Assuming Mitchell continues to pan out and Exum develops enough to be at least an impact combo-guard off the bench (with Rubio as our starter), I think we're looking for a 6'10" / 225 lbs lengthy, two-way PF like Labissiere or essentially a version of Aaron Gordon who can dribble a bit and shoot. This was initially the appeal of DJ Wilson in this 2017 draft, but I don't think Wilson has the mental/physical toughness that it takes. I think Metu does have it, and he's improving rapidly. I think he'll go lottery in 2018 when it's said and done, probably sneaking up to or just above Robert Williams.
The Jazz should also look for a 6'7" versatile, explosive and preternatural wing talent. I really liked Josh Smith in the 2017 draft and think he'll prove to be a full echelon above Tatum. There are a few of these SF/wing prospects in the middle of the first round of 2018 where I think the Jazz will be drafting this next year. The good news about playing in the Western Conference is that you can build a good team and still end up drafting in the lottery (or in range if you can trade up a bit). Whereas, the middling EC teams will have their win total inflated by around 5 games. This is how the Jazz ended up with the 12th pick in 2015, and it's possible the Jazz will be in a similar situation if they win 40 games this year.
Regarding Gordon Hayward, I think he is ideally a facilitator and secondary scoring option. He should neither be the primary ball handler, nor be the primary scoring option. He was born to play between a solid guard (like Damian Lillard) and a dominant scoring big (like Anthony Davis). Any team that has Hayward in a more featured role is going to have a limited ceiling and won't likely make the NBA Finals. Losing out on Hayward at $32M per year is not a bad thing. It enables the Jazz to maintain flexibility and keep looking for younger, better talent.
The Jazz should also look for a 6'7" versatile, explosive and preternatural wing talent. I really liked Josh Smith in the 2017 draft and think he'll prove to be a full echelon above Tatum. There are a few of these SF/wing prospects in the middle of the first round of 2018 where I think the Jazz will be drafting this next year. The good news about playing in the Western Conference is that you can build a good team and still end up drafting in the lottery (or in range if you can trade up a bit). Whereas, the middling EC teams will have their win total inflated by around 5 games. This is how the Jazz ended up with the 12th pick in 2015, and it's possible the Jazz will be in a similar situation if they win 40 games this year.
Regarding Gordon Hayward, I think he is ideally a facilitator and secondary scoring option. He should neither be the primary ball handler, nor be the primary scoring option. He was born to play between a solid guard (like Damian Lillard) and a dominant scoring big (like Anthony Davis). Any team that has Hayward in a more featured role is going to have a limited ceiling and won't likely make the NBA Finals. Losing out on Hayward at $32M per year is not a bad thing. It enables the Jazz to maintain flexibility and keep looking for younger, better talent.
