With the focus around the NBA focused on what’s to come for the 2024-25 season, it’s never too early to take a look at the next batch of prospects entering the league next season, and that’s especially true when it comes to the rebuild. Utah Jazz.
Over the past few seasons, Utah has managed to assemble a solid core of young players to help them move forward in their rebuild. However, despite their considerable efforts, it’s hard to imagine this team being anywhere near the playoff race at any point this season, which allows Jazz fans to look forward to next year’s draft lottery with a bit more anticipation than most other teams in the league.
Fortunately for the Jazz, this upcoming draft class is considered one of the most impressive groups in recent memory, which could in turn speed up this team-building process to find their way to a competitive-level team sooner rather than later.
In Bleacher Report latest simulation project For the 2025 class, the Jazz eventually found their way to a fifth overall pick, where they selected Drake Powell, a top shooting guard prospect out of UNC.
B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman discussed what the pick would mean for Utah, describing Powell as a “versatile” wing who can play multiple positions:
“Drake Powell gained valuable experience this summer at Jayson Tatum’s Elite Camp and the Nike Skills Academy. He’s going to make a real case for starting minutes with more versatility on both ends than North Carolina tight ends Ian Jackson and Cade Tyson. Head coach Hubert Davis will be able to slide Powell into multiple positions and roles. He’s extremely versatile and is able to make plays on and off the ball with his pull-up jumper, passing, improved catch-and-shoot game and athleticism. Powell will make his mark this upcoming season by impacting games in a variety of ways.”
– Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report
Powell came in fifth, just behind other big names like Cooper Flagg at one, followed by Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe.
Adding another versatile wing to the mix in this Jazz rebuild would be far from a bad move, as it would continue to bolster the size and length that this team has prioritized and established during the early stages of its rebuild. Standing around 6-foot-6, Powell would fit in well with the team and be a complementary piece to several rotation combinations.
The Jazz addressed their need for a strong wing presence in this year’s draft with Cody Williams, but like Powell, his size and versatility allow him to move around the court and play a variety of different roles. With the pieces Utah already has in place on the roster, it’s hard not to love bringing in another key piece on the wing to help round out this one-through-five team.
The Jazz rebuild is off to a good start, but there’s still room for more. If Utah can make a big impact with its draft picks next summer, the conversation around this team a year from now could be very different than it is today.
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