How the Jazz Should Rebuild

Players the Jazz Should Focus on During Their Rebuild

The Utah Jazz just traded their two key players in Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. The team executives have stated the main reason was they didn't believe the current team could win a title. They have started a rebuild in hopes to craft a team that can “open a championship window”. With all their new assets and pieces, where does the Rebuild Start?

The Jazz received many picks and young players with their offseason moves. There have also been rumors of moving the remaining veteran players of Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, and Bojan Bogdanovic. With their pockets stuffed with future picks and an unsure roster that could bring in even more young players, allotted playing time will be interesting. Developing a few young players and hitting some luck in the NBA draft will be key to the future of the Jazz.

The most known, proven player the Jazz acquired is Collin Sexton. He averaged 24 point per game just 2 seasons ago but is coming off an injury. Collin has lost a step on the defensive end but has the offensive tools and mindset to be a quality Point Guard in the league. He is the “no brainer” choice to start next season.

His partner in crime in the backcourt is where things get tricky. Collin Sexton is a 6’1 guard. If Conley or Clarkson are still on the team and are selected to start next to Sexton the Jazz will be right back to another super short backcourt. Which as seen in the playoff, is difficult to go far with. My hope is the Jazz pass on those two, pass on recently acquired Malik Beasley and Talen Horton-Tucker, and start the 6’5 rookie, Ochai Agbaji, at shooting Guard. Agbaji is coming off of leading Kansas to a National Championship. He is a lethal shooter from downtown shooting 41% from 3 last season. He is athletic and capable of slashing or rising up for a pull up jumper. Most importantly he brings intensity on the defensive end. This makes him a perfect counterpart to Sexton and will ensure the Jazz do not get bullied once again on the defensive end.

The two forward spots have less competition. Lauri Markkanen has been balling out in Eurobasket for Finland. He just dropped 43 points in the semi-finals. He is 6’11 and everything you want in a forward. Shoots the three, defends, good passer, and is versatile. He will play a key role for the Jazz moving forward and is the most underrated acquisition for the upcoming season.

As far as the second forward goes, the only option currently is Jarred Vanderbilt. He is a quality player. He is tall, lengthy, plays with heart, and a great defender. But he can not shoot the three. Playing him next to Lauri does not seem like it would be a great fit. Unless he magically can shoot next season, it would be much better to have Vanderbilt come off the bench to play the four or even a small ball five. So if the Jazz trade Bojan they better get a player who can fill in at the three instead of moving Agbaji down to the three and putting another small guard next to Sexton.

At center the choice should be obvious. Udoka Azubuike has been disappointing so far and doesn’t seem like he will make a huge jump next year. Utah needs to start developing rookie Walker Kessler. He is actually similar to Gobert–both 7’1 centers known for their shot blocking and rim deterrence. What he does slightly better is move his feet. He stays with guards a little better on defense. He is not lost defending outside the paint. He could turn into an important defensive piece for Utah.

The 2023 draft is a promising one. The top two players are in a tier of their own-so the Jazz better not win many games next season. The generational talent, Victor Wenbemyama, will be selected first. Followed by ‘Scoot’ Henderson going second. Victor is a 7’3 Frenchman who plays like a guard. He is a generational talent and brings it on both sides of the floor. He is one of the most hyped prospects since Lebron James.

Scoot is a mere 6’2 but he started playing in the G-league last year at just 17. He has explosive athleticism and shows promise as a talented finisher. Most importantly, the kid works hard. He is known for his dedication and love for basketball and is ready to lead an NBA team.

The Jazz have lots of pieces and combinations in front of them. They have some time to get it all together but it’s important they create a solid foundation. As they focus on creating a team that matches the state of Utah. A young team with dedication and class is surely what the organization is aiming for.