This just seems like too perfect of a match between a player’s draft stock and where a team is making their pick. Outside of just getting everyone healthy, one of the biggest things you’d say that the Utah Jazz could use would be a big man that could come in and stretch the floor. Yes, they just drafted Trey Lyles last year, but a big man with three-point range to really provide different looks is something that Utah needs to stay afloat in the Western Conference.
As such, seeing Henry Ellenson out of Marquette still on the board at pick No. 12 is just too spicy and too perfect to not jump on for Utah. Though Ellenson struggled with consistency at times throughout the year, he was a dominant force for the Golden Eagles by the end of his lone season—even despite the fact that opposing teams could basically wholly key in on the big man with little help on Marquette around him. He proved to be a lethal offensive presence with a variety of ways to beat guys in addition to being a solid rebound and surprisingly decent defender.
Ellenson may never ben a superstar in the NBA, but he has the looks of a highly valuable player on a really good team if he continues developing. I think the Jazz are the absolute ideal place and environment for him to grow in and a place that would ultimately be perfect for all parties involved.
Next: No. 13 Suns