The NBA has seen a number of big changes in recent years. With the league’s first ever female head coach, the NBA is set to usher in an era of change that will be felt throughout all facets of the game.
The 1 pleasant surprise standing out early in 2021 NBA training camp is a new article on ESPN.com that discusses how the Chicago Bulls have been able to sign two players from the 2019 draft class. Read more in detail here: when does the nba season start.
The Utah Jazz smartly selected Jared Butler with the 40th selection in this year’s NBA draft, and he’s been outstanding so far – one of the major surprises in the early days of Utah’s 2021 training camp, particularly in the preseason. Butler has averaged 19 points per game in the Jazz’s last two exhibition games.
| @J hooper11 @J hooper11 @J hooper11 @J hooper11 @J
pic.twitter.com/2xXj6lTEDj 22p | 4a | 3 3pm | 1r pic.twitter.com/2xXj6lTEDj
October 7, 2021 — utahjazz (@utahjazz)
Butler has showed glimpses of his three-point ball in addition to his numbers. He was 3/7 from beyond the arc and 9/18 from the field. His speed and ability to just dominate the game for the Jazz are the greatest aspects of his game. Yes, it’s only preseason, but this is a promising indication for Butler, who will undoubtedly compete for a place in the Jazz’s rotation.
Last August, I discussed why Butler was such a bargain for the Jazz. In college, he was the top scorer on his championship team, shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range and 78 percent from the free-throw line (he got to the line often). In his last season, he averaged 16.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, all of which were greater than his teammate Davion Mitchell, who was selected seventh overall in this year’s draft. Butler’s drop to the 40th selection was unexpected, but hey, at least he’s in a winning situation now.
Furthermore, Jazz fans should be pleased with Butler’s preseason shooting performance. He’s doing it on his own time and with step-back threes. His self-assurance and maturity are clearly evident. Quin Snyder’s style, in which the burden is spread from every position, will be ideal for his scoring abilities.
So, Jared Butler’s main skill is basketball photography. twitter.com/4PdwmMzZ7y
— Tyler (The Gobert Era) (@SacreBleu27) 8th of August, 2021
Butler’s defense was particularly strong during his college years, which adds to the excitement. In his last season, he recorded a 3.7 percent steal rate (the best of any candidate in this year’s draft) and a 1.3 percent block percentage. He has the ability to be a two-way player who can even fill in for injured Donavan Mitchell or Jordan Clarkson. Butler must first earn his minutes, which he is done thus far in the preseason.
Butler’s next stage is to demonstrate his playmaking and off-ball skills. He accomplished it at Baylor, and he’ll have to do it again if he wants to win the Jazz’s coaching staff’s confidence. Utah likes to run pick and rolls, which Butler can excel at. In the pick and roll, he’s a dependable passer who can locate the roller in the proper place. Butler, in addition to his fit system, has the ability to score in a variety of ways, including floaters, jumpers, and finishing at the rim. His attacking abilities are already above average for a rookie.
Butler’s growth and reputation may benefit if he can improve his game and make a strong argument for more quality minutes. Although he may not play a lot of minutes right immediately, the Baylor product seems to have already impressed Utah.
