Jazz's 3 Best Draft Options if Lottery Lands at No. 4 Overall

The Utah Jazz will get closure on their lottery pick in just four days, with a 20.2% chance of landing in the top four. Most of The Frozen Rope’s focus has been on the candidates that are projected to be drafted in the 7-10 range, but what if Utah lands in the No. 3 or No. 4 slot?

It’ll be a selection up for debate, assuming Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson won’t be there for the taking. Let’s examine which players would be the best fit for the Jazz.

Brandon Miller | Alabama

Miller's stock has gone down a tad due to an underwhelming performance in the NCAA tournament but still remains a top-four selection in almost all the rankings. In fact, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Miller could be taken with the No. 2 pick overall, leaving Henderson available at No. 3.

What makes Miller stand out are not only his metrics (6-foot-9 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan), but an offensive skill set that’s NBA-ready. Miller shot 38% from long distance and was an 86% free-throw shooter.

Shooting off the dribble, stretching the floor for his teammates, and an elite mid-range game is going to make Miller a day-one starter if selected by Utah. Pairing the Alabama standout with Lauri Markkanen at the forward position would be quite the two-headed monster in Utah's offensive half-court sets.

In terms of a comp, think of a Paul George-type player who's longer. Other than Wembanyama, expect Miller to make the biggest impact in 2023-24.

Amen Thompson | Overtime Elite

Thompson has versatility and metrics franchises are looking for in today's NBA. Standing at 6-foot-7 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he can play and guard multiple positions.

A trio of Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Thompson would give Jazz CEO Danny Ainge an impressive foundation on the defensive side of the ball. Ainge eluded that defense will be a focal point this offseason.

“But like Will [Hardy] said in his press conference—we need to get better defensively,” Ainge said.

Thompson will need to work on his jump shot, but will have time to develop that part of his game over time.

Cam Whitmore | Villanova

Whitmore is arguably the best athlete in the 2023 draft class — which is saying a lot. Another player that can play the three or four, Whitmore would give the Jazz more options with Markkanen.

Whitmore's strengths are the ability to create a shot out of nothing and elite athleticism. Also, out of all the players mentioned, he has a body that’s most NBA-ready, coming in at 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds.

In transition, Whitmore is impossible to stop with his ability to create and play above the rim. He was adequate from long distance but will need to work on that part of his game at the next level. As far as a comparison, think OG Anunoby with a higher ceiling.

Bottom Line

If Lady Luck shines on Utah on Tuesday day night with the three or four selection, I’d take Miller, then Thompson. It could be a game changer in terms of Utah’s trajectory of competing for a championship.

Also, keep in mind the best Utah can do without a top-four pick is No. 8. Fingers crossed.

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