How Does the Utah Jazz Young Core Stack Up to Other Rebuilding Teams?

The Utah Jazz rebuild is in its third season and now has two years of all-in NBA Draft experience to stand upon. 

In those two years, the Jazz have seemingly flipped the draft order on its head, with its top-10 picks underwhelming to this point in their young careers (with respect to Hendricks' season-ending injury, he seemed to have improved marginally in his second year), and having selected its best young players in the later half of the first round into the second round.

Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, Brice Sensabaugh, and Kyle Filipowski have each been steals relative to their respective draft positions, with George and Collier boasting some of the best assist numbers in the past two drafts and Sensabaugh and Filipowski proving to be solid contributors when called upon.

Even Markkanen and Sexton could technically be considered part of their young core -- though for the sake of this exercise, their inclusion isn't necessary.

But building a contender demands learning from Utah's NBA neighbors. The Jazz aren't the only squad building through the draft, and it's time to consider how their young core stacks up in comparison to other youth-heavy rosters.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards are the worst team in basketball at the moment, still searching for their 10th win of the season over 50 games through. That's not to say their roster has no merit, however, as the previous NBA Draft has provided two players with real upside in Alex Sarr and Bub Carrington.

While still struggling to develop reliable consistency in their games, these are two players who could thrive one day in the NBA. Utah's core remains notably stronger.

Orlando Magic

Orlando has many impressive youth to lean upon, and in the Sunshine State, the kids are alright with their centerpieces Paulo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs leading the way. Even Anthony Black has had his moments since joining the roster. Offensively challenged, yes, but a formidable group that could wreak havoc upon the league for years to come. 

Utah lacks the All-Star talent of a Banchero and will seek their pillar in the upcoming draft.

Detroit Pistons

A scrappy bunch of young players finally released from the questionable output of Monty Williams, Cade Cunningham is one of basketball's most fascinating youth, with an ever-growing network of Ausaur Thompson, Jaden Ivey (another victim of the injury demon), and Jalen Duran, the Pistons are firmly in the playoff picture in a much improved season.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs are incredibly fortunate to be granted the great honor of housing Victor Wembanyama. Frankly, the Spurs' young core is not all too impressive outside of the aforementioned French phenom. Sochan, Vassell, and Johnson are all good, though not amazing options alongside Wemby, but Stephon Castle could be a special player moving forward.

Securing a generational talent is all it takes sometimes, and the right pick in the next few drafts could elevate Utah into the perfect spot.

Rebuilds take time, but if the Jazz can come away with the likes of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, AJ Dybantsa, or Darryn Peterson this may be a truly special squad to watch for. Still a long way to go, but a promising road ahead.