Utah Jazz: 5 options for pick No. 24 in 2017 NBA Draft
By Adam Coffman
1. D.J. Wilson
If not for a surprise NCAA tournament run, Michigan sophomore forward D.J. Wilson likely would not have found his name entering into first round discussion. As it were though, Wilson and the rest of his team rode a late-season hot streak all the way to the Sweet 16 as a 7-seed, gaining him the national spotlight in the process.
After playing just 6.1 minutes per game in 2015-16, Wilson took on a much larger role this year, playing over 30 minutes and scoring 11 points per game. His strengths reside in his offensive skill set, where he can stretch the floor (37 percent shooting from deep), make plays off the dribble (shot 72 percent in the restricted area) and create his own shot.
Utah Jazz
For someone with the height and length of some centers, Wilson offers little around the hoop in terms of interior scoring, post moves or rebounding.
Even at 234 pounds, he appears lanky and easily moved off the spot by bigger defenders.
Of course, playing next to a great interior player and rebounder in Rudy Gobert would help absolve some of these concerns.
Wilson’s perimeter ability, which is unique for his position, could be utilized in a screen-happy, ball-swinging Quin Snyder offense.
At 6’10” with a 7’3″ wingspan, he has the potential to become a pesky defender or rim protector, already showing signs of being able to switch onto guards on pick-and-roll situations. If he’s able to add the needed strength, he could be a vicious defensive asset on multiple fronts.
His inconsistency will need to be ironed out, as he had the tendency in college to disappear for stretches of games. Wilson has been a late-arriving prospect at every stage of his basketball career, so he’ll most likely be a project for whatever team takes him.
Leaf is more polished now, but lacks Wilson’s physical tools that could make him a force in this league on both ends. He’ll have to refine and adapt his game to the next level, as well as gain quite a bit of strength, but his potential and fit makes him a great pick for the Jazz.
Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition
The perceptions and consensus rankings regarding these draft prospects will still be subject to change over the coming weeks, but the five mentioned here would be a good place to start.