Jazz Have League’s 4th Best Draft Assets According to NBA Media

After repeated trial and error with the All-Star pairing of G Donovan Mitchell and C Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz made their ultimate decision to trade the pairing in blockbuster deals to acquire some massive draft capital an offseason ago.

Fast-forward a year later, the decision to make the move for the future looks better and better each day. Stockpiled with over ten first-round picks across the next five drafts, Utah is locked and loaded to have a continuous stream of talented, young players to add to this roster for the next half-decade.

The stockpile on hand has merited some respect around the league, ranking the Jazz at 4th in terms of future draft assets, according to Bleacher Report. The only teams managing to rank above Utah were the New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus gives some background to his rank along with some of what the Jazz are working with in coming summers:

"Utah still owes a first to the Thunder in a deal that helped shed Derrick Favors' contract; The pick is top-10 protected in 2024—which may come down to the wire this next season if the Jazz can build upon last year's campaign. Otherwise, the franchise has a bunch of firsts back from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves, plus an extra from the Los Angeles Lakers for taking on Russell Westbrook's contract before the last trade deadline. The Jazz don't have many seconds, but their surplus of firsts makes up for it."

One of the most prominent developments to come surrounding Utah’s draft assets may be the possession of their first-rounder for 2024. The Jazz still have the chance to land a top-ten prospect next summer, but any placement within the West’s Play-In Tournament would take them out of any contention for ownership of their pick.

Even considering the potential of being left without a first-round pick next offseason, the Jazz are in an amazing spot for the next few years. For instance, the summer of 2027 is one to keep a keen eye on, potentially delivering the Jazz four first-rounders at their disposal. Whether or not these picks develop into eventual trade assets or draftees remains to be seen, but it’s exciting capital to have nonetheless.

Entering into the 2023-24 NBA season, the amount of success the Jazz may season is still very much unknown. A tight and unpredictable Western Conference could lead to a variety of outcomes with this talented yet inexperienced core. Therefore, a few more positive drafts might be for this roster to truly be a perennial contender.

Long-term and sustainable success will be in store for the Jazz, but fans will have to remain patient in the process to put the pieces together.

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