SALT LAKE CITY — Despite holding the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, it appears the Utah Jazz will be leaving no stone unturned.
Mikel Brown Jr. workout details
On the Kevin O’Connor Show, Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. said his first pre-draft workout was with the Jazz.
I am. I leave (for Utah) tomorrow. That’s my first one. I’m going to be working out with several other NBA teams once me and my team get that stuff figured out. But yeah, the (Utah Jazz) are the first one on the board.
Full podcast with Mikel Brown Jr. is out tomorrow diving into his game. pic.twitter.com/S6j6N6nIhB
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) May 26, 2026
Brown's collegiate performance and draft status
Brown put together an impressive freshman season with the Cardinals, averaging 18.2 points and 4.7 assists across 21 games played.
He is widely viewed as a lottery pick, though a back injury and the shape of this year’s draft class have often left him projected outside the top five in most mock drafts.
Analyzing Utah's pre-draft strategy
Brown’s workout in Utah says a lot about the Jazz’s pre-draft process, even if it may mean very little about what they plan to do with the No. 2 pick.
Mikel Brown Jr. To Workout With Utah Jazz Before NBA Draft
Although the Louisville product may not be in consideration with the second pick, his trip to Utah makes sense when you think about it.
In any aspect of team building, due diligence is the name of the game. Just because an avenue is explored doesn’t mean that route will be taken.
The perfect example can also be found in this year’s draft. Utah reportedly reached out to Washington about trading up for the No. 1 overall pick, but just because that conversation took place doesn’t mean a deal will happen.
When you see Mikel Brown Jr. coming in, I think that gives you a sense of how many work outs the Jazz will probably be doing.
I’d imagine the majority of the top 10 ten projected picks will come in.
I don’t think any guard (outside of Peterson) is in serious consideration at 2. https://t.co/ZMG6itZDxO
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) May 26, 2026
The importance of player evaluations
There may be a prospect whom NBA front offices are much higher on than the general public. Or, maybe there is a lot of value in trading back in the draft to get a guy and stack assets.
Both of those possibilities are real, and it is the front office’s job to make sure they are ready for everything.
Building long-term player relationships
There are other factors at play here as well. This is the last chance for teams to talk to these players before they begin their professional careers. Although it may seem insignificant, a simple introduction to both the people and the city can go a long way down the line.
Two franchise legends, Jordan Clarkson and Carlos Boozer, worked out in Utah before the draft and later played for the Jazz after starting their careers elsewhere. The pre-draft work actually played a part in Utah trading for Clarkson back in 2019.
Important to remember, considering the Jazz will only draft one of these players, this is their last chance to talk to a lot of these guys before they become free agents.
Teams use these workouts as a chance to get to know players for trades/signings years down the line.
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) May 26, 2026
Conclusion on Jazz draft preparation
So, Brown coming to Utah does not necessarily mean he will be the pick at No. 2, nor does it prove the Jazz are looking to trade back.
More than anything, it shows that Utah’s front office is preparing for every possible outcome in a draft that could shape the next era of mountain basketball.
RELATED STORIES
Austin Ainge reveals how Utah Jazz are approaching crucial offseason
Utah Jazz wing Ace Bailey named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team
Would the Utah Jazz actually trade up for No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa?
Chandler Holt is a Utah Jazz insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast. Follow Chandler on X for Jazz and NBA updates.
Take us with you, wherever you go.
Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.
Follow @CHoltSports
Follow @kslsports
Like us on Facebook
