After a strong season, the Utah Jazz will have two picks in the first round. Their first pick in the 2017 NBA Draft will be there own, however, they also have the Golden State Warriors pick.
This past season, the Jazz were able to take another step forward. They were the fifth seed in the Western Conference, and they even defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in the playoffs. While the Clippers were without Blake Griffin for part of the series, the Jazz also had to overcome an injury to Rudy Gobert and an illness for Gordon Hayward.
In the following round, the Jazz were outmatched by the Warriors. Like most teams, the Jazz struggled to contain the Warriors’ high-powered offense, but that is nothing to be ashamed of. This offseason, the Jazz’s priority will be to re-sign Hayward. After a great season, Hayward is one of the top free agents on the market, and the Jazz will have some competition to try and keep him.
Since the Jazz selected stretch forward Tyler Lydon with their first pick in the mock draft, their second pick will be used on an international prospect in Rodions Kurucs. At 6’8”, 190lbs, Kurucs needs to add some size like most international players do when they come over. However, he has a knack for scoring, which could be a welcomed sight for the Jazz.
Stefanos Makris of NBADraft.net recently had this to say about Kurucs.
"Rodions Kurucs is a really skilled player, who can bring a lot to the table, especially on the offensive end of the floor … His scoring ability and physical attributes are undeniable … If he remains healthy, works on his body and fixes some of his weaknesses (ball handling, court vision, defensive concentration) he can become a really good player in the future"
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While drafting international prospects can be risky, the Jazz might have to take some chances if they lose Hayward in free agency.