Mark W.Mark is the founder, chief editor & chief content creator at TheFiveBy5.com... also an avid Jazz fan 
Utah Jazz - Team OverviewTeam Salary:Projected Depth Chart (19-20 Season):
*Team Option/Partial or Non Guaranteed Contract Decision This Off-Season
**Currently Out w/Injury - Availability Status Is Currently Unknown Notes: Current as of 16-June-2019. Players are not counted twice Team Needs:
Draft Targets - 1st Round (23rd pick):Kezie "KZ" Okpala
Projected NBA Role:
Position: Forward Offensive Role: Versatile Wing, Secondary or Tertiary Ball Handler Defensive Role: Versatile Perimeter Defender Jazz Team Needs Fit: Small Forward Depth Why For The Jazz: With Joe Ingles only getting another year older and with the overall current lack of depth at the position, the Jazz need to continue to add youthful, athletic and versatile depth to their wing rotation. KZ has the offensive and defensive versatility that should fit well within the Jazz’s systems on both ends of the floor, and has the upside to become another major piece to a still fairly young core. His ball handling and ability to run the pick & roll is a natural fit within Utah's offense, which is one of the most pick and roll reliant offenses in the league. Add this to his combination of size, length, athleticism, two-way versatility and positional ball handling, and he's an extremely intriguing prospect for the Jazz to consider on draft night. Especially within the context of Utah’s player development program, as they should be able to help him maximize his potential. Although, KZ’s lack of consistent shooting is concerning for a team like the Jazz that desperately needs more floor spacing. But with that being said, if KZ can figure out how to shoot (even just consistently make spot-up jumpers at an above average rate), he should be able to contribute to the Jazz for many years to come. And there's a lot of upside with KZ. He's one of the few players in this range with true star potential given his size, length, athleticism, ball handling, etc. He's more of a high risk/high reward type player, but if he achieves his ceiling or anything close to it, he'd be a home-run pick for a team like the Jazz. Jazz Interest Level: HIGH The Jazz have already brought KZ in for a pre-draft group workout (source) and Tony Jones of The Athletic mentioned in a recent article that he might even be someone the Jazz would consider trading up for. Mfiondu Kabengele
Projected NBA Role:
Position: 5 (center) Offensive Role: Stretch 5 w/Playmaking Potential Defensive Role: Rim Protecting 5 w/Switch-Ability Upside Jazz Team Needs Fit: Back-Up 5 (Center) & 3-Point Shooting Why For The Jazz: The Jazz are likely in need of another rotational big man with the future of current starting power forward Derrick Favors in question (not to mention the likely loss of Ekpe Udoh in free agency and Tony Bradley's inability to earn any playing time). The Jazz also desperately need a big man who can space the floor, either alongside of Gobert in the starting lineup, or as a bench big who can come in to help improve floor spacing and allow for a floor spaced, 5 man out lineup when needed. Likewise, Favors acts as the Jazz's backup 5 in addition to being their starting 4 and provides much needed defense and offense when Gobert is off the floor. Kabengele has the potential to fill most of these needs for the Jazz with his unique ability to space the floor at his size while also providing versatile defensive upside with his abilities to both defend the rim and switch onto perimeter players. Furthermore, his ability to set good screens, roll to the rim and finish with authority would be a natural fit with the Jazz, as they're one of the most pick & roll reliant offenses in the league. Utah's high level player development program is also a good fit for both sides as Kabengele is a bit of a late bloomer with what seems to be a well of untapped potential that the Jazz coaching staff could help continue to blossom. Last but not least, Kabengele's high motor would endear him to the passionate Jazz fan base and the teams coaching staff alike. And his personality seems like one that would fit well within their locker-room and the organizations culture. He's certainly an interesting option for the Jazz if they're looking to inject some energy, shooting and defensive upside into their future big man rotation. However, he doesn't come without risk as he's pretty heavy (over 250 pounds), wore double knee braces this past season and has some less than ideal knee mechanics when he's jumping, so there's some injury risk concern with him. But he fits the mold of the classic energy big that can find success in the league as long as he can stay healthy. And his 3-point shooting potential adds a lot of intrigue on top of that. Jazz Interest Level: MEDIUM The Jazz brought Kabengele in for a pre-draft group workout (source) Carsen Edwards
Projected NBA Role:
Position: Guard Offensive Role: Scoring Guard w/Primary or Secondary Ball Handler Upside Defensive Role: System Defender Jazz Team Needs Fit: 3-Point Shooting, Playmaker & Back-Up Point Guard Why For The Jazz: The Jazz are likely in need of a new starting and backup guard this offseason with starting point guard Ricky Rubio seemingly halfway out the door already as an unrestricted free agent. And with backup guard Raul Neto in danger of becoming a cap casualty cut as the Jazz look to clear more cap space to use in free agency and Dante Exum's health always seemingly in question, it only adds to the Jazz's need to add more guard depth. The Jazz are also in desperate need of shot making, shot creating, playmaking and floor spacing from the guard position, something that has been lacking and a major point of frustration within their most recent guard rotations (outside of Donovan Mitchell). Considering these factors, Carsen Edwards becomes a very interesting option for the Jazz to consider on draft night. He's one of the best shooters in this years draft class, particularly off the dribble. And while his short stature, struggles with finishing at the rim, average vertical athleticism, questionable passing ability and questionable defense are concerning, his ability to simply get buckets (especially when operating out of the pick & roll - something the Jazz rely on heavily), is something the Jazz could use a strong dose of. Carsen may never become a starting caliber player in the NBA due to his limitations, but he's likely destined to have a long and productive career as a rotational guard who can be a constant scoring threat from the perimeter and off the dribble at the very least. And there is still some potential for him to become something special if everything goes right for him. You just don't see guys like Carsen who can shoot off the dribble like he can, even at the NBA level. And with the Jazz's track record of developing young talent, there's a chance that they could help Carsen improve upon his weaknesses and help him to far exceed his likely mid to late 1st round draft positions' value. Jazz Interest Level: MEDIUM The Jazz brought Carsen in for a pre-draft group workout (source) Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Projected NBA Role:
Position: Guard Offensive Role: Floor Spacing Guard w/Primary & Secondary Ball Handling Upside Defensive Role: Team Defender w/Versatile Perimeter Defender Upside Jazz Team Needs Fit: 3-Point Shooting & Playmaker (potentially) Why For The Jazz: The Jazz could really use a guard like Nickeil Alexander-Walker (NAW) who can do a bit of everything. He's an experienced and capable ball handler (both as a secondary and primary baller handler) that's capable of running the pick & roll. He's also a good shooter for his age (especially with his feet set), which will help space the floor for an outside shooting starved Jazz squad. And with his prototypical size and length, NAW should be a decent defender in the NBA (although, he'll need to continue to add more strength and prove that he can stay focused on that end of the floor). He's also got a good amount of upside as he has a good foundational skill-set in several valuable skill areas (ball handling, passing, shooting and defense). All these reasons make him a good fit for the Jazz, who need another ball handler, shooter and capable defender next to Mitchell in the starting lineup, or off the bench as someone who can help run the 2nd unit's offense next to Ingles. NAW could end up being a steal in the mid to late 1st round if all things go well in his development and he achieves his potential, as he's a projectable rotational player to starter level talent with all-star upside. But all this being said, it's unlikely NAW will around at #23 when the Jazz are on the clock. His talent and potential will be hard for teams to pass up on outside the top 10. But if he is there for the Jazz at 23, he should one of their top choices. Jazz Interest Level: MEDIUM Dylan Windler
Projected NBA Role:
Position: Hybrid 2/3 (3 being his natural position in the NBA) Offensive Role: Floor Spacing Wing w/Tertiary Ball Handling Upside Defensive Role: Versatile Perimeter Defender Jazz Team Needs Fit: 3-Point Shooting & Small Forward Depth Why For The Jazz: Windler is one of the most straight forward prospects in this years draft class and is a near perfect fit for the Jazz. He's a great athlete (although, he could use a few more extra pounds of muscle on him), he's arguably the best shooter in the entire draft class (which is something the Jazz need badly), he also has the size & length to play either the 2 or 3 (both of which are positional needs for the Jazz this offseason) and is a high IQ player, plays hard, has a personality that fits the team/organization/market and has a some upside left in his game when it comes to handling & distributing the ball. He's a bit older (will turn 23 in September) but his polished skill set, instantly translatable elite shooting & high level athleticism would be welcomed additions to the Jazz's guard and wing rotations. And the idea of Windler having time to learn under a veteran like Joe Ingles also adds to the intrigue. If the Jazz keep their 1st round pick this year, expect Windler to be strongly considered by them at 23. Jazz Interest Level: HIGH The Jazz brought Windler in for a pre-draft group workout (source) and in a recent article by Tony Jones (of The Athletic) he mentioned that "[The Jazz] definitely want to take a closer look [at Windler]" (link) Eric Paschall
Projected NBA Role:
Position: Stretch 4 w/Playmaking Potential Offensive Role: Stretch 4 w/Playmaking Upside (particularly within a system) Defensive Role: Versatile Switching 4 Jazz Team Needs Fit: 3-Point Shooting, Playmaking (potentially) & Stretch 4 (Power Forward) Why For The Jazz: Paschall fits a lot of what the Jazz will be looking for in a prospect come draft night. He has a championship acumen & character, has a high basketball IQ, plays hard, can space the floor as a stretch 4 or even as a small ball 5 (in brief stints), has positional playmaking potential (especially within an offensive system like the Jazz run), great size, length, athleticism, defensive/offensive versatility and it doesn't hurt that he's very good friends with current Jazz phenom Donovan Mitchell. Not to mention that he brings these skills to a positional need for the Jazz, with Derrick Favors future with the team in question and Ekpe Udoh on the verge of signing overseas or with another NBA team. Put everything together, and it's not hard to see why the Jazz will likely seriously consider acquiring Paschall on draft night. It's also helpful that current Jazz-man Jae Crowder plays a very similar role to what Paschall would be asked to do with the Jazz, and would make for a great veteran mentor for the rookie. And while some will knock Paschall for his older age and limited upside, for a team like the Jazz who are in a self proclaimed "win now" mode, his pro-ready, polished/defined skill-set and experience might be seen more as a positive than a negative as he should be able to contribute meaningful minutes more quickly than younger rookies. Jazz Interest Level: HIGH The Jazz have brought in Paschall for a pre-draft group workout (source) and recently Tony Jones of The Athletic reported that "He's another guy the Jazz like" (source) Quinndary Weatherspoon
Projected NBA Role:
Position: Guard Offensive Role: Secondary Ball Handler + Floor Spacing Shooter Defensive Role: Versatile Perimeter Defender Jazz Team Needs Fit: 3-Point Shooting, Back-Up Point Guard & Playmaker (potentially) Why For The Jazz: With the future guard rotation of the Jazz looking uncertain outside of Donovan Mitchell and Royce O'Neale (probably), the Jazz could use a player like Weatherspoon, who can play either guard spot with his unique combination of size, length, athleticism, shooting, ball handling and defense. He's likely never going to be someone who can consistently create his own shot against NBA defenders, but he should thrive in the right offensive system and projects favorably as a defender. Considering the "advantage basketball" offense that the Jazz run with the heavy dose of pick & roll that it employs, it's not hard to see how Weatherspoon could be used effectively as a primary or secondary ball handler in their guard rotations. He could play as either the 1 or 2 as he can handle the ball, both when attacking defenses in advantage situations and within the pick & roll. And he'd also provide some much needed floor spacing with his high level spot-up shooting. And with the Jazz's identity being defense, his size, length and effort level on defense seems to be another natural fit. He'd be especially valuable to the Jazz if he could help defend bigger and stronger opposing guards that are more difficult for Mitchell to check. And while we'll have to wait and see just how well his defense translates to the NBA, the idea of having another plus defender with size and length to throw at opposing guards alongside of Mitchell, O'Neale and Ingles is intriguing. There's a lot to like with Weatherspoon but it's hard to tell where his draft stock will land him on draft night. He seems like a player that's being overlooked a bit for whatever reasons, but he has a lot of versatility and polish to his game that I feel like could be used effectively by a smart and well coached team like the Jazz. To me, he feels like this years Malcolm Brogdon or Derrick White; a player that may not have star potential, but in hindsight, everyone will wonder why he was taken so late in the draft. He may not be in consideration at the 23rd pick (although, I feel like he should be), but he's certainly someone that the Jazz should keep an eye on as the draft progresses. If they have a chance to snag him in the 2nd round (even if they have to trade up or buy into an earlier 2nd round pick), I think it's a no brainer. Jazz Interest Level: MEDIUM The Jazz have brought in Weatherspoon for a pre-draft group workout (source) Cameron Johnson
Projected NBA Role:
Position: Forward Offensive Role: Shooting Specialist Defensive Role: Team/System Defender Jazz Team Needs Fit: 3-Point Shooting & Small Forward Depth Why For The Jazz: The Jazz really need to add more 3 point shooting around Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert this offseason, and with Cameron Johnson being arguably one of the best spot-up shooters to enter the draft in the last several years, it doesn't take much thought to figure out how he could help the Jazz. But other than the intrigue of Cam's elite spot-up shooting, he's a very limited prospect, possessing almost no ability to attack the basket or shoot off the dribble. Which frankly, is an essential skill in todays NBA (and within the Jazz's offense) for a forward. He also struggles to finish at the rim at times, doesn't add anything as a pick and roll ball handler (or screener) and is only an average passer at best. He does have great positional size, length and athleticism for an NBA wing, which will help him defensively and gives him some "3 & D" potential. But he's a long ways away from being considered an elite defender and is often bullied by stronger players as his frame is pretty thin (and unlikely to add more strength/weight give his older age). And while there are a few good examples of 3-point specialists finding success in the league (current Jazz man Kyle Korver being one of them), those types of players are often either generational shooters (such as Korver) or bring at least one or two other skills to the table (think Joe Ingles, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, etc. who can do a little bit of everything else or have another elite skill like defense). And with Cam being one of the oldest prospects in this draft class (23 years old) and having shown very little in his ability to develop the weak areas of his game throughout his collegiate career, the idea of him becoming something more beyond what he currently is as a player isn't very likely or realistic. Simply put: he's probably who he is at this point and he may not have enough ancillary skills outside of his spot-up shooting to add much value to an NBA teams rotation. However, all that being said, shooting is a premium skill in the league right now, especially for teams like the Jazz who don't have a whole lot of it. And if the Jazz are serious about adding more shooting to their roster this offseason, they'll certainly have to consider Cam as a possibility when they're on the clock at 23 regardless of his overall skill limitations. Jazz Interest Level: MEDIUM The Jazz have yet to bring Cameron Johnson in for a pre-draft group workout. Grant Williams
Projected NBA Role:
Position: Forward Offensive Role: Team System 4 w/Offensive Versatility Upside Defensive Role: System Defender w/Versatile Defensive 4 Upside Jazz Team Needs Fit: Potentially 3-Point Shooting & Stretch 4 (Power Forward) Why For The Jazz: With their complex offensive schemes, detail oriented defensive game plans and intellectually demanding head coach Quin Snyder running a tight ship, the Jazz are a team that heavily values basketball IQ and feel for the game when evaluating prospects. And with Grant Williams being one of the highest basketball IQ guys in this years draft class, it's easy to see why many media outlets have linked Williams to the Jazz as a potential match in the 1st round of the draft. Although, with that being said, there's a lot of concerns with Williams as an NBA prospect: he's undersized and has less than ideal length for his projected position as an NBA 4. He's also a below average athlete (particularly vertically), which will limit his ability to get his shot off, protect the rim, rebound and play effective defense against NBA level talent. Additionally, he's very limited in his ball handling (something that the Jazz's system relies on quite a bit from almost every position) and he's yet to prove that he can shoot consistently from NBA (or even collegiate) 3-point range (with his feet set or otherwise). But he is a good screen setter, plays the game the right way, defends fairly well on the perimeter for his size, can execute a teams system at a high level on both ends of the floor and is a capable passer for his position (which is always a big plus when the Jazz are evaluating prospects). And only being 20 years old helps his case, with many believing he'll be able to improve on his short-comings with adequate developmental time. Overall, Williams is an intriguing prospect that checks as many boxes as he leaves unchecked. But he could potentially fill a big need for the Jazz as a versatile 4 if all things go well. He'll certainly be someone the Jazz brass will spend significant time discussing before heading into the draft. Jazz Interest Level: MEDIUM The Jazz brought Grant Williams in for a group pre-draft workout (source) Chuma Okeke
Projected NBA Role:
Position: Stretch 4 Offensive Role: Stretch 4 w/ Playmaking Upside Defensive Role: System Defender w/Versatile Defender Upside Jazz Team Needs Fit: 3-Point Shooting & Stretch 4 (Power Forward) Why For The Jazz: Okeke's unique combination of spot-up shooting and size will be a very intriguing skill-set to try and acquire on draft night for a team like the Jazz who could really use a knock-down spot-up shooter at the 4 spot. But Okeke is more than just a stretch 4; he's also a good defender, high basketball IQ player and good finisher around the rim. And with the Jazz highly valuing all of those skills in draft prospects (and having a roster in need of all those things) Okeke and the Jazz seem like a very good fit for each other in the 1st round. Although, Okeke doesn't come without caution, as he's a limited ball handler, only average athlete, below average roll man in the pick & roll (something the Jazz would surely ask him to do frequently within their pick & roll heavy offense) and is coming off a season ending ACL tear. But in spite of these concerns, Okeke should be someone that the Jazz should seriously consider at 23 on draft night, especially considering his upside and scheme fit. Jazz Interest Level: MEDIUM Keldon Johnson
Projected NBA Role:
Position: Guard Offensive Role: Off Ball Floor Spacing Guard w/Tertiary Ball Handler Upside Defensive Role: Versatile Perimeter Defender w/Primary Perimeter Defender Upside Jazz Team Needs Fit: 3-Point Shooting & Guard Depth Why For The Jazz: The Jazz could use an injection of youth, athleticism, toughness, competitiveness and shooting into their guard rotation and Keldon Johnson fits that bill perfectly. He's a fairly good shooter for his age (just 19 years old), especially when his feet are set. And although he's not much of a ball handler and won't be able to bring much shot creation, pick & roll ball handling or high level passing to an NBA team right away (skills that are very important for Jazz guards to possess), he brings a lot of potential to the table as a two-way guard with his strong defensive upside, a surprisingly versatile scoring repertoire, prototypical size and length for an NBA guard and a solid athletic base to work with. All this combined means that he's unlikely to still be on the board when the Jazz are picking at 23, but if he is, it's going to be hard for them to pass on someone with so much upside. Jazz Interest Level: MEDIUM Draft Targets - 2nd Round (53rd Pick):
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