Utah, Royce O’Neale Agree to Four-Year, $36 Million Extension
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(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz forward Royce O’Neale (23) takes the ball inside for the Jazz, in NBA action Utah Jazz vs Indiana Pacers, in Salt Lake City, Monday, January 15, 2018.
Via: Salt Lake Tribune
The 26 year-old 6’4 Forward has secured a bag with the contending Utah Jazz. The three-year player out of Baylor has proven himself, slowly improving throughout the three years. His consistency has been a huge part of Utah’s starting lineup with the absence of Mike Conley.
O’Neale is averaging a career-high 6.2 points on a career high 29.2 minutes per game. Despite his low numbers on that many minutes, his field goal percentage has been through the roof. He’s averaging 51.9% from two-point range, one of the most consistent players in the NBA. He is also averaging and incredible 44.3% from three-point range on nearly three attempts per game. His floor spacing will prove to be one of the most valuable parts of his game in years to come. He will be a great player along-side Donovan Mitchell, and as a replacement for Donovan Mitchell when he’s resting. His consistency is exactly what every team needs. Someone they can look to to get solid production every night.
He is also averaging a career-high in rebounds and assists. He is getting five rebounds per game despite him being only 6’4. He is very strong and can box out anyone at any height. He’s also bumped up his assists by one to 2.5 per game. He can do a bit of everything on the offensive end and is a solid defender. He is proving to be a very useful two-way player who will be great for the bench when Mike Conley comes back. Him along with Jordan Clarkson will really help Utah for years to come.
O’Neale has a future ahead of him. He has worked his very hardest to scrape his way into a real rotational role after being the 23rd draft pick back in 2017. He has proven himself to the Jazz and will spend his prime there. He may become a full-time starter when Conley’s contract is up and him and Mitchell will be great developing together as the future core of the team.
