RealGM

Time for offseason question #2: what position are we weakest at?

Utah has a lot of young players, and it really is not clear where we have keepers or not. I think most of us will agree that our top pick needs to be BPA - but let's assume that we have the ability to go out and grab a player at another position. What position should they play (recognizing that positions are very fluid)? What kind of player should it be? Do you have anyone in mind?

Prior questions
#1: should Lauri stay or go? https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=2454649

It depends on whether we consider Markkanen to be a SF or PF. Personally, I consider him to be a PF. I'd say the Jazz are set at C and PF, with a big need at the SF for a more natural SF, and the weakest positions are the PG and SG where they still don't have a clear NBA starter level material until proven otherwise. But what they need most of all is simply elite talent, any position will do.

I selected PG, but only because we have all other positions covered, I see LM as a SF, since that's how the Jazz play him.....

I also think we'll see good growth from Collier next season......

red4hf wrote:I selected PG, but only because we have all other positions covered, I see LM as a SF, since that's how the Jazz play him.....

I also think we'll see good growth from Collier next season......

We do have players in the other positions but with the exception of Markkanen and Kessler we don't have nearly enough good talent or even starting level talent (maybe Sexton is an exception). With how the Jazz play, the SF and PF are somewhat interchangeable but I also can't expect a 7-foot Markkanen to chase perimeter players around all his career and his lack of ability to create off the dribble makes him more of a PF in my eyes, but I can see an argument for him to play in either position. In order to not get caught up in the position debate too much, I'll just say that other than Markkanen and Kessler we don't have any long-term starters on this team. And if Markkanen won't be with the Jazz for long, then the problem is even bigger. Hopefully, after the draft we can mark our legit starters as Kessler, Markkanen and the Jazz's top-5 pick.

I'll ask the inverse next, which is "who are the keepers," but my opinion is that we don't really have someone who can effectively play the 3 on the roster. Lauri is ideally a 4, and he does well at the 3, but it still is not ideal. Sensabaugh is more of a 2 but can play some 3. We have a billion guards. Not sure any of them are long-term keepers, but we at least have depth. I think the closest thing to a real wing that we have is Cody Williams and he is god-awful. So, if we have a chance to add a young wing through free agency, or if there is a decision between a wing and a different position of players that we have roughly equal on our big board, I'm going wing (but hopefully someone who is primarily a 3).

I wonder what happens if the Jazz get Flagg, as he is also a SF\PF hybrid in my opinion. I think he'll fit very well with Kessler and Markkanen and it'll be a good problem to have but the Jazz still will not have a true natural SF. The Jazz would really need to have a really good and dynamic PG or SG. Also, the entire league is looking for a good SF so it won't be easy to find one.

Don’t we consider Hendricks at sSF/PF

Jazz Dog wrote:Don’t we consider Hendricks at sSF/PF

Yes, but he is also not a clear SF or PF, he's coming off an injury, and as long as both are on the roster, he'll play behind Markkanen and Flagg\Bailey.

Assuming you move Lauri and keep Kessler I think Walker is the only clear starter level player we have. I think others can be good role players or have the potential to be starter level but right now I’m not convinced any of them are.

Because of that I’d lean into what seems to drive the league: Big wings who can shoot.

Also knowing Walker isn’t going to be burning the nets from three anytime soon id also be looking for a PG who can defend and shoot (hard to find those in the same package).

Jazz Dog wrote:Don’t we consider Hendricks at sSF/PF

I think he is a PF/C, and probably a Center, long-term.

Jazz don't have either a PG or SG they believe in as a long-term starter. They're also likely the worst playmaking team in the league.

I voted SF, but I do think we just need more talent all around, but I would concede to needing better play makers in the backcourt.