him and be willing to offer a good price, so the Jazz would have all the power here.
This is a loaded draft, so this would be a rare opportunity for the Jazz to both secure a major talent and get one cheaper. Utah could hoard additional assets – something they don’t have to do, but would be a luxury – and/or give themselves more options.
Since this is the last year the Jazz will tank for any length of time, this could also be their chance to make the most of it while they still can. We all have to remember that the only way that happens is if they keep their pick away from OKC, which is still up in the air, but if and when they do, they’ll be in a prime position to take great advantage of such a rare opportunity.
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