With the season edging closer and closer, the Utah Jazz are looking to finalize their roster. The roster could be complete, but there is certainly room for one or two more players. Last week, we took a look at the Jazz’s big man situation. Utah’s lack of point guard depth has been well documented. Now we will examine Utah’s options, as currently situated, at the wings.
It is likely that, to start the season, two of Utah’s “future five” will start at the wings: Alec Burks and Gordon Hayward. Hayward is the obvious answer here, as he was an on and off starter last season and performed well. Gordon will at least start the season as the main offensive weapon for an experienced Jazz roster. Gordon has proved he can be a consistent threat from beyond the arc and he gets to the line a lot, where he is effective. This is the mark of a highly efficient player. Gordon could really have a breakout season this year as his usage rate should get a significant increase. The concern for Gordon will be if he has what it takes to shoulder the weight of being a No. 1 offensive option. Defenses will key in on him as the guy to stop, which Hayward hasn’t dealt with since his days at Butler. However, Hayward will certainly have help in the scoring department.
Much of that should come from fellow Jazz draftee Alec Burks. Alec’s minutes have been relatively sparse in his first two seasons, but he can score the basketball. Alec gets to the rim, seemingly with ease, where he is very efficient at either scoring or drawing a shooting foul. Unfortunately for Alec, he is been a very poor free-throw shooter in his time in the NBA. This will need to change if Alec hopes to get significant minutes this season. Both players are quality on-ball defenders with good athleticism and Hayward could sneakily be the best transition defender in the NBA. This will help a young fast Jazz lineup that might need to rely on transition baskets for points this year.
Beyond those two, rotations spots will be battled for between Brandon Rush, Marvin Williams, Richard Jefferson and Ian Clark. All could get playing time this year as Alec Burks may get a lot of minutes at PG. Brandon Rush will likely be coach Tyrone Corbin‘s first wing option off the bench at the 2. After Rush, Ian Clark will be fighting for minutes and may have the shooting touch to earn some, especially if Rush’s recovery from last season’s injury doesn’t go as well as hoped. Marvin Williams will miss the start of the season as he recovers from surgery, meaning that Corbin will either be giving Richard Jefferson heavy minutes at the 3 behind Hayward, or he will play a pretty small lineup. Another option is that the Jazz pick up another option at the wing, likely a 3, that will be an insurance-type of player. There has been talk for a few seasons that Jeremy Evans may be better suited as a 3, but the former slam dunk champ has yet to show that he is capable of playing that role.
The upcoming campaign will essentially be a season-long tryout for many on the Jazz roster this year, especially at the wings. Will we see veterans earn minutes with their experience or young guns win time with their potential?