The Jazz are dangerously short on talent in the frontcourt behind Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors, with Trey Lyles emerging as their only long term solution in any capacity at this point. And, while there’s certainly no downright need for traditionalist bigs in today’s league, Rabb’s well-rounded skill set and smooth interior play allows him to be productive on a consistent basis, and could be a welcomed addition to Utah’s second unit.
Rabb doesn’t have the strength nor rim protection to provide much defensively at the center spot right now, but I could see him developing into a nice option behind Gobert in that role down the road. His fluid offensive game on the low block has it’s kinks, but often yields good looks and a noticeably soft touch around the basket. He has also showed some prowess popping out to the elbow and hitting the occasional mid-ranger, something that could add more variety to his game down the road.
He’s also another smart passer out of the interior, making good reads with his back to the basket and finding open cutters on the regular. His evolving offensive arsenal is also coupled with high energy on the boards, giving him the potential to affect the game in multiple facets off the bench. He could be the offensive punch behind a defensively oriented starting core, and Utah could greatly benefit from such an addition alongside a player in Trey Lyles who — I believe, at least — has a solid future moving forward as a stretch four.