24. Utah Jazz: Tyler Lydon, Syracuse Orange
Position: Forward
Age: 21 (4/9/1996)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’9.5″, 215 pounds, 7’0″
2016-17 Slash Line: .473/.395/.836
2016-17 Season Averages: 36.1 MPG, 13.2 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.4 3PM
The Utah Jazz are in need of an upgrade at the point guard position, but it may not be worth reaching when there are better players on the board. Most are big men, but the Jazz need a versatile two-way player who can provide the ideal balance alongside All-NBA center Rudy Gobert.
The best player available is also the best fit, and that’s Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon—a player with the versatility that Quin Snyder covets.
Lydon has the skill set and athleticism to play small forward, as well as the size and length to operate from the 4. Physically, he stands at 6’10” and 215 pounds with a 7’0” wingspan, a near 9’0” standing reach, and the level of athleticism to both get around defenders and play above the rim.
Defensively, Lydon has the instincts and production of a quality contributor with the tools to not only contest shots at the rim, but create turnovers when on the perimeter.
Offensively, Lydon’s outside shot and ability to both drive the lane and go to the post makes him an ideal fit for the Jazz. If the Jazz manage to re-sign Gordon Hayward, then a combination of he, Lydon, and Gobert could make for one of the best frontcourts in the Association.
The New York Knicks will have Lydon on the radar for a potential trade, but the Utah Jazz would be too strong of a fit for this pick not to transpire.