Jazz Land Guard With 'Superstar Upside' in Latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft

The Utah Jazz could be in a prime position to some noise during this year's draft.

Mar 28, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Stephon Castle (5) dribbles the ball / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

As the 2023-24 campaign begins to wrap up for the Utah Jazz, eyes are starting to be directed toward what will take place for this team once the offseason inevitably approaches. Now that this squad is eliminated from postseason contention, it's a fair time to bust out some recent mock drafts around NBA media to see where they stand in the league.

Thanks to the recent ten-game losing streak the Jazz have embarked on, chances are Utah will retain their top-ten protected selection in the first round that would otherwise be in the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Current odds place them at the eight-best odds in the NBA but can move up or down depending on how the next month or so shakes out.

In The Ringer's latest NBA mock draft by draft expert Kevin O'Connor, he predicts the Jazz managing to jump up to the second-overall selection via lottery luck, where they can ultimately end up taking Stephon Castle from Connecticut.

O'Connor detailed his rationale on the pick for Utah, labeling the freshman as a jumbo-sized guard who can do it all and could have superstar upside."

"The Jazz have an interesting mix of young players, but that hasn’t yet translated into wins because the team is still so young, O'Connor said. "And now they’re sliding into the end of the season with a 10-game losing streak. If they trade up or get boosted here on lottery night, then Castle could be an ideal fit with Keyonte George in the backcourt. George provides dynamic playmaking ability, while Castle is a downhill attacker who brings lockdown defense. If Castle develops his jumper, then the two could end up one of the best backcourts in the NBA."

Of course, a top pick like this for the Jazz would have to stem from an extensive amount of lottery luck but remains a possibility so long as a few ping-pong balls bounce their way come May 12th. Adding an electric combo guard to Utah's mix of young players could be the perfect addition to this high-ceiling core.

Castle has had an up-and-down NCAA tournament run but possesses clear traits of what an elite NBA guard looks like. With great size, playmaking ability, and room for growth as a jump shooter, he could be an elite fit offensively next to Keyonte George for the foreseeable future.

We still stand a ways away from this summer's draft, so patience will remain key for Jazz fans as we inch closer to seeing who the next young talent will be being brought into Salt Lake City.

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