Report: Jazz Make Flurry of Signings Following Draft Night
Despite adding three first-round picks to the roster on NBA draft night, the Utah Jazz aren’t finished bringing young talent to Salt Lake City. On Friday, the Jazz added Taevion Kinsley to an Exhibit 10 deal, while also signing Nick Ongenda, Keshawn Justice, Colbey Ross, and Ed Croswell to their Summer League roster, according to The Athletic's Tony Jones.
In bigger news, Michigan State’s Joey Hauser signed a two-way deal with Utah, according to the player's management agency.
Bringing in Hauser is consistent with Jazz CEO Danny Ainge’s quest for big men that can fill it up from long distance. Ainge talked about it when asked about ways Utah can improve in his end-of-season press conference.
“I would say, maybe, shooting with size," Ainge said. "There are a lot of different ways you can win in this league. I would say that shooting we could use.”
Hauser averaged 14.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last year for the Spartans. The 6-foot-9 forward has a game tailor-made for today’s NBA with his three-point efficiency and ability to stretch the floor. In 2023, he shot 46.1% from beyond the three-point line.
The Achilles heel for the 23-year-old prospect will be on the defensive end due to a lack of athleticism. We’ll see whether Hauser has what it takes to make the opening-day roster, but at the least, he’ll get an opportunity to develop in the G-League.
Currently, the Jazz will most likely have Kelly Olynyk slotted in as the starter at the power forward position, with No. 9 overall pick Taylor Hendricks also getting starter minutes. Hauser will need to beat out Luka Samanic if he wants to see the court in 2023-24.
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