by Griffin Gamble
As the 2021 NBA Draft continues to get closer every day, it’s time to look at two players that could potentially help the Utah Jazz in the 2021-2022 season.
Quentin Grimes
Guard – University of Houston
Quentin Grimes is a 21 year old 6’5” guard out of the University of Houston. He brings a very mature style of play that made him a very successful college player. He helped Houston advance to the Final Four in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. His Houston Cougars became the national runner-up. His performance at the combine has him rising up draft boards. He could definitely help the Utah Jazz.
When a team is aspiring to win a championship, sometimes they go into the draft with a different game plan. They aren’t looking for the next young superstar. However, a veteran and mature player that can play well within the system can be a great addition. That’s exactly what Grimes is. He is reminiscent of Mikal Bridges, a Villanova player who has proven to be a great role player in the NBA. Grimes averaged roughly 18 points-per-game and 6 rebounds-per-game last season while shooting an impressive 40 percent from three. He is a capable shooter that could really add some extra playmaking in Utah’s system.
Josh Christopher
Guard – Arizona State University
While this is quite different from the Grimes pick, it could definitely pay off for the Jazz bench. Josh Christopher is an elite scorer with offensive talent that will translate to the NBA. Christopher was a highly rated freshman coming into ASU. Although it was an up-and-down season, Christopher has the capability to score in bunches off the bench like Jordan Clarkson. With his long 6’5” frame, he has NBA athleticism with the ability to leap out of the gym. He also creates tremendous space off the dribble. He averaged 14 points-per-game for the Sun Devils in his freshman season. The Jazz could give him time to develop or he could possibly compete for a rotation spot.
The NBA draft is eight days away and there is going to be some talented player available for the Jazz at pick number 30.
Featured image courtesy Patrick Breen via Imagn Content Services, LLC