Trade our first rounder to OKC for Waiters... Okay that was my last troll concerning that until the season. Also, I think OKC has done a great job this offseason. You likely upgraded your coaching staff and selected the best player you could have asked for at 14.
As for the Jazz, obviously we aren't going to sign any premier free agents any time soon. The one that we have an okay shot of landing, Paul Millsap, is also the one we shouldn't be signing. If he would sign, Danny Green would be a really nice fit, but I still think we are going to have to keep our books clean as much as possible to make sure we can resign Gobert, Hayward (player option after year 3), etc.
The Jazz's biggest weakness is at the point guard position, but it's also their position with the highest upside. You don't draft Exum knowing that he's going to be a three year project just to replace him with somebody like Patrick Beverly. The fact that he's such a fantastic defensive point guard allows you to keep him on the floor and still be competitive. I believe the Jazz were 27-13 with him as the starting point guard. Trey Burke likely isn't going to amount to anything, but if we can't sign/trade for an obvious upgrade who can split time with Exum ala Jrue Holliday, George Hill, etc. then we are probably better off just keeping Burke for another year.
Our biggest upgrade this year will be getting Alec Burks back. His raw numbers don't suggest a player that is very efficient, but he's 44% catch and shoot from 3 and is extremely good at getting to the line. Essentially he's the perfect 6th man and the Jazz need someone like him for when Hayward is on the bench. I'm also a huge Rodney Hood fan. In his limited time (due to injuries) he had one of the highest PPP running the pick and roll. He also can and should develop into more of a consistent three point threat which makes him a sensible starting option at the two guard. The Jazz have three ball handlers on the wings and that's important to mitigate the pressure on Exum. The Jazz do need to add a shooter somewhere though, which is why Danny Green or Holliday would make a lot of sense.
Our front court is one of the best in the NBA. Even with the spacing issues, the Jazz still had an average offensive efficiency post the Kanter trade. If and when we make the playoffs that may become an issue, but for now I think the plan is to embrace the defensive identity. The Jazz should be a heavy favorite to be the best defensive team in the league this year, alongside Golden State.
My homer pick: I think the Jazz and Wolves have the best young cores in the league.
