Jazz Big Board: Top 5 Point Guard Prospects in 2023 NBA Draft
Among the various holes across the Utah Jazz’s current roster, one of the most important to fill may be finding a point guard to lead the way. Luckily, with the 9th-overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, there will be a few players available that could set the tone for their recently enacted rebuild.
There’s a couple PG prospects within the class that would inevitably require a trade up to acquire. Despite this, if the Jazz see potential that is unable to pass on, it’s something that could be on the table for Danny Ainge and the front office.
With this, taking a look at the top of the class’ guards would be a smart decision in order to see what’s open for Utah on draft night. From Scoot down to some of the lesser-talked-about players down the board, let’s look at the top five point guards in the class for 2023:
1. Scoot Henderson, G-League Ignite
Height: 6’2”, Weight: 195 lbs, Age: 19.3 yrs old
Before the Wembanyama hype became out of control, Scoot was in talks of being in contention of being number one in this class. While those have since died down, Henderson is still the best overall guard in the class. He’s got some of the highest ceilings in the class: fantastic finisher at the rim, solid playmaker, above average rebounder for his size, and projects as a great defender with his 6’9" wingspan.
The Jazz would likely need a shocking trade into the top three to acquire him, but all signs point to Scoot taking his talents elsewhere. Whether it be to Portland, Charlotte, or another team that would trade up, these all present more likely scenarios. Regardless, The Scoo-tah Jazz would be an extremely entertaining fit if it came to life.
2. Amen Thompson, Overtime Elite
Height: 6’7”, Weight: 202 lbs, Age: 20.3 yrs old
Thompson, like Scoot, has some of the best upside in this class, and would be a substantial building block for whatever team ends up selecting him. Elite playmaking skills combined with his impressive 6’7” height is what makes him stand out as a prospect. Concerns surround his level of competition in OTE, as well as the development of his shot, but has all the tools to end as a top five player in this class.
Unless we see a shocking fall of Amen due to the previously mentioned concerns, or a trade up, it’s tough to imagine him in a Jazz uniform. However, adding Amen to a core that already consists of some lengthy players like Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler would give this team one of the biggest starting lineups in the league.
3. Cason Wallace, Kentucky
Height: 6'4”, Weight: 185 lbs, Age: 19.6 yrs old
Cason Wallace is viewed as more of a fringe top-10 option opposed to the previous two, but make no mistake that he’d be an extremely valuable addition to any team. Wallace is the most complete, two-way player on this list, and probably can fit the best with most teams. His overall defensive quickness and ability with his consistently improving shot notes him as one of the safer picks in the class.
The Jazz would be in a prime position to select Cason at 9, fitting right into what the team would need at guard, likely being one the best two-way guards on the roster off the jump. Establishing a base at point guard by selecting Wallace could be what the Jazz ultimately decide on draft night.
4. Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana
Height: 6'6”, Weight: 213 lbs, Age: 19.9 yrs old
Another prospect that’s promoted due to his size and length, Hood-Schifino is another tantalizing prospect in terms of point guards. Like many taller playmakers, Hood-Schifino does currently struggle as a shot-maker. However, his upside as a defender, playmaker, and potential to develop a shot down the line merits him fourth on the board.
The Jazz could view Hood-Schifino as an option at either 9th or 16th depending on the direction they plan on taking. Regardless, he’s another lengthy guard the team could eventually target.
5. Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas
Height: 6'5”, Weight: 185 lbs, Age: 19.1 yrs old
Scoring is what Nick Smith is known for, and scoring guards do have a strong place in this league, especially at Smith’s height at 6 ’5”. Also being one of the younger prospects in this draft, there’s a ton of room for him to grow. There are some defensive worries with Smith though, and his slender weight of 185 doesn’t help on that side either. Despite this, his ability as a scorer gets him a place in the top five.
Utah could see Smith Jr. as a target depending on their plans with current guards Talen Horton-Tucker and Jordan Clarkson. With both as potential free agents in July depending on their player option decisions, and their role as some of the team’s better scoring guards on the roster, Smith could be a younger, more valuable option for the future.
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