With the 2024-25 NBA season fast approaching, the Utah Jazz are adding to their roster in hopes of a successful season.
On Monday, the Jazz agreed to sign former college star Max Abmas, according to an official team reportTerms of the deal were not disclosed.
Abmas played for the Jazz in their Summer League exhibitions, alongside their 2024 NBA Draft rookie class. Playing in five games, he averaged 10.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 0.8 steals per game. His efficiency was as important as his production, as he converted 44.1 percent of his field goal attempts, including 38.9 percent of his three-pointers.
That being said, the Dallas native’s failure to go undrafted was largely due to his age and status as a fifth-year senior.
While there are some outliers, franchises generally value youth and, ultimately, potential in the draft. Players the age of Abmas, 23, are often signed as undrafted free agents. A few may sign standard contracts, others may sign two-way deals and many may agree to play in the summer league.
Abmas’ size also works against him. 2024 NBA DraftHe stood just under 5’7″ without shoes and weighed 165 pounds. Players like Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young have similar measurements, but they’re also targeted defensively.
Regardless, Abmas is an elite offensive talent. In 2020-21, he led the NCAA in scoring with 24.5 points per game while playing for Oral Roberts. He averaged 22.3 points per game over the next two seasons. After transferring to Texas, the competition level increased, but he still put up 16.8 points per game.
A spectacular outside threat with a penchant for free throws, Abmas certainly has a lot to offer. He’ll now have the opportunity to stick with a young Jazz group that’s still trying to figure out its backcourt situation.
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