The 2013 NBA draft went well for the Jazz. They can get a lot better without getting close to the salary cap. All because they got the right player in the draft.
PG--Trey Burke (DP)--Earl Watson (FA)--Raul Neto (DP, D-League)
SG--Kyle Korver (FA)--Alec Burks--Kevin Murphy
SF--Gordon Hayward--Marvin Williams--Chase Budinger (FA)
PF--Derrick Favors--Jeremy Evans
C--Enis Kanter--Cole Alrich (FA)--Rudy Gobert (DP, D-League)
Free Agents the Jazz need to resign
Earl Watson, to mentor the young Trey Burke
Marvin Williams (Player option)
Needed Free Agents
1. Point Guards. Trey Burke is the man. He will likely start right away. He appears to have the right temperament and a strong work ethic. Many are predicting big things right away for Burke, including becoming this year's Damien Lillard. What the Jazz need here is a mentor. Jarret Jack would do well, but now the Jazz don't need to spend that kind of money. Resigning Earl Watson would make good sense. Also keep in mind that Alec Burks can run the point as well and may develop into the primary backup for Burke. Raul Neto who was also ended up with the Jazz on draft day, should find some good, solid experience in Reno.
2. Shooting Guard. The Jazz need help in the perimeter. Kyle Korver wants to come back. Problem solved. But what the Jazz really need is good perimeter defense. One of the most under-rated areas of Korver's game is his ability to defend. He can also help with the continued development of Alec Burks, but with Burks also chipping in at the point, Korver should be able to mentor Murphy and help him take a bigger role with the team.
3. Small Forward--Hayward continues to get better. Marvin Williams will likely take his player option and come back because he won't make as much money on the Free Agent market. One more is needed to shore up the perimeter ranks. Chase Budinger of the Pelicans would be a good fill here. The Jazz need someone who can come of the bench and provide some consistent, quality relief. The Jazz could re-sign deMarre Carroll to fill this need as well.
4. Power Forward/Center. Enes Kanter and Derrick Favors are ready to take over. Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson, likely done in a Jazz uniform. Perhaps the Jazz can work out a sign and trade with someone for both of these players and continue to build for the future. One will be allowed to just walk away. The NBA is a business. I would love to see Milsap come back. I love his work ethic. But he is not the future of the franchise. This will mean more playing time for Evans, who also deserves more time on the floor. However, with Gobert not playing in the summer league, the Jazz will need him to develop in Reno. The Jazz need someone who can be a good quality backup to Kanter. Cole Aldrich should fit the bill.
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