Jazz Mock Roundup 3.0: Experts Predict No. 28

There’s been a lot of chatter about who the Utah Jazz will be taking at pick No. 9, and 16, but let’s not forget about the No. 28 selection. In what’s considered one of the deepest drafts in NBA history, there should be some difference-makers available late into the night.

Let’s take a look at what the experts are predicting for Utah with the 28th pick.

Dariq Whitehead: The Ringer

“It’s possible that Whitehead would be a steal at this point in the draft. He was a top high school recruit and got set back by an injury in college, but he finished strong. He also underwent a second foot surgery this month.” — Kevin O’Connor

Brandin Podziemski: The Athletic

“Podziemski is one of the cycle’s risers. He was a tremendous scorer this past season at Santa Clara, has a tremendous feel for the game and consistently makes sharp passing reads. The shooting is a critical skill, as Podziemski made 43.8 percent of his 3s this past season and is a knockdown shooter when left open. The big question is what he brings defensively, and I’m extremely skeptical of him. He plays hard and with a motor, plus he’s competitively wired.” — Sam Vecenie

Colby Jones: Sports Illustrated

“At 6-foot-6 and 205 lbs, Xaviers Colby Jobes possesses versatility by being able to defend multiple positions while also providing capabilities as a playmaker on the offensive end. Furthermore, Jones combined his defensive talent and ability to create open looks for teammates while finishing at a high rate inside the arc and beyond the three-point line, albeit on a relatively low volume. Through his solid play this season, Jones has put himself in a great position regarding the draft. — Matt Babcock

Maxwell Lewis: ESPN

"Lewis still appears to have a wide range, having intrigued teams with his skills and scoring potential, but also leaving something to be desired in his readiness to contribute. His unique development trajectory and relative lack of high-level game experience can be argued either in his favor or against it, but there are teams who view him as a compelling long-term project. The question surrounding Lewis is where in the draft is he worth the risk. At this point in the first round, a team with multiple picks like Utah can be justified in taking a swing. — Jeremy Woo

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