These Utah Jazz Newcomers Are Making a Huge Impact

The Utah Jazz were the beneficiaries of one of the more fascinating storylines of the recent NBA Trade Deadline. Jazz CEO of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, is infamous for his shrewd trading tactics. If "Trader Danny" gives any general manager a call, the wise move may be to hang up the phone.

If the trader walks through those doors, proceed with great caution.

Fortunately for the sanity of professional basketball during one of memory's wackiest trade deadlines, the Jazz didn't make a big splash in the pond, most dealing for a second-round pick here, a tradable contract there, etc.

Coming away with five second-round picks after giving away two veteran players in Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills, who had no place in the organization's championship timeline, was a major victory for the Jazz.

But the most exciting aspect of any trade deadline is in the names appearing on the back of a new uniform. For the Utah Jazz, a last-second swap with Detroit secured KJ Martin, a 6-foot-6 forward who loves flying above the rim, and capable of knocking through the occasional corner 3-ball.

The son of former NBA mainstay Kenyon Martin, Martin Jr just produced one of the strongest performances of his career in a starting role against the Sacramento Kings. Collecting 16 points, five rebounds, and four assists on zero turnovers is a strong indicator that Utah found a gem in the jumbled mess that is trade season.

Escaping the Luka Doncic riots with a young player with upside is a win for the rebuilding squad from Salt Lake City and head coach Will Hardy, who's enjoyed tinkering with Martin's ability since his activation.

Not to be forgotten, however, is 10-day signee, Jaden Springer. Springer, a former 76er and Celtic, hasn't seen consistency in his floor time before joining the Jazz. In three games with his new team, Springer hasn't exactly leapt off the stat sheet. His impact for this Jazz team is undeniable, however, as the Tennessee product just delivered his strongest output since donning the purple mountains.

Against Sacramento, Utah's trial hooper dropped seven points on 50 percent shooting efficiency. But Springer's calling card lies in his defensive versatility -- particularly when it comes to forcing takeaways. Swiping three steals against the Kings is a major positive for Springer, as this Jazz side desperately needs defensive capability of any sort.

Don't be surprised to see Springer become a full-time member of the Utah Jazz in the near future.

Far from MVP candidates, but still fierce competitors, Utah's new tandem of young, promising talent seems capable of delivering positive returns in the immediate future.