2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks land difference-maker, Victor Wembanyama heads East

28. Utah Jazz (via 76ers) select Colby Jones

Expect the Jazz to load up on wings in this class. They already have their power forward in Lauri Markkanen, and the draft lacks true point guards. Utah is going to need multiple wings in their rotation if they plan on contending, and this class has plenty. The Jazz already drafted Cam Whitmore and Dariq Whitehead before going for a third here.

Jones feels safe and NBA-ready. The 20-year-old averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in 34.0 minutes per game during his junior season at Xavier. He made over 50 percent of his field goals and shot 37.8 percent from 3-point range. His ability to handle the ball, make plays, shoot, and defend makes him a high floor, low ceiling prospect.

Jones is a 6’6 wing that made just 30.3 percent over his 99 3-point attempts during his first two college seasons. Can he make this year’s improvement the new normal? The 20-year-old needs that outside shooting to play a consistent role in an NBA rotation immediately, so it will be interesting to see how his jumper translates to the next level.

Will Utah shoot for more upside as they start their rebuild? The franchise certainly could, but expect Colby Jones to go somewhere in the late first or early second round with a shot to crack an NBA rotation as a rookie.