Profiling the Utah Jazz Pre-Draft Workout Invitees

The league is buzzing with NBA Draft anticipation, and the Utah Jazz find themselves in the middle of conversations. If Washington takes AJ Dybantsa with the first pick, will the Jazz take Darryn Peterson? If the Wizards start the draft by taking Peterson, will the Jazz take the hometown hero Dybantsa? Does Cameron Boozer belong in the conversation, considering that he is the son of Jazz legend Carlos Boozer? Are there any prospects to consider with the second pick? All of these questions will be answered in two weeks. Conversations surrounding potential prospects who could be taken with the second pick are warranted, but what about prospects who are not expected to be taken in the first round? Which players have the Jazz brought in for pre-draft workouts?

Two interesting names that appear on the list are Arkansas guard Darius Acuff and Louisville guard Mikel Brown. Both players are projected lottery picks, but neither has been in the second overall pick discussion. It is common for organizations to bring in players for workouts even if they are not projected to align with the organization's draft board and draft slot. Utah seems to be doing its due diligence by bringing in Acuff and Brown, and it does not seem indicative of any intention of drafting either player second overall or possibly trading down in the draft.

While the Jazz do not currently have a second-round pick, these prospects are worth profiling for potential undrafted signees, two-way players, or Summer League roster additions. One intriguing player that has worked out for the Jazz is Saint John's (NY) big man Zuby Ejiofor. A two-year starter for Rick Pitino, Ejiofor impressed with his defensive versatility, offensive rebounding, and playmaking. He is able to switch or hedge on-ball screens effectively and communicates well with teammates as an off-ball defender. At 6 foot 9, 245 pounds, he is quite comfortable playing tight defense against guards. He looks like a natural point-of-attack defender who could become a valuable asset and culture builder as a two-way level player.

Another noteworthy prospect to work out for the Jazz is Miami guard Tre Donaldson. 

"(I want to show) my personality, my leadership skills, things that they don't get to see every day or on the court as much, or hear," Donaldson told The Rookie Wire's Cody Taylor. "So, just the way I talk, my vocals, the way I encourage others, and the way I can bring everybody together, I feel like that's what I want to show teams and how I can be that glue guy." Donaldson signed with Auburn as a four-star safety and point guard. His safety skills certainly show up on the basketball court through his intensity and toughness, while he still shines as the quarterback of the offense with his playmaking skills. Both Donaldson and Ejiofor would be quality developmental pieces with NBA-ready skillsets.