Fansided

NBA Draft 2018: Winners and losers

By Trevor Magnotti

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Luka Doncic speaks to the media after being selected third overall at the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kostas Lymperopoulos/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Luka Doncic speaks to the media after being selected third overall at the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kostas Lymperopoulos/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 21: Grayson Allen is selected twenty-first overall by the Utah Jazz during the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jasear Thompson/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 21: Grayson Allen is selected twenty-first overall by the Utah Jazz during the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jasear Thompson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Loser No. 4: The Utah Jazz

This year’s draft was headlined by big men, but it also featured a depth of talent at wing. The draft had several valuable players available into the late 20s — guys like De’Anthony Melton, Jacob Evans of Cincinnati, Landry Shamet of Wichita State, and Khyri Thomas of Creighton all looked like decent to good potential wings to fit on an NBA roster. All were available to the Jazz at pick 20.

Grayson Allen was not on that list, and that’s who Utah went with. Allen is a recognizable name thanks to his place in the pantheon of Most Duke Players Ever. But in terms of NBA value, it’s unclear what he does for a team. His shooting is strong but streaky, and he’s a terrible defensive player, lacking the lateral quickness, effort, and feel to consistently even contribute to good defensive play. His best NBA asset might actually be his vertical pop on the break. Which is fun, but not worth a top-20 pick in a draft that has so many talented wings in it.

Utah had the chance to bolster its rotation with another strong wing player that can help them push forward and compete. Instead they took the tripping guy.

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