Kansas basketball: Udoka Azubuike departs from Jazz, finds new home

Former Kansas basketball star Udoka Azubuike has found a new home in the NBA. He is slated to play for the Boston Celtics in the Summer League.

Udoka Azubuike was one of the most dominant big men for the Kansas Jayhawks in the Bill Self era. He hasn’t had the most outstanding career at the next level, but he will play for a new team after spending three years with the Utah Jazz.

He signed a temporary deal with the Boston Celtics yesterday after the Jazz declined his team option before the 2022-23 season started.

READ: 25 best NBA players to play for Kansas

His contract with Boston is not a guaranteed deal — it is only guaranteed for the Summer League. Then, the Celtics management can make a decision on whether they’d like to sign him to a long-term deal or release him.

In 2021-22, Azubuike had a very successful Summer League with Utah. He averaged 13.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks across four contests. Despite not needing to showcase himself last summer, he likely would not have secured an NBA deal if he decided to bail on free agency this early.

It was a disappointing tenure for Azubuike in Utah. In three seasons, he totaled 68 games played and racked up averages of 3.3 points and 3.0 rebounds. He didn’t receive many opportunities due to constant injuries and offensive struggles. His game might have suited the NBA 30 or 40 years ago, but it has been hard for him to carve out a consistent role.

Hopefully, Azubuike can show out in the Summer League and rejuvenate his career in Boston. Every team could use a bruiser-type center like Azubuike, even if it be a small role off the bench.

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