Jazz Mock Roundup 3.0: Experts Predict No. 9

With less than a week left until the 2023 NBA draft, Utah Jazz fans are getting a clearer picture of which players are trending to possibly be selected with the No. 9 overall pick. That said, the mock drafts are all over the map in regard to which candidates will be calling Salt Lake City home next week.

If Utah stays put with its three first-round picks, there are no clear-cut front-runners projected for each spot. Let’s take a look at what the major outlets are predicting at No. 9 as we hit the home stretch.

Bilal Coulibaly: The Ringer

“Marc Stein reported on his Substack that the Jazz like Coulibaly for the ninth pick and then want to trade up to get Keyonte George with a second lottery selection. While this report is surprisingly specific in citing these names, let’s roll with Coulibaly to the Jazz for the purposes of this mock.” — Kevin O’Connor

Ausar Thompson: The Athletic

“The Jazz get to reshape their roster now following the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell deals. Danny Ainge rebuilt the Celtics roster with a lot of size on the wing and the perimeter (think Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Grant Williams and others). Another word that comes up in conversations about what the Jazz are looking for on draft night is competitiveness. They seem to be placing a premium on players who get after it every night. My bet is they look for bigger wings and guards with that kind of mindset, especially with where the NBA is going. Thompson fits this billing.” — Sam Vecenie

Taylor Hendricks: Sports Illustrated

“Central Florida’s Taylor Hendricks is a 6-foot-9 forward tailor-made for the modern NBA as a player that can be a 3-and-D stretch four. Hendricks showcased his ability to provide floor spacing. In addition, his defensive versatility and playmaking abilities also offer significant value. Hendricks inability to create offense on his own could limit his upside. However, he checks many boxes for how teams prefer to play in this day and age. Expect Hendrick’s name to continue buzzing more and more as we get closer to the draft.” — Matt Babcock

Taylor Hendricks: ESPN

The Jazz appear to be in a similar position as Indiana, seeking a gifted forward with defensive versatility to pair with leading scorer Lauri Markkanen, with the top two candidates being Hendricks and Walker. Filling that need with their first pick, and then focusing on adding backcourt depth with their second pick, makes sense considering the number of guards and wings expected to be available later in the draft. However, that plan could change if Black happens to fall here. He's believed to be high on the team's draft board. — Jonathon Ginovy

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