Whether people want to admit it or not, the Utah Jazz got better this off-season. They acquired names of reputable players like Rudy Gay, Eric Paschall, and Hassan Whiteside who all could actually help this team next season. They kept their main guys, Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gay, Jordan Clarkson, Joe Ingles, and crew. It’s safe to assume that the Jazz plan to run it back with key additions to their roster. 

Jared Butler, Baylor

Utah Jazz Grade: A-

Another move the Jazz made in the off-season that could potentially be huge for them is drafting national champion, Jared Butler, with their 40th pick. Butler, who’s fresh off a championship from Baylor University, was projected to go as high as 11th in this year’s draft. The fact that the Jazz managed to get him with their 40th pick (which they traded for) is a huge win considering what Butler brings to the table. 

Butler was the leading scorer on his championship team where he shot 41.6% from three (78% from the free-throw line). He averaged 16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game in his last year—even higher compared to his teammate and this year’s 7th pick Davion Mitchell. Butler’s scoring ability will fit perfectly in Quin Snyder’s system, where they play unselfish basketball. 

On defense, Butler is also pretty solid. He had a 3.7% steal percentage (the highest of any prospect in this year’s draft)  and 1.3% block percentage in his last season. That’s huge for a 6’3 guard. He’ll probably be Mitchell’s backup and work with Sixth Man of the Year recipient Jordan Clarkson. 

What sticks out with Butler’s game is his shooting as well. The Baylor native is dangerous most when it comes to catch and shoot situations where he shot 51.1% percent. He was a 41.6 percent three-point shooter so he’s definitely someone that can’t be left wide open. When you add that to the Jazz’s current rotation of stellar three-point shooters, that’s a huge plus for them. 

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Jazz Lauri Markkanen amid Ryan Smith bringing NHL Coyotes to Utah

Jay Postrado ·

Jordan Clarkson and Danny Ainge on one side, a bunch of Utah Jazz fans on the other side with angry emojis over their faces

Shervon Fakhimi ·

Lauri Markkanen surrounded by piles of cash.

Spencer See ·

The best part about Butler’s young career is his versatile skill set. Aside from his shooting and defense, he’s also a pretty decent playmaker and off-ball player. The Jazz, a team fond of the pick and roll, is a great fit for Butler. He can score off a floater, jumper, and drive into the basket. His skillset is creative enough to find ways to score in the lane. Butler is also a reliable passer in the pick and roll, someone who can find the roller in the right spot and is patient enough to maneuver the defense thrown at him. 

Drafting Butler was a huge steal for the Jazz. He clearly fits their system well and is arguably one of if not the most NBA-ready players in this year’s stacked draft class. The challenge for the 20-year-old is to get reliable minutes since the Jazz have a loaded backcourt consisting of Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley, and Clarkson. 

The Jazz are contending for a title as well, especially after last season’s disappointing playoff exit so they’re going to try to utilize their star power as much as they can instead of developing their young players. Hopefully, Butler still finds a spot in the team’s rotation because he’s definitely a steal for a second-round pick.