The Hive Sports

by Alma Bean

Feature Image by Sarah Steir of Getty Images

The Utah Jazz will have a lot of options going into this offseason. Between just over 70 percent of their cap space (including non-guaranteed contracts), almost their entire roster being available on the trade market and three draft picks in the first 32 picks means a lot can change over the next 48 hours.

Below I will listen my dream scenario for all three picks whether Utah decides to use the pick or use it as a part of a trade to build their roster.

Pick 10

Going into the draft lottery, Utah had been projected to receive the eighth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Things quickly changed when Utah heard their name called a little early for the 10th pick. Now on the outside looking in, Utah will be able to have a lot of flexibility come Wednesday night. Even with talent that will be available at the 10th pick, here’s what Utah should do:

Draft – Cody Williams – Small Forward – 6’8 – 180 lbs. – Age: 19 – University of Colorado, Boulder

Williams has shown that he is versatile on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball in his freshman year at Colorado. Having a wingspan of 7’1 and a standing reach of 8’7, Utah should see Williams as an opportunity to lean into his physical attributes improve their lackluster defense from last season. Williams’ shooting percentages will catch the eye of many as he shot 55 percent from the field and 42 percent from the perimeter, but with him being raw defensively, it may be worth taking him and integrating Williams into the bench rotation at some point this season.

Dream Pick – Nikola Topic – Point Guard – 6’7 – 200 lbs. – Age: 18 – Red Star (Serbia)

After Danny Ainge’s comments about Keyonte George saying that he does see George as Utah’s point guard of the future and would rather see him play as the two guard, Utah needs to start investing in their true point guard of the future. Even with the recent ACL injury that will most likely sitting him out for this season, Topic could have a full year under Will Hardy’s system along with NBA trainers and come back next season better than ever. We’ve already seen his ability to facilitate the ball is unmatched in this draft class and his assist to turnover ratio is phenomenal compared to the players currently on Utah’s roster. Outside of his three-point shooting percentage and his 6’6 wingspan, Topic could be considered a steal for Utah if they wanted to invest in the Serbian guard.

Trade Proposal –

Atlanta Hawks Receives Brice Sensabaugh, Collin Sexton, Pick 10, Pick 29 and Utah’s 2028 First Round Pick

Utah Jazz Receives Trae Young

This trade may ruffle some feathers, but this trade would allow Utah to receive a pass heavy point guard who has the ability to create for himself when needed for the foreseeable future. Though Utah would be taking on a large contract in the process, Utah would be losing Sexton and Sensabaugh which gives Utah $20.6 million to help with Young’s contract. This trade also allows Atlanta to have a more promising youth on their roster, more draft capital to help with their current rebuild and a hungry guard in Sexton that will give 110 percent for every basketball activity.

Pick 29

Even though this pick is still in the first round, it seems as if this is the one pick in the group that seems to be forgotten. Being just before the end of the round and almost 20 picks in between their selections, Utah will have plenty of time to make calls either to prospects or other front offices in the league. This pick feels more likely to be traded but there’s a plethora of options at this point in the draft.

Draft – Baylor Scheierman – Shooting Guard – 6’8 – 200 lbs. – Age: 23 – Creighton

Scheierman being 23 years old will scare a lot of teams from draft him, but if you’re looking for someone that can bring you immediate production, Scdheierman is your guy. With shooting splits of 45/38/88 along with averaging near four assists per game, Scheierman has shown that he will be a valuable asset at the end of the first round. Outside of Scheierman being one of the oldest players in this year’s draft, teams will need to consider that he may be seen as only an offensive weapon on day one. Teams that are in need of an offensive heavy wing will see that Scheierman has the ability to grow and fit their needs the moment he puts on their draft cap.

Dream Pick – DaRon Holmes II – Power Forward – 6’10 – 235 lbs. – Age: 21 – Dayton

Holmes has been on my radar all season and did not disappoint. Nearly checking off almost every box you could want in a power forward or small ball center, Holmes has the ability to stretch the floor and be a menace in the paint on both ends of the court. Having Holmes excelling in nearly every category a team could look for, his only weaknesses are his age and his lacking ability to grab offensive rebounds. Outside of those two things, Holmes would thrive under Hardy’s coaching scheme and learning from John Collins to play a similar style to him would be incredible for Utah.

Trade Proposal –

Miami Heat Receives Pick 29 and Pick 32

Utah Jazz Receives Pick 15

This move may not seem like a giant needle mover as far as being competitive, but Miami is lacking future draft capital and is in need of young players on cheaper contracts. Miami currently has 111 percent of their cap space invested in five players (Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Terry Rozier) which leaves no room for this team to grow without giving up a major asset. Not to mention Miami having four player options on the team (Thomas Bryant, Kevin Love, Caleb Martin and Josh Richardson). This move would not only allow Utah to have a shot at another solid prospect such as Zach Edey or Jared McCain but gives Miami the ability to weigh all their potential options.

Pick 32

This pick may have more leverage than people may anticipate. Just being outside of the first round, you’ll see teams viewing this pick as picking up the scraps of the first round and a potential noteworthy steal. Utah on the other hand should see this pick as finding a diamond in the rough as there is plenty of NBA worthy talent at this point of the draft.

Draft – Pelle Larsson – Shooting Guard – 6’5 – 215 lbs. – Age: 23 – Arizona

Larsson may not jump out on may mock draft boards but as the 40th prospect on the board, he has shown the most improvement during his college career in my opinion. Being taken in the second round, Utah would be willing to consider Larsson spending time with the team’s G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, where he can work on his weaknesses. Larsson has shown that he can be a solid secondary facilitator and can score as needed but the volume of scoring will need to increase if he wants to see valuable NBA minutes. His shooting splits of 52/43/75 and his assist to turnover ratio is enough for me to consider him with Utah’s final pick of the draft.

Dream Pick – Dillon Jones – Small Forward – 6’6 – 235 lbs. – Age: 22 – Weber State

Though Jones didn’t attend a powerhouse school, he has been able to show that he is a dominant force on the court. Nearly averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds a game as the small forward, Weber State knew they had a star in their presence. Jones has the ability to be an emergency facilitator and can create on his own with no hesitation with very little downside to his game. If Jones can find a way to improve his ball control and committing less turnovers, you could see Jones being the talk of the G League waiting for his call up to the NBA.

Trade Proposal –

Dallas Mavericks Receive Pick 32

Utah Jazz Receives 2025 First Round Pick Lottery Protected

This trade may seem a little absurd at first but hear me out. Let’s say this is the only pick traded by Utah in this year’s draft, Utah will have two solid rookies to add to their roster where Dallas only has one pick this year, the final pick of the second round. Even with a trip to the NBA Finals this season, Dallas still needs to be able to build their roster long term with 14 guaranteed contracts going into next season and two available two-way contracts available and just seven guaranteed contracts the following season with six picks over the next five seasons. With the lottery protection on the pick, Dallas may be able to retain their pick while still obtaining a potential borderline first round talent in this year’s draft. For Utah, this will give them four first round picks (Cleveland Cavaliers: Unprotected, Dallas Mavericks: Lottery Protected, Minnesota Timberwolves: Unprotected and Own: Top-10 protected due to Oklahoma City Thunder trade for Derrick Favors) next season. Knowing Utah wants to build draft capital for arguably one of the best draft classes in recent memory, Utah will take the pick regardless of the protections placed on the pick. Dallas can feel comfortable knowing that they are a playoff contender and not giving Utah a potential top-10 pick.

Overview

The Utah Jazz will have a lot of options and opportunities with this year’s draft. Ever decision will show their cards and how committed this front office is to construct this roster for this year or for many years to come. The 2024 NBA Draft will begin on Wednesday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m. MST on ABC, ESPN and ESPN+.