The NBA draft lottery is complete and the Utah Jazz have the No. 12 overall pick. The Jazz hope whomever they take will help them make it to the playoffs next year after coming up just short this season. Missing on this pick will hurt their rebuilding efforts and there are a few players they need to avoid this year.
The Jazz could go in several different directions this year, and don't have any obvious needs at one position. We're only looking at players who are expected to be drafted in the range where the Jazz pick. It simply doesn't make sense to focus on a player who will be off the board, or include a second round prospect. With that in mind, here 3 players the Jazz must avoid with No. 13 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
3. Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse
Richardson is worth a first round pick, but Utah shouldn't spend the No. 12 overall pick on him. The Jazz need shooting help, but Richardson isn't quite ready to provide that. And while Richardson showed promise at 'Cuse, he would have been better off returning to school and becoming more consistent in his shooting. It's likely that better wing prospects, like Michigan State's Denzel Valentine and Turkey's Furkan Korkmaz (both of whom would be perfect fits), will be on the board.
2. Henry Ellenson, PF/C, Marquette
The idea of adding a potential stretch four like Ellenson does make some sense. The Jazz do need more 3-point shooting after all. However, this might be a bit too early for Ellenson and he also needs work before he can really become a true stretch four. Plus, the Jazz already have Trey Lyles and Derrick Favors at PF. Lyles is just 20 and although it seems like Favors has been in the league forever, he's just 24. Taking a power forward in general just isn't the right move for the Jazz.
1. Dejounte Murray, PG/SG, Washington
Murray should go near where the Jazz pick, but Utah should not be the one to take him. A potential point or shooting guard, Murray has potential. But the Jazz need 3-point shooting and that's one of Murray's biggest weaknesses. Plus, the Jazz already have Dante Exum as the team's resident starting combo guard, even if Exum should start at PG. Murray just doesn't make sense for what the Jazz need.
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