Inside The Jazz

Report: Jazz Workout UCLA Big Man Ahead of 2024 NBA Draft

The Utah Jazz continue to scout deep into this rookie class ahead of June's draft.

Jared Koch

Feb 18, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Adem Bona (3) reacts against the Utah Utes in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Adem Bona (3) reacts against the Utah Utes in the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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The Utah Jazz have brought in some more talent to see up close ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.

This time, the Jazz have reportedly hosted UCLA big man Adem Bona for a workout. According to Zack Padmore of Roll Call Sports, the 6-foot-10 sophomore said that Utah was his next visit to come after a meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Bona is coming off a solid second year with the Bruins, where he finished his last season averaging 12.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 26 minutes a night. He looks like he can fill a role as a positive defensive center at the next level and could merit a selection during day two of the draft.

For the Jazz, the decision to add another defensive center into the mix would likely be worthwhile. Utah ended their 2023-24 campaign as the worst-rated defensive team in the NBA and struggled to have consistent depth at big outside of Walker Kessler.

Fitting in a player like Bona could mesh seamlessly with what this team should already be searching for this offseason. Utah holds the 32nd pick in the first round, which could end up being a potential spot for the UCLA big if they love what they see from him.

Expect to hear the Jazz bring in several more rookies in their search for some fresh young talent to impliment into this rebuild.

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Jared Koch
JARED KOCH

Jared Koch is the Associate Editor of The Frozen Rope — SI.com's team website covering the Utah Jazz. He's covered the NBA and NFL for the past two years, also being the Managing Editor of Inside The Kings — SI.com's team website covering the Sacramento Kings.

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