NBA Power Rankings 2: Jordan Poole leads breakout candidates

The Utah Jazz have a young star, as Donovan Mitchell is just 25 years old, but there isn’t much to speak of behind him. That is part of why this team could launch itself to the best record in the league last season, as their rotation is a tight group of veterans.

It also means there isn’t a lot of upside for internal growth. The team traded for Eric Paschall to compete for backup minutes at the 4 and 5, and he will in part be competing with last year’s first-round pick Udoka Azubuike. Elijah Hughes could earn some minutes off the bench on the wing. Jared Butler was a solid pickup in the second round of July’s draft. None of these players should figure into Utah’s postseason rotation, but they should get some time in the regular season.

Breakout Player: Jared Butler. There aren’t a lot of options here, but Jared Butler gets the nod for more than simply the fact he’s the last man standing. Butler was one of the nation’s best players in college basketball last season as part of Baylor’s title-winning team. He can pass, defend, shoot and score – he may have been a late-lottery pick before health concerns dropped Butler into the second round. While it’s a crowded backcourt in Utah, Butler has the talent to make an impact.