The Utah Jazz finished as the worst team in the NBA this past season. On May 12, 2025, the Jazz hoped to be the first pick in the NBA Draft, but their wishes of achieving that were dashed as they were selected to have the 5th pick in the draft. This takes away excitement for many Jazz fans, as those who were set on getting Cooper Flagg are no longer as optimistic.
With the Dallas Mavericks getting the first pick, Flagg is projected to suit up with them after being selected first in the draft. However, the Jazz still have several prospects that they can look forward to selecting in 2025.
Tre Johnson
Johnson is currently the most projected pick for the Jazz on many draft boards. He averaged 19.9 points, 2.7 assists and 0.9 steals a game in 2024-25. Johnson is a 6-foot-5 guard from the University of Texas who can shoot over other guards thanks to his height and can play with many jabs and fakes.
The Jazz could use another scoring option, as he can play behind Keyonte George and Jordan Clarkson. Johnson’s NBA equivalents are seen as Cam Thomas, Clarkson and Terrance Shannon Jr.
Johnson won the SEC Freshman of the Year award, as well as breaking Kevin Durant’s single-game record for most points as a freshman, with 39 points against Arkansas.
Kon Knueppel
Knueppel is a freshman guard/forward from Duke who averaged 14.4 points, 4 rebounds and around 3 assists per game. Knueppel shot 40% from three this season, averaging around 5 attempts a game.
Knueppel is compared to Gradey Dick, Sam Hauser and Doug McDermott. Knueppel could play a great three-and-D role on the Jazz. The NBA is now a three-point league, so adding someone who specializes in that area would be great for Utah. With his 6-foot-7 size, he can also play the wing and be a good defender.
Egor Demin
Demin is a 6-foot-9 forward who played for one year at BYU. For his size, he has been a great passer, defender and overall playmaker at his position. In college, he averaged 10.6 points, 5.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game, as well as 1.2 steals.
His NBA comparisons include players like Josh Giddey and Anthony Black. Demin could work on his jump shooting outside the mid-range. He is great within that area, which could help the Jazz, as well as being able to make plays for a well-rounded professional team.
Ace Bailey
Bailey is a 6-foot-7 forward who played for a season at Rutgers alongside star player Dylan Harper. Bailey is touted as one of the most NBA-ready players in this draft. Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
He dominates the post as well as being able to make standing threes. Bailey has the tools to be one of the best picks this year and is projected to be one of the first picks in the draft. Bailey would fit well into Utah’s scheme, as he can dominate the paint and step outside when needed.
