With six first-round picks combined, these two teams couldn’t be more excited about this year’s NBA Draft.
The Utah Jazz and the Indiana Pacers are tied for the most first-round picks of any team in the 2023 NBA Draft, with three picks each. The Jazz have the No. 9, No. 16, and No. 28 pick in the first round, while the Pacers have the No. 7, No. 26, and No. 29 pick.
The Jazz ended last season 37-45, finishing 12th in the Western Conference. Despite not qualifying for the playoffs, the organization seems hopeful about its future. With Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell gone, the Utah Jazz’s new cap space and first-round picks give them hope heading into this year’s NBA Draft.
According to Jazz owner Danny Ainge, “It’s going to be a lot more fun this year.” He continued, “More draft picks. More money. Shopping spree.” Not only did the Jazz free up cap space after trading away Gobert and Mitchell, but they also acquired valuable draft assets for years to come. In fact, Jared Koch reports they have 14 total upcoming first-round picks in the next six seasons.
How will the Utah Jazz use their three NBA Draft first-round picks?
With three first-round picks and returning players like Colin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler, the Utah Jazz are tough to ignore. Given their options compared to other teams, it’s not unreasonable to think that they could accelerate their rebuilding, even more, come draft night. In a deep draft loaded with talent, Utah could use these first-round picks and increased cap space to their advantage.
Could Utah be discontent with waiting around until the No. 9 pick? Will they look to trade up for a higher pick, possibly giving up one or two of their other first-round picks in return? Or could they trade down, add to their cap space, and aim to make an even bigger splash in free agency?
With these first-round picks, Utah can attract talented young players and build a more competitive roster. Ultimately, Jazz fans’ faith should be restored, as this rebuild looks to be something serious.
How will the Indiana Pacers use their three first-round NBA Draft picks?
The Pacers finished last season 35-47 and have missed the playoffs for the past three seasons. They look to turn things around this offseason with help from some young stars and their three first-round picks.
Point blank: The Pacers are poised for a productive offseason. Between Halliburton, Hield, and Turner, the Pacers only spend around $46 million. Now that’s what I call a bargain. The Pacers have made it clear that Halliburton is their guy. So, once Halliburton’s rookie contract is up, and pending an inevitable raise, the Pacers should still have a ton of cap space to play with.
The Pacers have proven role players in TJ McConnell, Chris Duarte, and Daniel Theis. Any one of these three players could be put on the trading block and used to entice other teams come draft night. According to an NBA Insider’s recent report, the only certainty with the upcoming NBA Draft is that Indiana is in the market for a starting power forward. With that said, we’ll just have to wait until June 22nd to find out which power forward that will be.
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