- President Donald Trump is expected to sign executive orders reducing the size of Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears national monuments on Monday.
- The monuments have shifted in size between administrations, with Trump reducing them in 2017 and President Joe Biden restoring their original boundaries in 2021.
- Environmental groups and Utah officials are divided over the potential reduction, with critics threatening legal challenges and supporters seeking more local control.
Utah
Top 3 Draft Targets for the Utah Jazz at Pick 21
The NBA Draft Lottery is right around the corner, causing the anticipation and anxiety to spread like a plague across the Salt Lake Valley. It is a pivotal moment in Utah Jazz franchise history. A chance to land a future Hall of Famer and a true potential championship caliber player in Cooper Flagg, or it is where we settle for a swing pick if we fall to 5.
Now, all we can do is wait, but what we do know is that we have another 1st round pick already set in stone, slotted at pick 21. There is plenty of talent in the draft, and the Utah Jazz have proven to be successful in selecting with later picks. From John Stockton (pick 16) to Rudy Gobert (pick 27) and more recently the promising talent in Isaiah Collier (29th) and Kyle Filipowski (32nd) — despite organizational changes — the Jazz have found talent, capitalizing on other teams’ scouting blunders.
Can the Jazz do it again this year with the 21st pick in the 2025 NBA Draft? Here are my personal top 3 picks the Utah Jazz should target at 21 (if available)!
1 – Labaron Philon | G | Alabama | 6’4 |
My Ranking: 6th | ESPN’s Ranking: 43rd
Stats: 10.6 PPG | 3.8 APG | 3.3 RPG | 1.4 SPG | 45.2% FG | 31.5% 3FG | 76.7 FT%
Player Comparisons: Rajon Rondo / Jrue Holiday / Rod Strickland / Jose Alverado
First things first, I have got to take some shots at ESPN and Jonathan Givony. Ranking Labaron Philon 43rd in their latest big board is a complete joke. He was very impactful for the Crimson Tide this whole season and played a big role in taking their team to the Elite 8 — they lost to Cooper Flagg and the rest of the Blue Devils. After their veteran guard, Latrell Wrightsell Jr, went down with a ruptured Achilles tendon in the first month of play, Labaron Philon came in and filled that secondary ball handler role next to Sears, where they won 15 of their next 16 games. I will touch on more of what Philon can do, but I just have to say that ESPN and media boards in general have criminally underrated Labaron to the point where I question credibility. 43rd, ha.
Labaron Philon is a defensive playmaker on one side of the court, and on the other, he is a pass-first, tempo-pushing point guard with a developing shot. Out of all of the draft-eligible freshmen, he is top 3 in assist-to-turnover ratio (A:TO), and of those 3, he is the tallest who also has the best defensive metrics. As I stated earlier, the shot is developing. After a rough start to the year in shooting the three-ball and free throws, Labaron Philon crawled his way back into the safe zone for prospect shooting indicators for a guard (>30% from 3 and a >75% FT). Other guards that had close to the same shooting indicators are Bradley Beal, John Wall, Anthony Edwards, Marcus Smart, Donovan Mitchell, Collin Sexton, and more. I am very optimistic that Philon will become a league-average shooter with time and repetitions. One of my favorite things about Philon is the pace at which he plays, it is slow and methodical. He reads the offense very well, he knows when to attack, and he knows where/when to make the right pass. Because he plays at such a methodical pace, it allows his teammates to run their sets cleaner, ultimately leading to the best possible look.
This draft cycle, I have been deeply valuing the importance of the ability to scale down. In a competitive team construct, being able to scale down and play off the ball has become vital to winning, especially for a guard and especially in the playoffs. Labaron Philon was in the perfect setting for practicing that skill as he played alongside Alabama star and First-Team All-American, Mark Sears. He was able to move off the ball, whether that be spotting up, cutting to the basket, or being in a position to make the quick extra pass for an open look. Philon embodied being a team player.
Why Utah?
I get the confusion; we already have a guard-heavy roster, so why would we want more? I may be on a small island when it comes to our young guards, but I am not bought in on any of our guards long-term. Isaiah Collier had a year full of ups and downs; he broke the Utah Jazz total assist record (he surpassed John Stockton), but then he shot 24.9% from 3 and 68.2% from the FT line — those percentages are not positive indicators at all that he will be a consistent league average shooter, and a smaller, non-shooting guard does not sound very appealing to me. Keyonte George hasn’t shown much outside of being a potential scorer off the bench, but he will still likely be inconsistent and a defensive liability in bigger games.
He is exactly who I wanted Sexton to be, though Sexton is an electric 3-level scorer that Philon may not reach, but Philon embodies an impact driving, more old-school/traditional scrappy guard that are guys that I fall in love with almost every draft cycle (Jalen Suggs, Cason Wallace, and Stephon Castle — I am also a huge Andrew Nembhard fan). Philon is a perfect pick-and-roll guy with any type of big man. If we can get a well-rounded guard at pick 21 who impacts winning on a higher level, then I am picking them 10 times out of 10.
2 – Carter Bryant | F | Arizona | 6’8 |
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My Ranking: 14th | ESPN’s Ranking: 18th
Stats: 6.5 PPG | 4.1 RPG | 1.0 APG | 1.9 STK/G | 46% FG | 37.1 3FG
NBA Comparisons: Jeff Green, Trevor Ariza, Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, Mikal Bridges
Carter Bryant is a swing pick that has shown plenty of production to be excited about. He is probably the 3rd best defender out of all freshmen in the draft behind Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe, nabbing a cumulative stock% of 8.6% (really good for a forward). He has an NBA-ready body with great foot speed, allowing him to keep up with quick offensive players on defense, and the athleticism to not only contest and swat shots, but offensively, he is a gifted cutter and mover off the ball. He has a relatively safe floor (ideally) as a 3&D wing with positional size, but we really did not see what he could do with the ball in his hands because of how guard-dominant Arizona was this year. Bryant totaled a usage rate of 16%, which is hardly anything — 92.3% of his made 3’s were assisted this year. What this entails is that a team could/probably fall in love with him after they bring him out for workouts. If Carter Bryant develops a game where he can create his own shot, then you are looking at a scary good player who could easily bring back top 5-10 value in the entire draft class.
Again, a player that is scalable. Carter Bryant doesn’t need to dominate the ball to be impactful, and it reflects in his production/numbers.
Why Utah?
The Utah Jazz already have a logjam at the forward position as well with the likes of Lauri Markkanen, Kyle Filipowski, Taylor Hendricks, maybe Cooper Flagg if we are lucky, and, depending on what position you believe he is, Cody Williams. However, the Utah Jazz have been the worst defensive team in the league for 2 straight seasons. If they want to get better in that area, they’d better start adding some defensive pieces to the roster, and Carter Bryant would be a great piece to that puzzle.
Carter Bryant would likely be starting in the G-League for the first part of the year if we were to draft him, much like what we did with Taylor Hendricks.
Carter Bryant was everywhere for Arizona in the opening weekend of the NCAA Tourney—defending 1-5, rotating for highlight swats, knocking down 3s, finishing ferociously at the rim, and making countless hustle plays.
Cooper Flagg and Duke await in the Sweet 16. pic.twitter.com/fQUz67ljbk
— League Him (@League_Him) March 25, 2025
3 – Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | Creighton | 7’1
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My Ranking: 18th | ESPN’s Ranking: 33rd
Stats: 19.2 PPG | 8.7 RPG | 1.5 APG | 2.7 BPG | 65.3% FG | 34.4% 3FG
NBA Comparisons: Brook Lopez / Jakob Poeltl / Donovan Clingan / Zach Edey
Despite his age, Ryan Kalkbrenner is one of the most seasoned and productive big men in the draft. A four-year anchor for Creighton and a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year in the Big East, Kalkbrenner brings elite shot-blocking instincts, strong fundamentals, and the kind of rim deterrence that instantly improves a team’s backline defense.
At 7’1” with a 7’5” -ish wingspan, he’s an imposing interior presence who doesn’t chase blocks recklessly — he stays vertical, rotates early, and clogs the paint without fouling. He’s a classic drop-coverage center who excels at funneling drivers into tough finishes.
Offensively, Kalkbrenner is efficient, physical, and poised. He shot over 65% from the field, thriving in pick-and-roll situations, as a lob target, and with short post hooks. But what really elevates his profile in a modern NBA context is his developing ability to space the floor. His 34.4% mark from three — on low volume but growing confidence — hints at legit pick-and-pop potential.
The value of a center who can shoot cannot be overstated. It unclogs driving lanes, keeps defenders honest in ball screens, and forces opposing bigs out of the paint. In a league increasingly reliant on spacing, a stretch five — even in a backup role — adds valuable lineup versatility.
Beyond scoring, Kalkbrenner is also a highly connective player. He doesn’t force touches, moves the ball quickly, and sets hard screens that open up teammates. He won’t rack up assists, but he plays within the flow of the offense and rarely makes mistakes. His processing speed and understanding of team basketball make him a low-usage, high-impact player, particularly for second units.
Why Utah?
Walker Kessler remains a strong piece for Utah’s frontcourt — an elite shot-blocker in his own right with real starter upside. But behind him, there’s room for a reliable, experienced backup who won’t disrupt the team’s identity when he checks in. Kalkbrenner fills that role seamlessly.
As a second-unit anchor, he’d bring consistent interior defense and a steady offensive presence, allowing Utah to maintain rim protection while adding more floor spacing and offensive polish than typical bench bigs. His ability to hit open threes and keep the ball moving fits well with Utah’s modern approach and young core.
Utah’s coaching staff could utilize Kalkbrenner to run second-unit pick-and-pops, giving guards space to operate while providing a safety valve around the rim. His plug-and-play skill set, experience, and floor-spacing potential make him one of the safest big men in the class, especially for teams seeking a specialized role rather than a star.
I also believe that adding a floor spacing big man to the team would allow the young guys to flourish, especially Isaiah Collier — the pick-and-pop game between the two would be incredible.
MORE PROSPECT EVALUATIONS FOR PICK 21 WILL BE ON THE WAY SOON!
Honorable Mentions (I don’t think they will fall to us):
-Collin Murray-Boyles
-Asa Newell
-Noa Essengue
I just want to wish everyone good luck in the lottery tomorrow. I am very scared, but it is out of our control (and out of the front office’s control). It is just basketball at the end of the day. May the odds be ever in our favor. GOOD LUCK!!!
Not only the Utah that we are today, but the Utah that we can choose to become.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Gabriel Meneses makes one of the limited edition flags for the United States 250th anniversary at Colonial Flag in Sandy on Monday, June 1, 2026.
President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order on Monday afternoon shrinking the size of two national monuments in Utah, which currently cover a combined 5,094 square miles, the Deseret News confirmed on background with a Utah source.
The two national monuments — Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears — have oscillated in size through the previous several presidential administrations.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was created by President Bill Clinton in September 1996. Bears Ears National Monument was created by President Barack Obama in December 2016. Both designations received a mixed reception among Utahns.
In 2017, Trump reduced Bears Ears by about 85% and Grand Staircase by about 46%.
Then when former President Joe Biden took office in 2021, he restored them to their original sizes.
Trump is expected to sign the executive orders in the Oval Office on Monday at 4:30 EST.
In a statement to the Deseret News on Friday, the White House said, “Any policy announcement will come directly from the President. This reporting about potential executive orders is pure speculation.”
National monument designations place restrictions on what recreational and economic activity residents and visitors can do on the land. The designation also prohibits anyone from pursuing new mining claims, oil and gas leasing, coal exploration or new commercial infrastructure projects.
However, the Bureau of Land Management previously found that Bears Ears and Grand Staircase have little to offer in terms of oil and gas potential, the Deseret News previously reported.
For nearly three decades since Clinton designated the first monument, Utah’s federal delegation has asked for reductions in land size for more local control, recreation and grazing.
Recently, Utah Rep. Celeste Maloy challenged the monument’s resource management plan to return to a plan the first Trump administration outlined in 2020 with help from local Utahns.
However, her bill died after missing a key deadline to make it to the Senate for a vote.
People react to the potential land reduction
Based on an initial report by ABC4, environmental groups are already vocalizing their disapproval over a potential reduction of monument land.
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance Executive Director Scott Braden described the potential executive order as “unlawful, unwise and unacceptable,” in a press release sent to the Deseret News.
“This action will only bring uncertainty and chaos to places that should instead be protected for their rich biodiversity, unique geology, and remarkable cultural values,” he wrote. Braden said SUWA was preparing to fight the executive order through lawsuits or by lobbying in Congress.
On X, former Utah state Sen. Nate Blouin referenced the land reduction in conjunction with the Babylon Fire, which as of Friday is 25% contained and has covered more than 100,000 acres in southeastern Utah.
“As the largest wildfire in the U.S. burns pristine landscapes in southeastern Utah, Trump is threatening to shrink both Grand Staircase & Bears Ears National Monuments,” Blouin wrote. “This unprecedented move is happening without input from the region’s ancestral inhabitants.
PROVO — The preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson is expected to wrap up Friday morning in Provo. But it will still be several weeks before a decision is made on whether there is enough probable cause to bind him over for trial.
Robinson, 23, is charged with 10 crimes, the most serious being aggravated murder, in the death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed on the campus of Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. A preliminary hearing is held to determine whether there is sufficient probable cause to go to trial on the charges levied against a defendant.
The Utah County Attorney’s Office finished calling their witnesses to testify on Thursday. Robinson’s defense team, who have already called two forensic experts from the FBI and ATF to testify, are expected to call one more on Friday before resting. Robinson has been attempting to cast doubt on the reliability of DNA testing, arguing that test results are subjective.
Prosecutors have objected several times to the line of questioning, arguing that it falls well outside the bounds of what is needed for a preliminary hearing. Even 4th District Judge Tony Graf warned defense attorney Michael Burt on Thursday during one line of questioning, “I feel we are exiting the orbit of probable cause.”
At the end of a preliminary hearing, both sides typically give closing arguments, and the judge decides if there is enough evidence for a defendant to proceed to trial. On Thursday, Graf granted a defense motion for each side to first submit briefs summarizing their arguments. The state will submit its brief by July 28, followed by the defense’s reply on Aug. 11 and the state’s rebuttal on Aug. 18. After that, another hearing will be held on Sept. 1 for both sides to present their cases in court.
Also on Thursday, portions of the video interview of Robinson’s roommate and boyfriend at the time of Kirk’s death, Lance Twiggs, were shown to the courtroom after much debate.
In addition, screenshots of the text messages exchanged between Twiggs and Robinson, a note Robinson left for Twiggs and messages on Discord that Robinson allegedly sent to his friend group prior to turning himself in, were all displayed in court.
For each piece of evidence introduced during the week-long hearing, Graf has had to decide:
- Whether to admit that evidence into the record;
- Whether that evidence should be shown to everyone in the courtroom;
- Whether that evidence can be filmed by the livestream camera broadcasting the hearing.
Robinson’s defense team remains adamant that broadcasting evidence to people outside the courtroom will jeopardize their client’s right to a fair trial by prejudging a future jury pool. Prosecutors want the evidence shown to everyone for the sake of transparency. Graf has compromised on several pieces of evidence by allowing them to be displayed to people in the courtroom but not on the livestream feed.
The extended debates over what evidence can be shown to the public and what is only viewed by attorneys and the judge have prompted Jeff Neiman, the attorney for Erika Kirk and the Kirk family, to address the courtroom several times, both in person and in a briefing filed Wednesday night, calling on the court to make all evidence public.
“For 10 months, the victim’s family has waited for this preliminary hearing. Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, and his grieving parents traveled to this courtroom for one reason: to be present at these proceedings and to bear witness to the evidence concerning the death of their husband and son. At certain points throughout the preliminary hearing, the Kirk family sat in the room while evidence was admitted but not presented for their viewing. They were present in body, yet denied the very thing their presence was meant to secure: their ability to meaningfully observe the preliminary hearing,” Neiman said. “The victim’s family’s position is simple. At a minimum, every exhibit entered into evidence during the preliminary hearing must be visible to every person lawfully present in the courtroom.”
Erika Kirk and Charlie Kirk’s parents have been in the courtroom all week for the preliminary hearing.
At Neiman’s request, Graf agreed that at the end of court on Friday, he will show to the courtroom only the enhanced UVU surveillance video allegedly showing Robinson’s movements across the roof of the Losee Center and when he drops off the roof and runs to a wooded area off Campus Drive. The video includes moments in which film editors zoom in on the alleged gunman and impose a red circle around him to make it easier to view. The video was originally submitted as evidence but was only shown to Graf and attorneys.
Friday’s hearing begins at 9 a.m. Watch it livestreamed here:
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