Sat Mar 01 04:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Jazz’s Late-Round Pick Collier Emerges as Rising Star
**SALT LAKE CITY** – Isaiah Collier, the Utah Jazz’s 29th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, is defying expectations and establishing himself as a key player for the franchise. Initially overlooked after a slow start to the season marked by poor shooting (a mere 6% from three-point range in his first ten games), Collier has shown dramatic improvement.
His month-by-month progression has been remarkable. After averaging just 3.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in his first month, Collier’s performance has skyrocketed. By April, he was averaging 11.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and a stunning 9.1 assists per game.
This surge coincides with Collier securing the starting point guard role on January 5th. Since then, he’s averaged an impressive 8.6 assists per game – a figure that rivals the rookie seasons of NBA legends Chris Paul (7.8 apg) and Jason Kidd (7.7 apg).
While his shooting still needs refinement, Collier’s playmaking ability has garnered significant attention. His clutch performances have been instrumental in securing several victories for the Jazz. His rapid development against established NBA talent makes his progress even more noteworthy.
Collier’s transformation has sparked discussions about his Rookie of the Year candidacy. The Jazz appear to have unearthed a potential franchise point guard, a testament to their shrewd drafting and Collier’s unwavering dedication. The team’s future looks bright with Collier’s continued growth and improvement.
First Piper 