Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Utah Jazz needed shooters but they opted to go big by selecting Trey Lyles. Lyles is considered a stretch four by most NBA analysts. However, the numbers do not add up and they do not need more low post players.
The Jazz believe they can turn Lyles into a stretch four rather than a traditional post player. The Jazz were one of worst 3-point shooting teams in the league at 34.3 percent. Trey Lyles only made four 3-pointers out of 27 three-point attempts for the University of Kentucky last season. It is hard to see what he can do to improve that percentage for the Utah Jazz. He is a versatile player as well.
He is capable of playing defense because he is somewhat agile so he can guard some small forwards. However, he can’t play small forward because of his inability to shoot. Also, the Jazz need to account for how they will play Lyles.
The Jazz already have Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors. Where can Lyles play if he cannot shoot well enough to play small forward? This pick by the Utah Jazz clutters their frontcourt players.
The Jazz may like Lyles’ versatility and drive but there were shooting guards and small forwards like Devin Booker, Sam Dekker, and R.J. Hunter still available. They did not address their need for more efficient shooting or pick the most talented player on the board. That is quite concerning.
It is good that the Jazz have a lot of confidence in their ability to coach players because they have a lot work to do with Lyles. They need to get him comfortable enough to shoot from outside the paint and develop some sort of a 3-point shot. It would not be surprising if the Jazz regret this pick because Booker could have helped them now while Lyles is a two-year project.
