Jazz Predicted to Draft Talented Kansas Forward by ESPN

What path will the Utah Jazz take with their first selection?

ESPN unveiled its latest mock draft this week, with the Utah Jazz selecting Kansas forward Gradey Dick at pick No. 9 overall. Jonathan Givony had the write-up. 

The Jazz exceeded expectations this season, nearly landing a spot in the play-in tournament despite being forecasted to be among the NBA's worst teams in the preseason. With their frontcourt appearing well-stocked with Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen in the fold, adding perimeter talent could make a lot of sense, especially a big, dynamic shooting wing like Dick, who hit 40% of his 3-pointers last season and brings solid versatility with his toughness and strong feel for the game. 

This mock projected Utah picking at No. 9, with Villanova forward Cam Whitmore and Arkansas point guard Anthony Black being the selections prior to Dick. Drafting Dick at No. 9 would be consistent with Jazz CEO Danny Ainge's approach to roster building, based on how the Boston Celtics were structured. 

Dick can play multiple positions, with a 7-foot wingspan and a skill set that can help stretch the floor. With its first pick, Utah could go in a number of directions in regard to what position it'll end up drafting, other than center. 

The one position that remains in question on whether Utah will address it on draft day is the point guard spot. Is Utah confident with Talen-Horton Tucker, Kris Dunn, or Collin Sexton taking over as the starter in 2023-24?

Horton-Tucker has the highest ceiling of the trio but also the least experience. 'THT' will need more live reps to develop moving forward, and is Utah prepared to go through another season of growing pains? That's assuming THT doesn't decline his player option this summer. 

With his above-average ability as a defender and experience running an offense in half-court sets, Dunn has proven he belongs in an NBA rotation. The Jazz brass confirmed as much in Tuesday's end-of-season presser. Heading into next year, Dunn is the most natural fit on Utah’s roster, but has his ceiling already been hit with it being his eighth year in the league?

Sexton is as dynamic as they come and most certainly will have a spot in the rotation. But if we’re being honest, his injury history is a major concern, along with the defensive liabilities he brings to the table because of a lack of size and length.

Ainge could opt to go with Black or Kentucky's point guard Cason Wallace. Both players will be lottery picks with untapped potential ready for grooming. However, at 19 years of age, these prospects may need a year or two before being developed into full-time starters.

There are more questions than answers as we begin the offseason. The path the Jazz brain trust takes with its first selection will speak to what confidence it has in the players that are currently rostered.

"The optionality that we've created with the roster, just the possibilities are endless," Jazz GM Justin Zanik said on Tuesday. "Those will all come up as the season finishes. What other teams are trying to do, whether it's a trade market or free agent market, we've been studying, and we're ready for any of those opportunities that come up. There's just multiple ways for us to continue to move forward with this team and continue to try to open that championship window. And this is just one step of it, this offseason." 

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