Isaiah Collier was picked late in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. He fell out of the top five, then the top 10, then the lottery (the top 14), then the top 15, then the top 20. He stayed in the first round, but only by the slightest of margins. USA TODAY Sports is covering the NBA draft. Here’s instant analysis of Collier and the Jazz’s pick:
At times during the 2023-24 season Collier was a projected lottery pick. The Trojans didn’t have a great season, and Collier, who averaged 16.3 points and 4.3 assists and shot 49% from the field, dropped in the draft. However, the 6-3, 205-pounder has an NBA-ready frame, is strong and gets to the rim and finishes. He needs to work on an inconsistent jump shot and can be a shut-down defender if he puts his mind to it. He could end up being a valuable pick at this point in the draft. — Jeff Zillgitt
If there’s a positive aspect of going to the Jazz, it is that Utah has had a lot of young players go through the organization in recent years. The Jazz are a player development franchise without win-now pressure. It’s also not a media fishbowl the way New York is. The Knicks had a chance to pick Collier at both No. 25 and 26, but passed. It’s probably for the best that Collier is going to Salt Lake City instead of the Big Apple. Still, No. 29 is not what Collier or USC wanted.
Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. Follow our newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.