NBA Mock Draft: Raptors trade into top 3; Heat land star in blockbuster move

9. Utah Jazz – Kobe Bufkin, G, Michigan

The Utah Jazz is another team that could end up trading up for a player of their liking or even trading down. At this point, it’s impossible to predict how they’re going to approach their selection. However, if they do end up selecting at No. 9, Kobe Bufkin may end up being the move. Bufkin has been a late riser and at this point, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if he found a way into the top 10. Maybe the Jazz believes that he could be the replacement for Jordan Clarkson, who will likely move on from Utah in free agency.

Bufkin is coming off a sophomore season in which he showed quite the improvement, going from averaging three points per game during his freshman season to 14 this year. He also added five rebounds and three assists per game. With a need in the backcourt, it would not be surprising if Bufkin was the pick for Utah.

You can make the argument that if the Jazz wanted, they could trade down a few spots and still snag Bufkin. If he’s truly their target, it would not be surprising if they attempted to pull that off as well.