Jazz 2020 first-round selection, big man Udoka Azubuike, was hampered by a severe ankle sprain in his rookie campaign, Sarah Todd of the Deseret News writes. Azubuike suffered the injury during the Salt Lake City Stars’ first game in the G League bubble last season. “It was tough, it was really tough for me going through that injury, that process,” Azubuike said. “Not being out on the court practicing or learning, doing what a regular rookie like me would do.” He’ll likely compete for backup center minutes this season with veteran acquisition Hassan Whiteside.
We have more from the Western Conference:
- The King’s young players are not the only ones going through a learning process during summer league action. Bobby Jackson, the team’s summer league coach, is also gaining valuable experience, Jason Jones of The Athletic writes. “I can get better in late-game situations, understanding who to have on the floor, the substitutions, all the stuff that comes with it,” Jackson said. “But me and my stuff, just like the players have to do a better job, we’ve got to do a better job of making sure we have the right personnel on the floor. But it’s a growing experience for me, I love it.” Jackson was also recently named the head coach of the G League’s Stockton Kings.
- McKinley Wright IV received a two-way deal from the Timberwolves last week. The former Colorado standout grew up in Minnesota and is thrilled to play in his home state, according to Chris Hine of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “I didn’t know that I was going to be coming home,” Wright said. “I didn’t know that Minnesota was this interested in me. … I told my family, ‘We didn’t hear my name called how we initially planned, but this is better for me, going undrafted, betting on myself, and I continue to look forward to proving people wrong.”
- Jeff Green’s versatile offensive game, which is built around 3-point shooting and elite finishing around the rim, should be a major boost for the Nuggets’ second unit, Eric Spyropoulos of the team’s website writes. The veteran big man signed a two-year deal with Denver in free agency.
True or false?
Since December 2020, Jeff Green has been better than Millsap
False. Jeff Green has been better than Millsap since February 2020.
That’s when the Rockets signed him right before the play stoppage in March.
Interesting choice, DEN choosing Green over Milsap— if that turns out tu be the case. Maybe MPJ will listen to JGreen? But that is not necessarily a good thing.
As a Warriors fan, I was really hoping they would sign Jeff Green over Iggy
Doke has been such a beast this Summer! I’m really loving his progress! I think the time off gave him the patience he needed. He’s showing more poise, awareness, and maturity. I’m excited for him on the Jazz this year!
Jff Green is one of those enigmas in the NBA. He’s never stayed in one place very long. Might be a mental or personality thing? Maybe he makes too many mental mistakes on defense? One of those things is why he was cut from the Jazz 2 years ago, I’m assuming. Never really heard why.
I’m surprised he didn’t resign with the Nets with his rookie buddy KD. He played better there and for the Rockets. Guess we’ll see if he can replicate that for the Nuggets.
He spent 3.5 in the OKC system before being traded to Boston.
Spent 3 (2 half years 2 full years) in Boston before being traded to Memphis.
Was traded to LAC
Then he kind of ring chased in Houston-reunited with Westbrook and Harden from his OKC days, Utah, Brooklyn, and now Denver.
Made a pit stop to play for his home town team in WAS.
Jeff Green does what ‘moves’ him (from one town to the next).
Who is Doke and should a neutral remember him by nickname?
I doubt the Nets offered 2 years
As deplorable as the Timberpuppies have been since the team’s inception in 1989, the only way for them to get players that WANT to be there has come down to playing the “come back home” card !!
Nice! McKinley Wright IV. Remember that name