2023 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Blazers and Bulls find new life
118. . F, Duke. Utah Jazz. Dariq Whitehead. 13. player
Dariq Whitehead joined Duke as one of the most accomplished, well-rounded recruits in the nation. He was pitched as the lottery’s “high floor” guy due to his defensive toughness, enticing physical tools, and well-rounded skill set. After a bumpy start to the season — no doubt influenced by his recovery from a fractured foot, which caused him to miss time early in the campaign — we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
His efficiency has been slightly troublesome so far, but Whitehead is starting to put the pieces together and look more like the player we expected coming out of high school. He’s making more contested shots and showcasing his impressive finishing ability at the rim. He’s elevating through contact and looking the part of a high-level downhill driver.
Whitehead can operate with or without the ball, with a long enough track record of shooting from 3-point range to offset concerns about his middling numbers at Duke up to this point. He plays unselfish basketball and would fit right into Utah’s pass-friendly, movement-heavy offense.
The Jazz have several first-round picks. If there’s one weakness on the current roster, it’s a lack of size and versatility on the wing outside of Lauri Markkanen, who could be moving to the 4 spot if Jarred Vanderbilt is dealt at the trade deadline.