LUKA SAMANIC NEWS

Making move overseas Samanic signed a one-year contract with Turkish club Fenerbahce on Monday.

Impact The 24-year-old big man from Croatia will make his return overseas after he had spent the past five seasons stateside since entering the NBA as a first-round pick of the Spurs in 2019. After failing to emerge as a rotation player with the Spurs over his first two seasons in the league, Samanic played exclusively in the G League in 2021-22 before resurfacing at the NBA level with the Jazz over the past two seasons. He made a career-high 43 appearances in 2023-24, averaging 4.1 points and 2.4 rebounds in 9.1 minutes per contest. Since Samanic likely would have had to settle for a non-guaranteed deal in free agency if he had chosen to stick around in the NBA, he'll head to Turkey on what's presumably a more lucrative contract.

AUGUST 5 • ROTOWIRE

Explodes for 22 points Thursday Samanic finished with 22 points (7-17 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 7-9 FT), six rebounds, two assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Thursday's 124-121 victory over the Rockets.

Impact Samanic has started in Utah's last two games, and it wouldn't be surprising if he does it in the final two contests of the campaign as well given the Jazz have nothing to play for down the stretch. Samanic has racked up 37 points, 16 rebounds and five assists during those two contests, so he could be worth a shot in deep slates given this unexpected increase in his usage rate.

APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE

Luka Samanic scores 22, helps Jazz snap 13-game skid with 124-121 win over Rockets Luka Samanic scored a season-high 22 points to help the Utah Jazz snap a 13-game losing streak with a 124-121 victory over the Houston Rocke...

APRIL 12 • SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM

First career double-double Tuesday Samanic posted 15 points (6-15 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds and three assists across 35 minutes during Tuesday's 111-95 loss to the Nuggets.

Impact The 24-year-old forward played a career high in minutes Tuesday for a Utah frontcourt missing Lauri Markkanen (shoulder), John Collins (back) and Walker Kessler (nose), and Samanic turned the workload into his first career NBA double-double. With the Jazz just jockeying for lottery positioning, it's possible Samanic retains a significant role in the rotation for the final few games of the season.

APRIL 10 • ROTOWIRE

Provides 12 points from bench Samanic ended with 12 points (3-6 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-7 FT), five rebounds, one assist and one block across 19 minutes during Tuesday's 129-113 loss to the Cavaliers.

Impact The Jazz utilized Samanic frequently toward the end of last season, and it's a similar script for the fourth-year pro during his 2024 campaign. The Croatian is far outside the realm of fantasy viability, but the Jazz are out of the playoff hunt and will explore their bench liberally as the season comes to a close.

APRIL 3 • ROTOWIRE

Back to bench Samanic will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Hawks.

Impact Taylor Hendricks is returning from injury, and he'll immediately join the starting lineup. Samanic has been struggling in five March appearances, shooting 32.1 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from beyond the arc.

MARCH 16 • ROTOWIRE

Balanced outing in starting lineup Samanic chipped in seven points (2-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds and one assist in 14 minutes during Tuesday's 123-107 loss to Boston.

Impact Samanic got the starting nod in place of Walker Kessler, playing a limited role but still managing to finish second on the team in rebounds and three point short of the double-digit mark in a losing effort. Samanic has started in three games this season, posting his first game as a starter with at least five points and five boards. Over those three starts, Samanic has averaged 6.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest.

MARCH 13 • ROTOWIRE

Gets starting nod Samanic is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Celtics, David Locke of Jazz radio reports.

Impact Samanic will replace Walker Kessler in the starting five Tuesday. Samanic is averaging 6.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.0 blocks in 21.0 minutes across his last two starting appearances.

MARCH 13 • ROTOWIRE

Heads back to bench Saturday Samanic is not in the starting lineup to face the Nuggets on Saturday.

Impact Samanic made back-to-back starts against the Wizards and Bulls, but he'll return to his regular bench role following the presence of Walker Kessler in the starting unit. Samanic is averaging just 5.8 minutes per game when deployed off the bench, so he shouldn't have a big impact in most slates.

MARCH 10 • ROTOWIRE

Spot start Monday Samanic will start in place of Lauri Markkanen (quad) Monday against the Wizards, David Locke of Utah's radio network reports.

Impact Samanic will log his first start of the season and the fifth start of his career Monday. He is joined by Taylor Hendricks and John Collins in Utah's frontcourt, while easily representing the least desirable fantasy option of the three.

MARCH 5 • ROTOWIRE

Leads bench in scoring Samanic racked up eight points (3-6 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT) and four rebounds in 12 minutes during Thursday's 115-107 loss to Orlando.

Impact In just six appearances in February, Samanic has averaged 2.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Samanic should not be considered a viable fantasy option moving forward, especially sitting behind Brice Sensabaugh, who has averaged 10.7 minutes per game this month compared to Samanic's 4.5.

MARCH 1 • ROTOWIRE

Rare appearance in win Samanic accumulated three points (0-3 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT) and two rebounds across six minutes during Tuesday's 124-117 victory over the Thunder.

Impact Samanic cracked the rotation for the first time in over a week, playing six minutes due to other players being in foul trouble. Given he has featured in only half of the Jazz games to this point, there is no reason to consider him a pickup in any format.

FEBRUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to action Monday Samanic (illness) played two minutes in Monday's 125-108 win over the Nets, finishing with five points (2-2 FG, 1-1 3Pt) and one rebound.

Impact Samanic had missed Utah's last three games due to a non-COVID-19-related illness, but he was cleared ahead of Monday's contest and got a chance to play over the final two minutes of the contest while the Jazz had already sewn up the win. The 23-year-old will likely find himself outside of head coach Will Hardy's rotation while the Jazz have their full complement of forwards available.

DECEMBER 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Will play Monday Samanic (illness) is available for Monday's game against the Nets, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Samanic was initially questionable for Monday's matchup due to a non-COVID illness, but he'll be able to return following a three-game absence. His availability shouldn't significantly impact Utah's rotation.

DECEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Monday Semanic (illness) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Nets.

Impact Semanic could potentially miss his fourth consecutive game due to a non-COVID illness. Semanic's status doesn't figure to impact the rotation.

DECEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Saturday Samanic (illness) will miss Saturday's game against the Kings, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Samanic is a fringe rotation player for the Jazz, and it doesn't help his case that Lauri Markkanen is healthy again. Samanic's next chance to suit up is Monday against the Nets.

DECEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Remains sidelined Thursday Samanic (illness) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Samanic will be unavailable for a second consecutive game due to an illness. It's not yet clear whether he'll be able to return Saturday against the Kings.

DECEMBER 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Wednesday Samanic has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Knicks due to an illness, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Samanic played a season-high 17 minutes during Monday's loss to the Thunder, but he'll be unavailable for the first half of a back-to-back set Wednesday. His absence shouldn't significantly impact Utah's rotation.

DECEMBER 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Cracks rotation in loss Samanic amassed five points (2-2 FG, 1-1 3Pt), two rebounds and one block across six minutes during Wednesday's 105-91 loss to the Grizzlies.

Impact Samanic slid into the rotation for just the seventh time this season, scoring five points in six minutes during garbage time. Given he has yet to play more than nine minutes in any game, Samanic can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats.

NOVEMBER 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy for camp Samanic (back) is healthy for training camp, according to KSL Sports.

Impact While speaking at Media Day, Samanic said his focus during training camp is to show off his defense and shooting ability. He's coming off a terrific showing at the Summer League, but the Jazz are deep up front and it won't be easy to win a rotation role.

OCTOBER 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Downgraded to out Samanic (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's Summer League game versus the Rockets, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

Impact Samanic was initially listed as questionable, but he's since been downgraded to out due to upper back tightness. If Utah wins, he could suit up for the championship game Monday, but that seems unlikely.

JULY 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with back tightness Samanic is questionable for Sunday's Summer League contest against the Rockets due to upper back tightness.

Impact Samanic recorded 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, two bocks and one steal Friday, but he apparently is dealing with a back issue ahead of the semifinal matchup. Utah has already ruled five other players out Saturday, so if Samanic is also sidelined, the Jazz will be extremely shorthanded versus Houston.

JULY 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Suffers knee injury Samanic suffered a knee injury during Thursday's Summer League game against the Grizzlies and will not return, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Samanic appeared to have a knee-to-knee collision and limped off the court. We will likely get a proper update from the Jazz on Friday. Samanic has had a strong Summer League so far and had eight points, five rebounds and three assists in this contest before leaving for good.

JULY 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Agbaji scores 28, rallies Jazz past Nuggets 118-114

Ochai Agbaji scored a career-high 28 points to lead the Utah Jazz to a 118-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets

APRIL 8, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Waived by Celtics Samanic was waived by Boston on Monday, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.

Impact The Croatian native agreed to a training camp deal earlier in the offseason with Boston, but the Celtics have decided to part ways with Samanic. With just over a week before the regular season tips off, it appears likely that the 22-year-old will start his season in the G League.

OCTOBER 10, 2022 • ROTOWIRE