Utah Jazz: Grading the team’s NBA free agency signings

Utah Jazz free-agent signing No.2: Hassan Whiteside

The Jazz made a very smart move when they signed Hassan Whiteside to a deal this offseason. After they traded Favors away to create financial flexibility, they were faced with the same issue from two seasons ago, no reliable backup for Rudy Gobert.

They almost have a like for like with Whiteside and Gobert. Both are very good at finishing at the rim, both are incredible rim protectors and both are beasts on the boards. If Whiteside decides to fit into the Jazz’s system he makes them even harder to score against.

He played with the Sacramento Kings last season, averaging 8.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in just 15.2 minutes per game. He is only one season removed from his tremendous season with the Portland Trail Blazers where he averaged 15.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.9 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game.

If Whiteside can produce somewhere in between these two seasons for the Jazz, they are going to be a very difficult team to play against next season as well. Gobert will be able to rest more, making him even more dangerous to drive against. The Jazz also now have a great insurance policy if Gobert gets into foul trouble.

Grade: A-