Utah Jazz sign Jaden Springer to 10-Day Contract

The Utah Jazz aren't finished refining and optimizing their roster for the final push to the end of the season. 

Per Shams Charania, the third-year guard inked a 10-day contract to prove his worth to a Utah Jazz team with plenty of space on the depth chart. Springer, the 28th selection in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Tennessee, joined a loaded Philadelphia backcourt that headlined James Harden, Tyrese Maxey, Shake Milton, Seth Curry, and more.

He didn't see much run during his time in Philly -- only appearing in 2 games his rookie season and 16 as a sophomore.

A deadeye shooter in Tennessee, he knocked down a staggering 43.5% with the Volunteers during his lone collegiate season. Though on a low volume of just over 1 3-point attempt per game, there's no denying that level of efficiency got NBA scouts salivating at his potential on the next level.

His main offensive detractors have been his affinity for turnovers and his lower-end athleticism. His low minutes of playing time can be tied to his shortcomings in those areas.

Not to mention his excellent attention to defense, where the guard had 5 games with 3 steals in Knoxville. But his size paired with skill left him with an odd dilemma. At 6-foot-4 but with the skill set of a shooting guard, his lower-end size made Springer an odd fit in the NBA.

Especially as he's failed to find a rhythm as a shooter in the NBA -- hitting 25% from deep in his career despite a nearly 80% free throw conversion rate -- a shot that simply doesn't fall doesn't indicate well for a player whose 3-point percentage was a major talking point.

Recent play in Boston has Springer potentially back on the rise as a pro. Though far from stellar, his 31% hit rate from beyond the arc is an improvement on his career average, despite the low frequency.

The Utah Jazz are happy to take a chance on a player like Springer, though. As a hooper who takes pride in being a defensive stopper and still only 22 years old -- younger than Walker Kessler -- Utah's front office sees Springer as a source of untapped potential.

At this point in the rebuild, signing a 10-day contract is a no-risk, all-reward endeavor for the Jazz.

Memories of Khris Dunn's career revival in Utah are stoked at this signing for whatever reason. A defense-first guard with a one-last-chance contract to prove he's a worthwhile addition to an NBA roster.

A four-steal effort from Springer with the Celtics this season was a fascinating addition to his career tapestry. Could he bring that level of defensive intensity to the pitifully weak Jazz defense?