Utah Jazz are just one painfully obvious move away from contender status

What a strange season it’s been for the Utah Jazz. Despite their usual low profile, the Utah Jazz recently drew attention after being fined heavily for tanking. That has led to larger discussions about draft reform, which could negatively impact teams such as the Jazz.

It’s no secret that they are hoping to land a top 3 pick in this year’s star-studded draft class. The top prospects are Darryn Peterson, A.J. Dybantsa, and Cam Boozer.

As Jazz beat writer Tony Jones points out, they would have an embarrassment of riches if they were to land one of those three prospects.

The Utah Jazz’s tank fest has only one goal in mind

Utah has historically built through the draft while occasionally making smart free agent signings and trades. They did just that by acquiring Lauri Markkanen in the deal for Donovan Mitchell and drafting Ace Bailey after he slid down the draft board.

They even recently acquired star Jaren Jackson Jr. at the trade deadline, but he has already been ruled out for the rest of the season. Therefore, the Jazz have continued to aggressively tank in the hopes of striking it big in the NBA Draft lottery.

In their defense, the Jazz have historically not tanked and are hoping that this season will be a one-and-done situation. This is especially true if they land a top prospect.

The Utah Jazz have a rare opportunity they can’t pass up.

Utah are hoping that by tanking this season, they can reload and quickly return to contention next season. They have been more aggressive than in years past, but they only need a top three pick in this year’s draft to make that happen.

If they were to strike gold and end up with, say, the second pick, then they could add Dybantsa. He is currently playing at BYU, which is in Utah, and he has received strong praise for his size, skill, and athleticism.

At the very least, it would make for a fascinating three-forward lineup featuring Keonte George, Dybantsa, Markkanen, Jackson Jr., and Walker Kessler.

Bailey wouldn’t even start in that scenario but could provide plenty of scoring at forward coming off the bench.

The NBA has incentivized the Jazz to tank

Given the current NBA rules, the Jazz would be foolish not to tank. Doing so allows them a chance to land a future superstar while also having two All-Stars currently on their roster. Those opportunities don’t happen every day, and certainly not for the Jazz.

The NBA can be mad at how Utah is going about taking. They have every right to be. However, if the Jazz ultimately land a top three pick and are significantly better next year, then them tanking will have been more than worth it.

Therefore, Utah must continue to tank in the hopes that it could pay off and make them a contender next season.