The 2024 NBA Draft is just about one week away and the Utah Jazz currently hold a lottery pick at No. 10. The Jazz missed out on the playoffs this past season, although they showed signs of growth. Based on this past season, the Jazz could say they had a successful 2023 NBA Draft.
The Jazz selected three players in the first round of the 2023 draft in Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George and Brice Sensabaugh. By the end of the season, George was the team's starting point guard and Hendricks and Sensabaugh showed flashes of why the Jazz were high on their potential.
The Jazz only two first round picks this season at No. 10 and N0. 29. They could use help on the wings particularly at small forward. When it comes to the lottery, the general consensus is take the best player available rather than draft based on need. But in this case, the Jazz could possibly check off both boxes at No. 10.
Ron Holland needs to be the Jazz's draft pick if available
One name that has slid in recent mock drafts has been Ron Holland from the G League Ignite. He was once considered a top three to five pick but might be available when the Jazz draft at No. 10. If that's the case, the Jazz need to scoop Holland up and call it a day.
This past season with the Ignite, Holland was playing both a scoring role and a playmaking role. He projects to be a small forward at the NBA level, something the Jazz need, and he'll probably be the best talent available if he slips to No. 10. Holland could possibly get minutes right away as the backup small forward or as a small ball power forward.
During the G League regular season, Holland averaged 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals with splits of 44.5 percent shooting from the field, 24 percent shooting from the three-point line and 75.7 percent shooting from the free-throw line. Holland has All-Star wing potential and could be the Jazz's small forward for the future.
Cody Williams could end up being the Jazz's pick at No. 10
One name that has actually shot up draft boards since the NCAA season ended is Colorado's Cody Williams. There's actually a high chance that Williams is long gone by the time the Jazz pick at No. 10. He has the type of upside that gives teams confidence in selecting him with a high lottery pick.
Williams played only one season of college basketball at Colorado. He averaged 11.9 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists with splits of 55.2 percent shooting from the field, 41.5 percent shooting from the three-point line and 71.4 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
Williams wasn't as good of a playmaker as Holland was, but he did show the ability to be a scoring threat from the perimeter. He shot the ball well from three-point range and was comfortable handling the ball and being able to create his own shot. He's got the ability to be a good defensive wing as well. He is among the players with the most upside in this draft and if he slips to No. 10 then the Jazz need to make him the pick.
Dalton Knecht would bring shooting to the Jazz
Another wing that could be available when the Jazz draft is Tennessee's Dalton Knecht. Knecht had one of the best storylines in college basketball. He originally played junior college basketball before transferring to mid-major Northern Colorado. He played his final season in the NCAA at Tennessee where he exploded on the scene as a potential lottery pick.
During his lone season at Tennessee, Knecht averaged 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists with splits of 45.8 percent shooting from the field, 39.7 percent shooting from the three-point line and 77.2 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
There's also a good chance that Knecht is gone by the time the Jazz draft at No. 10. His draft projection has been anywhere from early lottery to late lottery to mid first round. The defensive end may not be one of his strong suits, but he is a lights out shooter from distance. That can translate right way to the league.
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