Jazz's Biggest Winners & Losers From Round 1 of NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA draft is in the books. When it was all said and done, the Utah Jazz decided to stay put with all three of their frst-round selections, despite the trade rumors that flooded social media leading up to the big day.

The domino effect of the draft will mean new beginnings for some parties in Utah, while at the same time hindering opportunities for others. Who stands to benefit? And who was hurt?

Let's take a look at the Jazz's biggest winners and losers of draft night as the team continues to reshape its roster.

Winner: Utah Jazz Front Office

Armed with three picks in a deep draft, Jazz CEO Danny Ainge and company hit it out of the park. The buzz on the street purported that Ainge was looking to move up via trade, but instead, the savvy executive let the players fall to him. According to the Jazz GM Justin Zanik, all three picks were aligned with Utah’s big board.

“Justin Zanik said Taylor Hendricks was #9 on their big board, Keyonte George was #10, and Brice Sensabaugh was "top-18",” the Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen tweeted.

Time will tell how these picks will shake out, but Utah didn’t overpay in a trade or reach for a player that would have been available later in the draft. In fact, NBA insider Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer voiced his satisfaction in a tweet in regard to what Utah was able to accomplish.

"Keyonte George and Taylor Hendricks make the Jazz big winners tonight. George is a score-first guy but capable of doing so much more. Tough defender and a willing passer. Surrounded by length—Kessler, Lauri, Hendricks. Utah is loaded," O'Connor tweeted.

Keyonte George and Taylor Hendricks make the Jazz big winners tonight. George is a score-first guy but capable of doing so much more. Tough defender and a willing passer. Surrounded by length—Kessler, Lauri, Hendricks. Utah is loaded. pic.twitter.com/ggxzuuTZPF
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 23, 2023

Loser: Jordan Clarkson Fans

Clarkson will soon be a big winner when he opts out to join a weak free-agent market and signs what will most likely be the biggest contract of his career. However, Jazz fans that were holding out hope that Clarkson will remain in Salt Lake City might need to put those thoughts to bed.

Entering this season at age 31, the former Sixth Man of the Year doesn’t fit in Utah’s timeline to contend for a championship. At this stage, the right play is to part ways and give the young rookies more live reps to develop.

Winner: Taylor Hendricks

Utah’s first selection of the night couldn’t have found a better situation where he can start contributing out of the gates. Hendricks could be starting sooner rather than later, with veteran Kelly Olynyk being the only roadblock in his way.

Whether this comes to fruition remains to be seen, but at the least, Hendricks should be logging 30 minutes a game. Pair that with being coached by a staff that has a track record of getting the most out of their young rookies, Hendricks is set up for success. The No. 9 overall pick of the night spoke on the matter after the draft.

“I feel like I fit in perfectly,” Hendricks said. “Walker Kessler is a great shot blocker, Lauri Markkanen is a great shooter. They're both big, they have length. I have length. I can block shots. We're gonna be a really good defensive team. I'm excited to get to work with them."

Loser: ESPN

ESPN was all over the map in its coverage of the draft. Watching stories on the players or drawn-out interviews while others were being chosen didn’t sit well from this point of view.

Maybe there’ll be improvements moving forward, or possibly TNT will be able to cover the draft at some point. Either way, ESPN needs to do a better job.

Winner: Utah’s Positional Size

Potentially the Jazz could have a starting five that has four players with seven-foot wingspans in Talen Horton-Tucker, Kessler, Markkanen, and Hendricks. It’s shaping up to be one of the longest teams in NBA history.

This bodes well when facing the elite teams in the NBA.

It was clear from game one in the NBA finals that the Miami Heat had zero chance versus the Denver Nuggets based on their inability to match up against the Champs' size and length. Utah still has a ways to go in other areas, but being bullied by teams like Denver won’t happen with what could end up being the longest team in the league.

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