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North Carolina Tar Heels: Marcus Paige Taken 55th

ByJohn Woodcock|
Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) is interviewed in the locker room after losing to the Villanova Wildcats in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Marcus Paige (5) is interviewed in the locker room after losing to the Villanova Wildcats in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men

Marcus Paigeof the North Carolina Tar Heels was drafted 55th in the 2016 NBA Draft.

The North Carolina Tar Heels have more thanBrice Johnsonto be happy about. As the 2016 NBA Draft drifted toward its conclusion, a second Tar Heel heard his name called with the 55thpick. 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 42ndpick in the draft, shooting guardIsaiah 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 withJ.P. Tokotoand the 76ers.

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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 guardGeorge Hillfrom the Pacers, the Jazz go to battle withRodney 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 whetherTrey Burkeis part of the future plans of the Jazz.

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