Jazz select Villanova Guard Josh Hart in first round, trade rights to Lakers

Star Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart has been selected by the Utah Jazz in the 2017 NBA Draft. Hart, who was selected with the 30th and final pick in the first round, will head to Los Angeles after the Lakers traded their #28 pick to Utah for the 30th and 42nd picks.

Hart is one of the most decorated players in Villanova history, and the winning culture and attitude he brings to the table are sure to please his new employers and fans. Hart averaged 18.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 2.9 apg on 51/40/75% shooting splits. He was a unanimous 1st Team All-American and the KenPom Player of the Year.

Hart’s selection in the 1st round means that he’ll be signing an estimated $7,054,440 contract over 4 years, with about $2,541,400 guaranteed in the first two seasons based on the rookie scale. As the 30th pick, he’ll be able to negotiate between 80% to 120% of $1,162,100 his first year and $1,379,300 the second year, with a $1,611,800 option in the third year and a possible 80.5% increase for an optional 4th year.

Hart will join the #2 pick Lonzo Ball of UCLA, the #27 pick Kyle Kuzma of Utah, and the #42 pick Thomas Bryant of Indiana in the city of angels. Hart should be in line to battle for playing time early as a viable shooting option to help showcase Lonzo Ball’s passing abilities.

Other Big East players taken in tonight’s draft include:

• Justin Patton from Creighton, selected 16th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Edmond Sumner from Xavier, selected 52nd overall by the Indiana Pacers