Utah Jazz and the 2025 NBA Draft: A Fresh Start
Top Choices for Utah Jazz's Number 5 Pick in the 2025 NBA Draft: A Closer Look
It was a dismal season for the Utah Jazz, with a win-loss record of 17-65, making them the worst in the NBA during the 2024-25 season. With that less-than-stellar performance, the franchise has set its sights on a brighter future by securing a top-five pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Despite their hopes of landing Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper, the fifth overall pick might have dashed those dreams. Yet, there's still a compelling draft class to choose from, with potential game-changers up for grabs.
Blue-Chip Talents on the Horizon
V.J. Edgecombe
Although selecting fifth overall might be a slight disappointment for Jazz fans, the team might still have a chance to grab a promising blue-chip prospect like V.J. Edgecombe. As a standout for Baylor University, Edgecombe has demonstrated his potential as a versatile 3-and-D player—an invaluable asset for a playoff contender.
With the Bears, Edgecombe averaged an impressive 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, shooting 43.6% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc. His athleticism shone through, making him a threat on both ends of the court. Apart from being an offensive force, Edgecombe showcased his defensive skills, averaging 2.1 steals per game with a 3.8 steal percentage.
Despite being undersized and needing work offensively, Edgecombe's tools make him a promising addition to the Jazz's rotation as a defensive playmaker. He has the potential to improve offensively and create his own shots, while his ability to make life tough for opposing guards would be a valuable asset for Utah's defense.
Tre Johnson
If Utah is aiming for an elite scorer in the draft, they may find their answer in a player like Tre Johnson. Johnson became a star for the University of Texas, where he racked up an average of 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, with a 42.7% field goal percentage and an efficient 39.7% from beyond the arc.
Exhibiting a knack for outside shooting, Johnson is a deadly threat from the perimeter, whether it's in catch-and-shoot situations or pull-up jumpers. While shooting is always a welcome asset in the NBA, it's crucial for Utah that Johnson improves other facets of his game, such as his defense and finishing around the rim. However, with Flagg and Harper seemingly out of reach, Johnson could still be a solid consolation prize.
Kasparas Jakucionis
Even with some promising young guards already on the roster, the Utah Jazz can't ignore the potential of Lithuanian prospect Kasparas Jakucionis. In his rookie season with the University of Illinois, Jakucionis averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, shooting 44% from the field.
Jakucionis is a high-IQ playmaker who thrives off screens, making him an ideal fit alongside Walker Kessler. He also has excellent size for a guard at 6-foot-6, leading to possible mismatches. As a potential on-court general, Jakucionis possesses the tools to set the table for his teammates, making him an intriguing option for the Jazz.
Despite being a top-10 prospect, Jakucionis still has areas to work on, particularly his tendency to turn the ball over. He struggled to create opportunities for himself without a screen, a skill he'll need to develop to thrive at the NBA level. However, if coach Will Hardy can help mask his weaknesses or guide his development, Jakucionis' ceiling is limitless.
With potential stars like Edgecombe, Johnson, and Jakucionis on the horizon, the Utah Jazz may have found some hope for the future in the 2025 NBA Draft. Although they'll have to settle for the fifth overall pick, there are still promising prospects to choose from that could contribute to turning their fortunes around.
The Utah Jazz might find solace in the promising blue-chip prospect V.J. Edgecombe, who showcased his versatile skills as a 3-and-D player during his tenure at Baylor University. Tre Johnson, a star shooter from the University of Texas, could also serve as an elite scorer for the Jazz, providing them with a deadly threat from the perimeter. Kasparas Jakucionis, a high-IQ Lithuanian playmaker with size advantages, could potentially become an on-court general for Utah, setting the table for his teammates. Regardless of whom they choose, the Utah Jazz may have discovered some promising prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft that could contribute to their journey towards a brighter future.
