Jazz Mock Roundup 3.0: Experts Predict No. 16

It’s only five days until CEO Danny Ainge makes his first draft pick since being employed by the Utah Jazz. On Friday, The Frozen Rope took a look at what the major outlets are predicting for Utah with the No. 9 overall pick.

Today, let’s examine what the same pundits are projecting with pick No. 16.

Kobe Bufkin: The Athletic

“The Jazz shouldn’t have a specific type. The goal should merely be to acquire the best talent. Bufkin ticks a ton of boxes for them in terms of size and ability to play both on and off the ball, which means they won’t have to limit themselves in any way while building the rest of the roster out. He’s seen as a possibility to be picked everywhere from No. 10 on down, so it’s hard for me to see a world where he gets past No. 17 or so. He has a shot to end up in the lottery.” — Sam Vecenie

Cason Wallace: The Ringer

“Rafael Barlow says the Jazz are targeting Keyonte George if they move up. If they can’t, then Wallace would be a great consolation prize. He’s a secondary shot creator who can share the rock and be a lockdown defender.” — Kevin O’Connor

Jalen Hood-Schifino: Sports Illustrated

“At 6-foot-6 and 213 pounds, Jalen Hood-Schifino looks the part of a modern NBA guard. However, he also possesses the skills to play on and off the ball at the next level. As a freshman at Indiana this past season, Hood-Schifino had some elite scoring performances and some games where he distributed the ball at a high level. While not the most explosive of athletes, he uses his physicality, feel for the game, and handle to get to his spots. Hood-Schifino finished the season with momentum heading into the NBA pre-draft process.” — Matt Babcock

Jordan Hawkins: ESPN

“Hawkins' range begins in the late lottery and seems to run into the late teens, offering teams a unique skill set as a movement shooter and bringing college experience off the strength of UConn's title run. The Jazz are believed to be high on him and could immediately benefit from his shooting. Should Utah wind up with a frontcourt target such as Hendricks or Walker at No. 9, it could turn to a guard here, with several big-name options possibly available. With picks Nos. 9, 16 and 28, it's feasible the Jazz could move around in various scenarios.” — Jeremy Woo

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