NBA Utah Jazz

Jordan Hamilton Acquisition Improves Depth For Utah Jazz

Fresh Videos

By @mrmarykateolsen

Jordan Hamilton Utah Jazz Carrick Felix NBA Free Agency

NBAE/Getty Images

Earlier this week, the Utah Jazz added swingman Jordan Hamilton to their roster just days in advance of their first regular season game. Hamilton had been with the Toronto Raptors this preseason, but he was one of the team’s final cuts, enabling the Jazz to make the signing. Although Hamilton will now be playing catch-up as he learns coach Quin Snyder‘s system on the fly, the move will ultimately improve the team’s depth.

Initially, it was expected that the team would retain SG Carrick Felix, who was acquired in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers this past summer. Felix came with a guaranteed contract and the Jazz had expressed a desire to transform him into a three-and-D, Bruce Bowen-type player. Unfortunately, an injury early in training camp delayed Felix’s progress, and he was never really able to get things going in exhibition play.

In Hamilton, the club should see a marked improvement in their wing depth. A former first-round draft choice, Hamilton has consistently shown an ability to connect from three-point range throughout his NBA career. In 126 games, he’s made good on just under 36 percent of his attempts, a respectable number and a rate well beyond what could have been expected from Felix. He also provides better size, checking in at 6-foot-7 and 220 pounds.

Unfortunately for me, this probably means that Hamilton will take some of Ian Clark‘s minutes at shooting guard after I predicted that Clark could be a contributor for the Jazz this year. Clark should still see time at the point, but minutes at the backup two and three spots will primarily be divided among Hamilton, Rodney Hood and Dante Exum.

Throughout the preseason, it had become increasingly clear that bench play would be an issue for Utah this year. With the addition of Hamilton, as well as Aussie Joe Ingles, that issue may have become just a little less daunting for Snyder and the Jazz.

Ryan Aston covers the Utah Jazz for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @MrMaryKateOlsen or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on