UDOKA AZUBUIKE NEWS

Becomes unrestricted free agent The Suns did not extend a qualifying offer to Azubuike, making him an unrestricted free agent, Sam Amico of Hoops Wire reports.

Impact The No. 27 overall pick by the Jazz during the 2020 NBA Draft, Azubuike will be looking for a new home after stints in Utah and Phoenix. The 24-year-old center holds career regular-season averages of 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 84 total games.

JULY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Will play Thursday Azubuike (illness) will be available to play in Thursday's game against the Lakers.

Impact Azubuike was unavailable for Monday's game against the Clippers, but he's healthy again and will be an emergency frontcourt option. He's not typically part of the rotation.

JANUARY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Monday Azubuike (illness) is inactive Monday against the Clippers, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Impact Azubuike will miss Monday's contest due to an undisclosed illness, but he's coming off back-to-back DNP-CD's regardless. He'll now have two full days to heal prior to facing the Lakers on Thursday.

JANUARY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely to play Monday Azubuike is doubtful for Monday's game against the Clippers due to an illness.

Impact Azubuike hasn't been part of the Suns' rotation this year, but he's unlikely to be able to suit up Monday. His status shouldn't impact much against the Clippers.

JANUARY 8 • ROTOWIRE

Records double-double in loss Azubuike totaled 11 points (5-5 FG, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists and one block over 22 minutes during Friday's 120-105 loss to the Kings.

Impact Azubuike made the most of his minutes in this blowout loss, not missing any of his attempts from the field and recording a double-double. Fantasy managers should not lose perspective regarding his role, however, as he's expected to maintain a minimal role in the back of the bench for Phoenix, essentially making him a non-factor across all formats unless his role changes dramatically.

DECEMBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Phoenix Suns to sign free agent center Udoka Azubuike to two-way contract The Phoenix Suns have agreed to a deal with free agent center Udoka Azubuike, adding depth to the position for the upcoming season.

AUGUST 1, 2023 • AZCENTRAL.COM

Falls outside rotation Azubuike (coach's decision) went unused off the bench in Monday's 117-103 loss to the Suns.

Impact After logging double-digit minutes off the bench behind starting center Walker Kessler in each of the past four games, Azubuike fell out of the rotation entirely Monday. Damian Jones instead stepped in as Kessler's backup but was a team-worst minus-21 during his time on the court. Given that Jones didn't provide the sort of the lift for the second unit that head coach Will Hardy was probably expecting, it's possible Azubuike reclaims a rotation spot Wednesday at San Antonio.

MARCH 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Nearly double-doubles Azubuike logged nine points (4-7 FG, 1-4 FT), nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal across 21 minutes during Friday's 144-116 loss to the Bucks.

Impact Walker Kessler was in foul trouble, and with the score getting out of hand, the Jazz turned to Azubuike. Damian Jones also saw 17 minutes, but it seems like Azubuike has gained the edge for the backup center role in recent games. If he holds onto the job, he can be a nice source of rebounds, field-goal percentage and defensive stats in deeper fantasy formats.

MARCH 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Supplants Jones as backup center Azubuike finished Monday's 128-120 win over the Kings with 13 points (6-6 FG, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in 18 minutes off the bench.

Impact Despite being outside of the rotation in each of the Jazz's first seven games of March and not even seeing the court in garbage time in any of those contests, Azubuike surprisingly served as the top backup Monday to starting center Walker Kessler while Damian Jones (coach's decision) didn't leave the bench. Azubuike seemed to make the most of the opportunity, as he converted all of his shot attempts in the paint while offering contributions on the defensive end. He could continue to provide meaningful returns in the field-goal percentage and blocks categories if he retains the backup role over Jones, but Azubuike is still only a name to monitor in deeper leagues so long as Kessler is available.

MARCH 21, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Agbaji scores 27, Jazz hold off Kings for 128-120 victory

Ochai Agbaji scored a career-high 27 points, including six 3-pointers, to lead the Utah Jazz to a 128-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings

MARCH 21, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Logs one rebound in loss Azubuike contributed one rebound over four minutes during Wednesday's 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies.

Impact Azubuike had played double-digit minutes in his last four appearances, and he tallied a season-high nine boards during Monday's win over the Pacers. However, he had a minimal role during Utah's final game before the All-Star break. The 23-year-old has had inconsistent playing time off the bench for most of the season, and he faces more competition for frontcourt minutes now that Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones are available to play for their new team.

FEBRUARY 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Left off injury report Azubuike (COVID-19) isn't on the injury report for Saturday's game versus Philadelphia, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Azubuike is available Saturday after missing the previous two games while in COVID protocols. However, he hasn't played since Dec. 22, so he is unlikely to affect Utah's rotation.

JANUARY 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out Friday Azubuike (COVID-19 protocols) will not play in Friday's game against the Magic.

Impact Azubuike will miss a second consecutive contest, but his absence should not have a major impact on Utah's rotation. His next chance to play comes Saturday against the 76ers.

JANUARY 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Lands in COVID-19 protocols Azubuike has been ruled out for Tuesday's matchup against the Cavaliers due to COVID-19 protocols, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Azubuike will miss at least one game, but there's a decent chance he could be sidelined for longer. However, his absence isn't expected impact Utah's rotation, as the backup big man hasn't appeared in a game since Dec. 22.

JANUARY 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set for free agency next summer The Jazz informed Azubuike on Sunday that the team won't exercise his $3.92 million team option for 2023-24, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

Impact Azubuike is thus set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer following his third NBA season. The No. 27 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Azubuike has played in just 33 career regular-season games, with the big man missing extensive time along the way due to injuries.

OCTOBER 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Utah plays Memphis, looks for 4th straight home win

Utah enters a matchup against Memphis after winning three consecutive home games

OCTOBER 30, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Memphis faces Utah for conference matchup

Memphis travels to Utah for a Western Conference matchup Saturday

OCTOBER 29, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Off injury report Azubuike (ankle) is off the injury report for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Azubuike will be available to make his season debut after recovering from ankle surgery. With Rudy Gay (COVID-19 protocols) already ruled out and Walker Kessler (illness) questionable, some minutes could open up for the center. He appeared in 17 games last year and averaged 4.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in 11.5 minutes.

OCTOBER 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Utah visits Denver for conference showdown

The Nuggets will play host to conference opponent Utah

OCTOBER 27, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Remains out Wednesday Azubuike (ankle) won't play in Wednesday's game against Houston.

Impact Azubuike will miss a fifth straight contest to open the campaign. It remains unclear when the Jazz except Azubuike to make his season debut.

OCTOBER 25, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Utah hosts Houston in conference matchup

Utah and Houston will face off in a matchup of Western Conference foes

OCTOBER 25, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Remains sidelined Monday Azubuike (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Rockets, Ben Anderson of KSL Sports reports.

Impact Azubuike returned to full practice late in the preseason but hasn't yet been cleared to make his season debut. Once he's healthy, he'll have to compete for playing time with Walker Kessler, Kelly Olynyk and Jarred Vanderbilt.

OCTOBER 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Utah takes on Houston after overtime win

Utah visits the Houston Rockets following the Jazz's 122-121 overtime victory against the New Orleans Pelicans

OCTOBER 24, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Out Sunday Azubuike (ankle) is out Sunday at New Orleans.

Impact Azubuike is practicing in full but isn't ready to make his season debut. He may end up in the rotation for the rebuilding Jazz at some point, but he'll have to contend with Walker Kessler, Kelly Olynyk, Jarred Vanderbilt and others.

OCTOBER 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Utah visits New Orleans after overtime win against Minnesota

Utah visits the New Orleans Pelicans following the Jazz's 132-126 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves

OCTOBER 22, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS