Utah
Jazz 2024 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Utah Adds Elite Defensive Wing in Top 10
We now sit just over a month until the 2024 NBA Draft arrives later this summer, and with the lottery reveal behind us, we have some improved knowledge about how this process could soon go down for the Utah Jazz.
By holding two first-round picks (one landing at the tail end of the top ten), and a top second-rounder at number 32, there’s immense potential for a significant class to soon be in store for the Jazz. Still, the top of this year’s group of prospects is largely unpredictable, and one that may take a couple of extra weeks to completely iron out.
With the results of the 2024 NBA Lottery in, though, we can throw out some early guesses as to how things could end up falling if the selection process started today. Here’s an early prediction of how the top ten picks could fall, and who the Jazz could end up getting their hands on at tenth overall:
1. Atlanta Hawks: Alex Sarr, C, Australia
The future of the Hawks is a bit up in the air this offseason, but winning the lottery after entering with 3% odds to do so is a big help. Sarr can be a great big to pair alongside Trae Young or Dejounte Murray with his length, versatility, and two-way ability.
2. Washington Wizards: Nikola Topic, PG, Serbia
The Wizards need to find some stability in the backcourt. With the future of Tyus Jones in flux and a shaky season from Jordan Poole, a guard makes sense here for Washington. Topic is one of the elite playmakers and finishers of this draft with the potential to be a high-level guard with an improved shot.
3. Houston Rockets: Zaccharie Risacher, SF, France
Thanks to the James Harden trade, the Rockets are set up with a golden opportunity to add a premier player in the class with a top-three pick. Risacher projects to be a lengthy 3&D threat that can fit seamlessly into this budding Houston core.
4. San Antonio Spurs: Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky
It’s no secret that the Spurs could benefit from a guard early in this draft, and with a top-five pick, they have a chance to secure one of the best on the board. Dillingham can be a reliable scoring guard to pair next to Rookie of the Year winner Victor Wembanyama to terrorize opposing defenses for years to come.
5. Detroit Pistons: Matas Buzelis: PF, G-League Ignite
After entering the lottery with odds at the top spot on the board, the Pistons suffered a brutal fate by sliding down to fifth. They still manage to secure a strong prospect in Buzelis, who can be an interesting fit next to Cade Cunningham with his size and ability as a playmaker.
6. Charlotte Hornets: Stephon Castle, PG, UConn
The Hornets could benefit from a secondary ball handler and playmaker next to LaMelo Ball, and a selection of Castle would inevitably bring that. After a national champion run with the Huskies, the 6-foot-6 combo guard can be a stellar two-way fit in the Hornets’ set of guards.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Cody Williams, SF, Colorado
The Trail Blazers ended last season as one of the league’s worst offensive teams, finishing with a 29th-ranked offensive rating of 107.6. Williams would bring a much-needed lift to this rebuilding Portland unit as one of the more versatile offensive players in this year’s draft.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Reed Sheppard, SG, Kentucky
With the Spurs’ pick of his Kentucky backcourt mate earlier in the first round, it only makes sense for San Antonio to double-dip on the Wildcats by adding Sheppard here at eight. As one of the most elite shooters in college basketball last season, he can bring an immediate impact to this team who could be looking to compete in the West sooner rather than later.
9. Memphis Grizzlies: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
After trading away Steven Adams this past season, the Grizzlies could use another big defender to help former DPOY Jaren Jackson. Clingan can enter as an elite rim protector with 7-foot-2 size to create a scary shot-blocking tandem in the frontcourt for Memphis.
In this scenario, the board ends up falling in favor of the Jazz to land a player that not only presents a high upside moving forward but fits some of Utah’s overwhelming team needs. Ron Holland is a prospect whose stock has been up and down throughout the past year, and while he ends up falling to ten here, make no mistake that he can be one of the best in this class.
The most outstanding trait Holland possesses is his defense, which would prove to be a perfect fit for a Jazz team that ranked dead last in the NBA in defensive rating. He’s 6-foot-8, providing the size and length this Utah front office has recently coveted, and can fit nicely into a frontcourt next to Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler.
The positive attributes are there, but it’s hard not to mention the shooting struggles Holland endured throughout the past year. During his one season in the G-League Ignite, he shot a poor 24.0% from deep on 3.6 attempts per game. He still ended up averaging over 20 points a night with the lack of a three-ball, but he’ll need to find more consistency to be reliable at the NBA level.
Luckily for Holland, he could join a roster in Utah with many young scoring options to lean on as he develops his shot-making ability for himself. His defensive prowess would merit enough reason for him to gain considerable playing time off the bat and can be a contributor as a defensive stopper pretty immediately.
It’s nearly impossible to project what the Jazz may end up doing with their top ten picks with an unpredictable executive like Danny Ainge running the show, but if the board falls this way, it’s difficult to see Utah pivoting off of a talent like Holland.
All answers will be revealed for the Jazz’s selection when the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft kicks off on Wednesday, June 26th.
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Utah
Players Arizona Should Watch on Utah’s Women’s Team
Lani White — Senior Guard (13.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG)
At the top of Utah’s roster is Lani White, the team’s leading scorer and one of its most versatile weapons. White is averaging 13.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, showing she can score both from the perimeter and in transition, while also crashing the glass effectively. Her shooting splits this season, including 41.1% from three and nearly 80% at the free-throw line, which makes her a multi-faceted scoring threat.
White’s ability to hit tough jumpers and attack closeouts will test Arizona’s perimeter defense. Her rebounding numbers are also notable for a guard, meaning she could create extra offensive possessions and limit second-chance opportunities for the Wildcats.
Arizona will need to be disciplined in its rotations to prevent White from getting easy shots off screens or in catch-and-shoot situations.
Maty Wilke — Senior Guard (9.2 PPG, 2.8 APG)
Another key veteran presence for Utah is Maty Wilke. Wilke finds a lot of ways to impact the game, giving Utah a reliable offense and playmaking. Her ability to score — particularly from deep — adds spacing to Utah’s offense, and she has been an efficient shooter this year.
Wilke’s experience is especially important in late-game situations. She can handle the ball under pressure and make plays for herself or others, which puts pressure on Arizona’s defensive switches and helps Utah maintain offensive flow. Preparing for Wilke’s mobility and decision-making will be a priority for Arizona, especially in denying her rhythm from behind the arc.
Avery Hjelmstad — Guard (9.0 PPG)
Rounding out the top trio is freshman guard Avery Hjelmstad, who has quickly become a go-to scoring option. Hjelmstad is averaging nine points per game, providing Utah with scoring punch beyond its senior leaders. Her size and offensive instincts make her a matchup problem, particularly when she gets downhill or operates off the catch.
Although still early in her collegiate career, Hjelmstad’s impact cannot be understated. She helps diversify Utah’s scoring threats, meaning Arizona’s defense can’t just focus on shutting down White and Wilke. Arizona will need to communicate effectively on switches and close out hard-to-contest Hjelmstad’s perimeter attempts.
Why These Players Matter in the Utah-Arizona Matchup
Collectively, these three players embody Utah’s balanced offensive attack. White’s scoring and rebounding, Wilke’s shot-making and experience, and Hjelmstad’s emerging scoring ability present multiple challenges for Arizona’s defense.
Utah’s offensive success this season has hinged on spreading the floor, moving the ball, and taking advantage of open looks, something these players excel at.
For Arizona to succeed, it will need to disrupt Utah’s rhythm early, contest shots at the perimeter, and also win the battle on the boards to limit second-chance points. Keeping White in check, forcing Wilke into tough decisions, and closing out aggressively on Hjelmstad could go a long way toward tipping the balance in Arizona’s favor.
Facing these threats won’t be easy, but how Arizona defends them will likely be a major storyline in this Big 12 clash.
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Utah
2025-26 Gamethread #35: New Jersey Devils at Utah Mammoth
The Matchup: New Jersey Devils (19-14-1) at the Utah Mammoth (17-16-3).
The Broadcast: TV — MSGSN 2, Devils Hockey Radio
The Rules: If you have been a reader here, you already know the rules. But for the rest, a reminder: please do not swear in the comment section, and keep comments relevant to the hockey game going on. Beyond that, do not attack any other commenters, and do not ask for or pass along illegal streams on this board.
Utah
Man accused of killing Charlie Kirk files motion to disqualify Utah County Attorney’s Office from prosecuting case
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