BREAKING: Phoenix Suns Reportedly Sign Former NBA 1st-Round Pick
Udoka Azubuike was initially the 27th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz after four seasons playing for the Kansas Jayhawks.
This summer, Azubuike became a free agent, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that he will sign a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns.
Via Wojnarowski: "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."
This past year, Azubuike played in 36 regular season games and averaged 3.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per contest while shooting 81.9% from the field.
The Jazz got off to a good start to the season but ended up finishing as the 12th seed in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record.
Azubuike has been in the NBA for three seasons (all with the Jazz) and has career averages of 3.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per contest while shooting 76.9% from the field in 68 regular season games (he has also appeared in one NBA playoff game).
The Suns have one of the most talented rosters in the league (led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker), so they will need to surround their superstars with the right role players.
Adding Azubuike to a two-way deal is a smart move because he will be able to develop in the G League while also spending time with the NBA team.
Last year, the Suns were the fourth seed in the Western Conference and lost to the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
