Kansas basketball: Former Jayhawk Udoka Azubuike signs two-way NBA contract
Former Kansas basketball star Udoka Azubuike is set to join the second NBA team of his career. He inked a two-way deal with the Phoenix Suns.
After the Utah Jazz decided not to exercise his team option at the beginning of the 2022-23 regular season, Udoka Azubuike became an unrestricted free agent. He had spent his first three years in Salt Lake City after being drafted 27th overall in 2020 out of the University of Kansas.
His tenure with the Jazz was rather underwhelming, as he battled injuries and struggled defensively. Similar to when he played with the Jayhawks, his free throw shooting and footwork were subpar. However, the Phoenix Suns are giving him a chance at redemption, recently signing him to a two-way contract.
Free agent C Udoka Azubuike has agreed on a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns, Zach Kurtin and Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tell ESPN. He was the 27th overall pick to the Jazz in 2020.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 31, 2023
It could be difficult for Azubuike to make the final roster cuts with Phoenix. He appeared in five contests during the NBA Summer League last month, averaging 7.4 points and 6.6 rebounds on an 81.8% field goal percentage, but the Boston Celtics decided not to bring him back. Now with a new franchise, we will assess how he fits in with his current team.