Portland has gone from 33 wins to what should be 51-52.
Their situation is fairly similar to Utah's, although they have an all-star PG. Last season they had a hole at the 5 and absolutely no bench. They picked up R. Lopez and brought in better bench players. But they still have questionable depth. I'd say Utah is actually in better shape going forward IF Lindsey adds a competent wing or big via FA and the Jazz draft two decent rookies. I see no reason the Jazz SHOULDN'T be able to make a 20-25 game improvement next season.
Burke/Garrett/Neto
Hayward/Burks
?
Favors/Gobert
Kanter/?/Evans
I'm assuming Burks fills a 6th man role coming off the bench, but still getting 30+ mins. Jazz could also continue to do the same with Kanter if they get stretch-4. In any case, the Jazz should have a pretty good core with the present 5 + two 1st-round picks + 1-2 FA's, plus a developing Gobert.
If we drafted Aaron Gordon, do you think he could play the 3? I have my questions about whether Jabari is really a 3 at the next level because of defense and he's not really a 4 either which worries me. I mean, he could play the 3 but he might be a big liablilty and can you win a title with your best player being a disaster defensively.
If we can't get Wiggins, I think I like Randle, Embiid (is the back an issue?) or Exum the most. Assuming that we don't get into the top 3, and we had a chance at Randle, I would take him. He is explosive and Athletic and he has some skills. Not only that, He's young and only going to get better.
That being the case, our lineup could look like so:
Burke/Neto (hoping he's even better than garrett)/ Garrett
Nik Stauskus (stretchs the floor; I think he's gonna be a good pro)/Burks (Like the offensive off the bench)
Hayward (I like him better as a 2 as well, but he can play the 3.)/ Solid Vet (Jefferson?)/ Marvin Williams
Randle/Marvin Williams/Kanter
Favors/Kanter/ Gobert
When looking at this, I try and trade Kanter to get another asset or a nice affordable vet. I like Kanter a lot, but might be the one that does not fit. The deal would have to be right though. I would not trade him for nothing. I might also make a run at McDurmott if I can grab him because he can shoot. We just dont have too many shooters. That's why I draft Stauskus. He can really shoot it and he has put the ball on the floor a bit this year which is cool. Not bad size either at 6'6.
I really believe Favors and Randle would be a great together, especially if Randle becomes an elite passer as a big man. It would be fun to watch them too! With the right coach and the right system in place I think the team could be very formidable.