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After a busy first week of free agency, the Utah Jazz have made some key additions to their roster. Aiming to come back stronger next season with a revamped rotation, the Jazz will look to make another deep playoff run and in the hopes of capturing their first NBA title in franchise history. With the additions of Eric Paschall, Rudy Gay, and Hassan Whiteside, and the re-signing of Mike Conley, the Jazz have put together a deeper and more well-rounded supporting cast.
Now that the Jazz have brought back their core rotation and made some upgrades to their roster, this could be enough to get them over the hump in 2022 that could lead to them hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Having said all this, let's take a look at each free agency grade for Utah's offseason additions during the summer of 2021.
Power Forward/Center Eric Paschall: B
A few seasons ago, Eric Paschall saw big minutes on an injury-riddled Warriors team where showcased his scoring range and versatility. His ability to play power forward or center and be a facilitator will do wonders for the Jazz's stellar ball movement and 3-point heavy attack, especially when they run small-ball line-ups.
The only issue with this addition is that there's a chance he may not be able to replicate that same success in Utah. On the flip side, he is childhood friends with franchise superstar Donovan Mitchell and his skillsets do fit in nicely with their style of play. There's no knowing what will happen next season with Pashcall, but with Snyder's team-oriented approach to the game, this could be a perfect signing for Utah.
Power/Small Forward Rudy Gay: A
He's an athletic combo forward that provides the Jazz with a wide array of scoring and playmaking on the wing. After playing some productive minutes in San Antonio over the past few seasons, Rudy Gay is a perfect addition to this multi-skilled Utah Jazz team. Gay also gives the Jazz another veteran presence on the team who can come through for them in the clutch.
This will be vital for them when they need a scoring punch off the bench. With his ability to play small or power forward, Gay adds a new element to the Jazz and gives them a multi-faceted approach on offense while providing them with rebounding and active hands that can disrupt the passing lanes.
Center Hassan Whiteside: B
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The addition of super athletic center Hassan Whiteside who will give them a terrific back-up for Rudy Gobert. The only issue with this signing is that he's replacing Derrick Favors who's been spectacular for the Jazz during his tenure with the team. So Whiteside will have relatively big shoes to fill. However, he's more than capable of doing so given his previous accolades and his wide range of skillsets at the center spot.
Granted his numbers did drop some last season, but during the 2019-20 NBA season when he was playing for the Trail Blazers he posted averages of 15.5 points, 62.1% FG, 13.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks. Plus with his 7-foot-7 wing-span, he's definitely capable of bringing that level of production to the Jazz.
Playing under high IQ head coach Quinn Snyder will definitely rejuvenate Whiteside and give the Jazz a reliable back-up at the center spot who would give them productive minutes while Gobert is out resting. As good as he's been on defense, his biggest issue has been over pursuing blocks which usually results in him getting burnt inside. It'll all come down to what his attitude will be and whether or not he's willing to improve his on-ball defense.
Point Guard Mike Conley: A
This offseason signing was an absolute must as the Jazz needed to do everything in their power to bring back All-Star point guard Mike Conley, which they successfully were able to do. Conley choosing to re-sign with Utah was a big win for the team mainly due to his on-court chemistry with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
When Conley and Mitchell are both fully healthy they make one of the more formidable backcourts in the NBA and Conley's pick-and-roll game with Gobert is unmatched and is a vital to Utah's success on the offensive end. Not to mention he's also one of the elite defensive point guards in the league. His veteran leadership and multi-faceted point guard play are what made his re-signing a top priority for the Jazz during 2021 NBA Free Agency.
