Before I get started, I wanted to explain this idea. If you had to draft players from the Jazz starting five, what order would you draft them in? Not as if they were all rookies, but as the players they are today. I’m also assuming the Jazz will start Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Okay, let’s get started.
1. Darryn Peterson
This is probably as obvious as anything. Darryn Peterson is the most highly touted draft pick in Utah Jazz history. At times, I have to pinch
myself to make sure this isn’t a dream. For four years, I lost my mind at any win the Jazz made for the long shot, with some ping-pong balls bouncing in the Jazz’s favor. It was an absolutely ridiculous thing that ended up working out fantastically for the Jazz.
Peterson is one of the most complete prospects I’ve ever seen. Whether it’s his physical tools, his skill level at every aspect of basketball, or his impressive drive and competitiveness, he’s everything you want in a prospect. In a few weeks, we’ll find out how much he lives up to the hype.
2. Ace Bailey
This might be surprising to many, but there’s a very real chance that Ace Bailey is the second-best player on the Jazz at some point in the next couple of seasons. Bailey is the type of wing prospect teams will tank a season for. Bailey has shown fantastic promise with every aspect of his game on both ends of the floor. If the Jazz were just starting with Peterson and Bailey, that’s an extremely interesting starting point. It’s remarkable that they have three other players with a case for this spot.
Darryn Peterson is going to be the focal point of a lot of attention and pressure, but Ace Bailey is the swing prospect for the Jazz. If Bailey becomes an All-Star, Utah has a phenomenal era ahead of it. If he becomes an All-NBA player? Well, a championship could be possible.
3. Jaren Jackson Jr.
This is where it gets a little difficult, but you have to give Jaren Jackson the nod here. He’s arguably the best player, as of today, on the Jazz. Bailey and Peterson go above him here because of potential, but Jackson will be the most impactful player on both sides of the ball next season. If Utah runs this starting unit, Jackson will get plenty of isolation opportunities against a weaker defender. I have a feeling he’s going to have the best season of his career and be an All-NBA player. That trade for Utah is looking remarkable.
4. Keyonte George
I’m probably going to get some flak here, but I am a real believer in what Keyonte George did last season. He took a leap in play that has to be historic. He was the primary option on a team that had G League players around him, and all he did was put up better three-point shooting numbers than Lauri Markkanen or players like Devin Booker. He also averaged more assists per game (6.1) than players like Booker, Donovan Mitchell, Scottie Barnes, and other players who get much more publicity. Oh, and George is just 22. I have no doubt that he will have another breakout season next year.
5. Lauri Markkanen
Arguably the biggest fan favorite for Jazz fans. The fact that he is probably the 5th most important player of this core unit tells you just how bright the future is for this team. I’m sure there are those who disagree with me, and I’m fine with that. I’ve come to think of Markkanen as the offensive version of Rudy Gobert. Just like Rudy Gobert is great on the defensive end at the most important things: rim protection, rebounding, blocks, and isolation defense, Markkanen is good at what matters most on offense: catch-and-shoot threes, finishing at the rim, and transition offense. But just like Gobert, Markkanen is hampered in specific areas that limit him from being one of the best players in the league. Markkanen takes a very low percentage of off-the-bounce threes. The reason? He’s not very good at them. He’s also not a good playmaker. That doesn’t mean he’s not an extremely effective, winning player, because he his, it just means that there’s a limit to how effective he can be. Also, like Gobert is limited offensively, Markkanen hasn’t been a great defender. He is a good rebounder, but his defensive impact has not been good these last four seasons.
All that said, Markkanen at this spot is as clear an example of a wealth of riches as I’ve ever seen, and I have no doubt he’s about to have a fantastic bounceback season.
I want to start by reminding you that the SB Nation app is now live. It’s a great way to follow all of your teams, not just the Jazz but the NFL and others. If you’re like me, you can read about how bad the Packers’ offensive line is week after week! Jokes aside, I’ve really enjoyed it, and it’s a great way to follow the Jazz and other teams all in one place.
