Potential 2025 NBA Draft Second Pick Strongly Linked with the Utah Jazz

The NBA Draft is fast approaching, and as the 2024/25 season comes closer to a close, you can expect speculation as to who will be heading where to increase exponentially. The 2025 edition of the event is creating quite a buzz, with more than most of the attention being directed at the very likely first choice pick, Duke star Cooper Flagg; however, the potential second pick is also a talent that is uppermost on many franchise wish-lists.

Guard Dylan Harper is a man of many talents and very much delivered on what Rutgers laid out for his services, where he was the highest-rated recruit in the program’s history, according to most. Now the NBA awaits, and it is the Utah Jazz who are most keen on bringing in the 19-year-old star-in-the-making.

The Jazz slumped to a third successive losing record season in 2024/25, leaving Will Hardy’s head coach position on the line. However, the one saving grace following a season THAT bad, and we are talking about a franchise record low of 17-65, is the chance to get one of the earliest picks in the draft.

Utah Jazz fans who feel that the selection of a player of Harper’s ability could push them back in the right direction can back those sentiments with a bet. With that in mind, the analysis here of all the best new sports betting apps will help aid your wagering endeavors. 

Having the chance to make one of the first draft picks will greatly aid Hardy’s attempts to steer the Utah Jazz into less choppy waters, and Harper seems a very good fit indeed for the Delta Center side.

Despite Hardy’s poor run of form in charge of the Jazz, the team’s owners clearly feel that the 37-year-old has something to offer, so much so that they have recently opted to tie him down to a new long-term deal. 

Utah Jazz governor Ryan Smith stated of the deal.

“We are excited to extend Will Hardy’s contract as head coach of the Utah Jazz through 2031. Will is an incredible leader, a great communicator – especially with our younger players – and a strong ambassador for this franchise. He has been a tremendous partner to Danny, Justin, and me. There is no one we would rather have leading us to our ultimate goal of winning an NBA championship here in Utah.”

Dylan Harper may feel that Jazz’s commitment to Hardy is a sign of an organization with solid long-term plans, which might feel enticing. As to when he may be drafted, his former Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell believes he may even trump Flagg and become the first pick.

Indeed, when Pikiell was asked if Harper or his Rutgers teammate Ace Bailey may push ahead of Flagg, he responded by saying ‘absolutely’, continuing.

“I mean, they’re different players,” Pikiell told NJ Advance Media. “It depends on what teams want. Dylan’s the best guard in the draft, and I think Ace is the most versatile player in the draft. I think he can play the 1, 2, 3, and 4 at the NBA level. He’s young. I mean, he’s got a 40-inch vertical. He’s exciting.” 

If the Jazz can beat the rest to the punch, they may well reap the benefits of those talents in 2025/26 and beyond.