Utah Jazz add depth with signings of Matthew Murrell and Steven Crowl
As the Utah Jazz gear up for training camp, the organization is making strategic moves to enhance their roster depth, particularly with an eye on the G League. On Monday, the team announced the signing of two promising talents, Matthew Murrell and Steven Crowl, both of whom will receive Exhibit 10 contracts. This type of agreement paves a pathway for these players to potentially join the G League if they do not secure a spot on the NBA roster.
Player Profiles
Matthew Murrell and Steven Crowl each bring unique skill sets honed during their college careers, making them intriguing additions to the Jazz.
Crowl, who spent all five seasons of his collegiate career at Wisconsin, stands out at 7 feet tall. He averaged 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. Known for his high basketball IQ, Crowl offers a solid inside presence, although shot-blocking was not a significant part of his game during his time with the Badgers. His size and court awareness could translate well to a G League environment, where he can further develop his skills.
Murrell, a product of Ole Miss, also played all five of his college seasons at one school. His scoring ability has shown progression over the years; he averaged 12.1 points in the 2021-22 season, followed by increases to 14.4 and 16.2 points per game in the subsequent seasons. However, his scoring dipped to 10.8 points in his final year. A 6-foot-4 guard from Memphis, Murrell has a career 34.8% shooting rate from beyond the arc and contributed 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. His versatility as a guard could provide valuable depth for the Jazz.
Future Outlook
The Jazz are actively working to rejuvenate their franchise, and these signings reflect a commitment to nurturing young talent. Both Murrell and Crowl possess potential that the organization hopes to harness, either through direct contributions to the NBA roster or by refining their skills in the G League. As the team aims to rebuild and move in a positive direction, every young player brought in represents an opportunity for growth and development in Utah’s basketball landscape.