Udoka Azubuike suffered a partially dislocated right ankle while playing for Utah’s G League affiliate Friday night, the Jazz announced (via Twitter).
The team’s medical staff determined that the second-year center has a subluxation in his right ankle, but initial X-rays didn’t show a fracture. Doctors will continue to review the MRI results to set a timetable for Azubuike’s recovery (Twitter link).
Azubuike was hurt in the first quarter of the Salt Lake City Stars’ game when he landed awkwardly after attempting to block a shot, according to Kyle Ireland of KSL Sports. Teammates had to help him off the court and into the locker room.
The Jazz made Azubuike the 27th overall pick in 2020, but he hasn’t seen much action at the NBA level. He played just 15 games as a rookie and has appeared in four so far this season, averaging 0.5 points and 1.0 rebounds in eight total minutes.
The 20-year-old also suffered a severe ankle sprain while playing in the G League bubble in February, Ireland notes. He didn’t recover until after the abbreviated G League season has ended. In six games with the Stars this season, he’s averaging 7.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per night.
Still wondering why the Warriors didn’t ask for Azubuike when they traded Eric Paschall to them. Their Salaries are similar, allowing for a Trade. Azubuike is not going to get much playing time for the Jazz behind Gobert and Whiteside.
Worst thing is the Jazz passed up on Desmond Bane to draft a third string center in Azubuike..
Why would Utah draft Bane?— You don’t think they had enough shooting?
Using your powers of future knowledge, you could have mentioned Xavier Tillman, who has a higher VORP, and answers their greater need for a small-ball/backup center. They also could have used a defensive guard, which Bane is not either. They did already have a 40+% from 3 backup 3 in Georges Naing, who is getting more minutes than ever in Philly now.
Hindsight is 20/20
Not sure if he has an NBA future unless he significantly improves. But than again who knows, if Gobert done it..