When the offseason started, it was well-known that the Utah Jazz wanted to get younger, longer, and more athletic.
Enter Jarred Vanderbilt.
As part of the trade for Rudy Gobert, Vanderbilt is an accomplished player and everything the Jazz were hoping to do in the offseason.
"I think it's a great opportunity to continue to grow and expand my game," Vanderbilt said. "I've heard nothing but great things about this organization. … I'm excited to be here and looking forward to seeing where this goes."
Here is everything you need to know about Utah's newest addition:
1.) FINDING HIS FOOTING
After a career that was sidetracked with injuries to start, Vanderbilt has found his footing the past two seasons as a highly-valued role player with Minnesota.
While in college at Kentucky and throughout his first two seasons with Denver after being a second-round pick in 2018, Vanderbilt dealt with a myriad of injuries that kept the athletic big man from showcasing his true talents.
But finally healthy, he's revived his career as somebody who brings energy, length, and athleticism. In 74 games played (67 starts) last year, he averaged 6.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 25.4 minutes per game.
"Jarred Vanderbilt, high-energy, defensive-minded four-man," Utah GM Justin Zanik said. "I think he has some upside to continue to develop. … He plays hard and cares about his teammates."
2.) PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
In today's NBA, being able to defend multiple positions is seen as one of the ultimate weapons for a team. Being long enough and strong enough to defend players in the post while still athletic and quick enough to defend guards on the perimeter, versatility is a must-have in today's game.
At 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan and 8-foot-11 standing reach, that's precisely what Vanderbilt brings.
Playing alongside Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota, Vanderbilt was used defensively in various ways, allowing the Timberwolves to thrive. Before his arrival, Minnesota ranked No. 24 in defensive rating — now, two years later, the Timberwolves closed last season at No. 13 in defensive rating.
Vanderbilt's versatility and ability to defend multiple positions should be a significant asset for Utah.
"You're going to get high energy," former Minnesota and current Utah teammate Malik Beasley said of Vanderbilt. "We call him V8 because his motor never stops. … He's a great rebounder, a great defender, great setting screens."
3.) FORMER ALL-AMERICAN
Vanderbilt's story from being a no-name prospect nationally to a five-star prospect in a matter of months is legendary.
While at Victory Prep Academy in Houston, Texas, the level of competition Vanderbilt faced wasn't exactly top-tier — so the stories of his highlight reel dunks and insane athleticism were mostly known to the state of Texas.
But with a star on their roster, Victory Prep expanded its schedule and competition — overnight, it felt as if Vanderbilt blossomed into a can't-miss prospect. He left high school as a McDonald's All-American and a five-star recruit, being one of the top-20 prospects in the country by multiple rankings after averaging 28.5 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game.
4.) BASKETBALL FAMILY
It's safe to say basketball runs in Vanderbilt's blood, as it does with everyone else in his family.
The youngest of six children, basketball wasn't just a sport played in the Vanderbilt household. It was seen as a way of life.
Both of his parents played basketball in college, while one of his older brothers and sisters also played collegiately, setting the stage for the baby of the family to reach newer and greater heights.
5.) ROOM TO GROW
While Vanderbilt already possesses many physical attributes desired in today's game, the feeling is that he also has a lot of untapped potential in his offensive game.
On a team with Towns, Anthony Edwards, and DeAngelo Russell, the past two seasons, offensive touches were difficult to come by, so Vanderbilt did most of his work on putbacks and lobs.
But there is legitimate speculation that Vanderbilt can average a double-double in the league with more work and more opportunity. He showcased that potential a few times, finishing with nine double-doubles last year.
