Utah Jazz: 5 options for pick No. 52 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Mason McFee
The Utah Jazz have a late selection with pick No. 52 in the 2018 NBA Draft, but it’s not too early to be looking at potential options.
The Utah Jazz only hold two picks in the 2018 NBA Draft. With some key impending free agent decisions, they don’t necessarily need to nail their selections, but they do need to do their homework; and then get some extra credit.
Some may view the chances of hitting on a picking so late in the draft as good as the chance I have of going on a date with Scarlett Johansson, but it’s not like the second round hasn’t produced good or even great players.
2016 Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon was a second round pick. Current Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was selected 50th overall. Perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate Lou Williams was selected 45th overall. Current Jazz forward Jae Crowder was selected 34th overall.
Heck, everyone’s favorite ankle breaker and All-Star snub Zaza Pachulia was selected 42nd overall. Sensing a theme yet? Spoiler: it’s that good players can be found in the second round.
Maybe none of the aforementioned players pique your interest, but maybe some of these other names will:
- Paul Millsap was selected 47th overall.
- Marc Gasol was selected 48th overall.
- Kyle Korver was selected 51st overall.
- Manu Ginobili was selected 57th overall.
Other notable second round selections could be mentioned, but the bottom line is that late selections in the second round don’t always have to be international prospects that may or may not come stateside — they can be immediate contributors.
The Utah Jazz experienced that firsthand with Paul Millsap, and to a lesser degree with C.J. Miles. Let’s take a look at who could be their next diamond in the rough at No. 52 this year.