The Utah Jazz have closed the incorporation of players Marques Bolden and Malik Fitts in order to participate in the training camp of the team, according to the journalist Tony Jones and finally officially confirmed the franchise.
After not being selected in the 2020 draft after completing his college cycle at Saint Mary’s, Fitts participated in the Los Angeles Clippers preseason before the start of the 2020-21 course. From there he would become part of the Agua Caliente Clippers of the Development League, where he would average 11.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in the Orlando bubble. He would also sign a ten-day contract with the Clippers themselves, appearing in three games and 3.7 minutes.
Fitts is a 6-foot-6, 24-year-old defensive-cut forward with great physical power. His athletic conditions allow him to occupy the positions of ‘3’ and ‘4’. In addition, he has a solid exterior and correct ball handling to generate his own shots and attack his rival in situations of missmatch. Perhaps his greatest flaw is his decision-making and abuse in the execution, prioritizing his own shot over passing to a teammate.
For his part, Bolden has followed a path very similar to that of his new preseason partner. After not being chosen in the 2019 draft, he tried his luck in Cleveland. First, under a contract for the training camp which became a position in the Canton Charge of the Development League. During the past course he would reach a dual agreement with the Cavaliers, although he would only play six games and a total of 29 minutes.
Bolden stands out for his wingspan (223 centimeters) and intimidating ability in painting, although his technical limitations, his absence of exterior shooting and his role more focused on that of center classic put him in a difficult situation to settle in the league. Still, he is a relatively versatile player on defense.
Both players will be able to compete for a place in the roster of the Jazz. Those of Salt Lake City have thirteen guaranteed contracts, while that of Miye Oni will not be guaranteed until January, so his departure is not ruled out. The two dual deals have already been employed at Trent Forrest and Justin James.
(Cover photo by Ethan Miller / Getty Images)