Utah Jazz: 3 prospects from the 2023 NBA Draft worth tanking for

3. Guard Anthony Black, Arkansas

The top two prospects are well-defined at this point, but there’s a battle for the third spot on people’s big boards.

Enter Anthony Black, a freshman with the Arkansas Razorbacks who seems to fit the mold of a modern NBA point guard. He’s tall at 6-foot-7 with the ability to handle the ball, distribute, play above the rim and stroke it from three. He’s not a lethal scorer but is always looking for the right pass.

If Utah continues to build around shooters as they have in the past, Black’s distribution skills would make for a great fit. Black also has fun potential on the defensive end due to his length and height. He has the ability to defend other guards and block their shots, as they tend to be much smaller in stature.

An obvious comparison based on his size and game is Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey. He had some buzz heading into last year’s draft, but was still largely unknown coming from the other side of the world. The Australian made All-Rookie Second Team, averaging 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game in his first year.

The guard is part of a massive class in Fayetteville, which could be a double-edged sword for his draft stock. On the one hand, he should have the opportunity to play in the spotlight and show NBA scouts his game frequently. On the other hand, his play could be diminished by Nick Smith and Jordan Walsh, both freshmen who have the looks of being lottery picks in the forthcoming draft too. Black will have to be at his best to draw the attention of scouts.

He’s got the prototypical size of an NBA guard and is developing the game to match. The Utah Jazz would happily take Black as a consolation prize for a tough season.