Branden Carlson is an NBA Champion. Following a standout collegiate career at the University of Utah, Carlson headed to the NBA. While he didn't get too much time on the court this season, Carlson was on the winning roster of the Oklahoma City Thunder. He started the year with the Toronto Raptors before catching on with OKC and providing depth and practice reps for the NBA Champs. Carlson became the fourth active NBA player out of Utah this season, joining Delon Wright, Kyle Kuzma, and Jakob Poeltl.
The Utes haven't had a player drafted since Kuzma in 2017. Who might be the next Ute to make it to the NBA, and when can we expect it to happen? Alex Jensen is surely hoping for more than a few of his guys to be good enough to make the jump to the next level. There are a few players to watch on the current roster who have a chance to make it to the league. Let's take a look at the pathways for some of the most notable guys to hear their name called on draft night.
Elijah "Choppa" Moore
Moore has enough upside as a shooter and defender to potentially catch the eye of NBA scouts. He was a four star prospect coming out of high school and ranked in the top 60 nationally. He didn't get too much time at Syracuse last season, but is in line for a bigger role this season at Utah. Choppa is a great shooter who doesn't demand the ball in his hands. He has decent size and length at his position, and may still be growing. The Utes are excited about his athletic potential and are working to help him grow into a good rebounder. If Moore adds more muscle and shows his potential as a shooter this season, there is enough there to keep him on NBA radars.
Terrence Brown
Brown's prolific scoring ability has already impressed Utah, and he is sure to get a ton of buckets this season with the Utes. Brown's touch as a skilled scorer at all three levels will get him looks, and with more pieces around him it's easy to envision a more efficient overall season this year. His ability to play with different types of guards will also be key: he'll need to jell with Moore and Don McHenry. He's in a small frame like Moore and will need to add muscle. He's a great rebounder, snagging 5.6 a game last season, very impressive for a 6'3" guard. If Brown continues to score in bunches and shows chemistry with the Utes new roster, he'll have a chance.
Ibi Traore
Traore is a player the Utes have been excited about for a while now, dating back to the Craig Smith era. Traore suffered a knee injury and missed last season. Had he not gotten hurt, he was in line to factor into the rotation at the center spot and would have had a chance to be a contributor as a freshman. He's super athletic and has good touch around the rim with great burst and a physical frame. Traore was committed to Oregon before flipping to Utah. Assuming his injury recovery has gone well, he's in line for a big role this year and will have a chance to make a splash in his first season on the court. He'll need to show defensive stoutness and the ability to play a connective role, but by all accounts the team is excited about seeing what he can do.
Keanu Dawes
Dawes will be a major focal point for the Utes this season and many are projecting a breakout year for him. Coaches raved about Dawes last season and his ability to do whatever the team asked. He's a high upside combo forward with athleticism and a high basketball IQ. He knows how to make the right reads, getting others involved while still finishing all the plays he's asked to. Dawes is a true team-first guy, which will impress coaches everywhere he goes. With more pieces around him, most specifically more dynamic guard play, Dawes should thrive as a connector and play finisher this year. There was signs of improvement in his jumpshot down the stretch of last season, and that will be the true swing factor for him. 34.3% from deep is a solid number for him. If he can sustain that percentage while increasing his attempts, watch out.