Utah Jazz Two-Way Prospect Jarrell Brantley Stands As A Well-Rounded Offensive Forward

On Tuesday afternoon, the Utah Jazz announced via their official team PR page that they’ve signed forward Jarrell Brantley and guard Justin Wright-Foreman to two-way deals. Both Brantley and Wright-Foreman have been with the organization since they were selected 50th and 53th, respectively, in this year’s NBA Draft. This represents the second time that a team used their two-way slots on draft picks, as the Celtics signed Kadeem Allen and Jabari Bird under those types of deals just a few months after getting selected in the 2017 NBA Draft.

While Wright-Foreman may be the more well-known prospect due to the jaw-dropping offensive numbers that he put up during his time at Hofstra, Brantley definitely isn’t a slouch. In fact, he stood alongside his new Jazz teammate as one of the elite players in the CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) for his run with the College of Charleston.

That was most evident during the 2018-19 campaign. As a senior, he put up 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals on 52% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc on 3.5 attempts in 34 minutes per game. His statistical performance led the conference to name him to their All-CAA First Team, where he joined Wright-Foreman and current Lakers exhibit 10 prospect Devontae Cacok.

As those numbers can attest, the 6’7 forward stood as a fantastic offensive weapon during his senior season with the team. That success came from Brantley having a well-rounded arsenal as he was able to score in the following ways; mid-range and perimeter shooting, making off-ball cuts to the rim, facilitating, working the low-post, running in transition, snagging offensive rebounds and being a big presence working inside the paint.

In terms of potential at the NBA level, his most intriguing trait is definitely his work from beyond the arc. At first glance, that might not make much sense as he was an inconsistent 33% from beyond the arc during his senior season with the team. However, that pessimism subsides a bit when you realize that his perimeter percentage stood at 38% from beyond the arc on 162 total attempts during his sophomore and junior seasons. Alongside his solid shooting during those two years, the Charleston alum also shot 45% on 11 total attempts during his three game appearance at the Portsmouth Invitational.

Whether at Portsmouth or during his time competing in the CAA, the righty was able to display a slick jumper, that he mainly utilized in catch-and-shoot situations. Although he didn’t show much as an off-the-dribble threat, Brantley used his time in college and Portsmouth to establish himself as a forward that can be able to work off-ball and get to his spot on the perimeter or just work as a pick-and-pop threat.

That ability to shine on the perimeter paired up nicely with his knack of getting to the paint whether he’s working with the ball or not. In fact, he seems comfortable as an on-ball driver where mainly works with his left-hand. He has a nice first-step that is used to maneuver past defenders that decide to quickly close in on him. While he isn’t the quickest player in the world, he’s able to use the combination of a firm handle and very strong 250 pound frame to be able to finish in traffic. Those traits are seen in the clip below as he makes a strong drive to the rim before having a tough finish at the rim over two opposing players.

Another area that he’s able to utilize solid handles and strong frame is through working in transition. Whether working off or on-ball, he seems confident as he fills the lane while running the court or simply bulldozing his way to the basket while having the rock in his hands. In either method, he was able to impress by hitting 70% of his shots at the rim, according to Hoop-Math. An example of Brantley creating magic in transition is seen below as he hustles down the court in transition, receives the pass from the guard and throws down a thunderous slam.

The last way that Brantley is currently able to impress on the offensive end is as a facilitator. As a senior, he had a career-high 2.4 assists per game, which stood as the third best average among power forwards in the CAA. Those solid numbers come from him being an unselfish passer that is able to use his 6’7 frame to see over the court and quickly spot an open teammate, whether it’s through cut and kick or residing on the perimeter or low-post. Whatever method that it might be, the young forward is able to display the type of vision that teams throughout the NBA want to see from a modern-day forward.

Despite being one of the last players taken in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Charleston alum stands out as an athletic forward that is able to contribute in a multitude of ways on the offensive end. From shining as a solid perimeter threat, doing a lot of damage on the left and right block as a post-up, making on-ball drives and being a solid facilitator, he’s able to help a team’s offensive in a variety of different ways. That well-rounded attack should allow him to be a vital part of the team’s offense when the 2019-20 G League season begins in November.