NBA Mock Draft 9.0: What if Blazers win the No. 1 pick; Rockets take big risk at No. 4

NBA Draft prospect Keyonte George (Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Draft prospect Keyonte George (Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect Cason Wallace (Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports)

9. Utah Jazz – Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky

Whether they’re willing to believe it or not, the Utah Jazz has a long way to go before they’re competing at a high level again in the Western Conference. The good news is that they have some nice young pieces in place and will have multiple opportunities to continue to add to that core this offseason. It begins with the NBA Draft. One prospect that they could look to take with their top 10 pick is Cason Wallace.

What I like about Wallace as somewhat of a “safe” pick for any team is the fact that if nothing else, he’s a good defender that can shoot the 3-ball at a consistent level (35 percent shooting from deep during his freshman season). If the Jazz gets a reliable 3-and-D guard with the No. 9 pick, that would be a win in the long run.

The Jazz have three first-round picks so there are many ways they could go with this first one. But in what may be a top-heavy point guard draft, it would be smart for Utah to try to snag one of the top-level talents at the position.