North Carolina Tar Heels: Marcus Paige Taken 55th
Marcus Paige of the North Carolina Tar Heels was drafted 55th in the 2016 NBA Draft.
The North Carolina Tar Heels have more than Brice Johnson to be happy about. As the 2016 NBA Draft drifted toward its conclusion, a second Tar Heel heard his name called with the 55th pick. That would be point guard Marcus Paige.
In draft marked by strange trades, Paige was not spared a change in destination. Technically he was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets. This was the sort of development that I had thought would happen. However that is not the full story.
Paige was shipped west to the Utah Jazz along with some cash in exchange for the 42nd pick in the draft, shooting guard Isaiah Whitehead. In an instant the future looked better for Paige. Staying with the Nets would have seen Paige having to compete for time. Such a strategy has not yet worked out with J.P. Tokoto and the 76ers.
More from North Carolina Tar Heels
- NC Colleges Provide Coronavirus Results from Athletic Departments
- UNC Football gets Commitment from Top Cornerback
- Four North Carolina players selected in first round of MLB Draft
- UNC Destroyed by Coach Duggs and Tennessee in NCAA Football 14
- UNC Basketball: Former Tar Heel star calls out Roy Williams
Instead Paige lands on the Jazz. The Jazz were pretty close to being a playoff team and their nucleus is pretty set. With the addition of point guard George Hill from the Pacers, the Jazz go to battle with Rodney Hood, Gordon Haywood, Greg Favors, and Rudy Gobert. However they need players further down the bench to get to the next level.
For all the work that Marcus Paige has done and the injuries he has suffered, it is good that he got drafted and will get a real chance at the next level. He will have to win over some Duke guys (Hood and Coach Quin Snyder) to get there, but they traded for him.
Next: Brice Johnson taken 25th
I look forward to seeing a healthy Paige spending his time at the point guard position. With Hill added to the roster and Paige drafted, it does bring up the question whether Trey Burke is part of the future plans of the Jazz.