Udoka Azubuike is the third string center for the Utah Jazz. Or, he was. Then Rudy Gobert began missing time due to injuries, so he had to step into a backup center role behind Hassan Whiteside. Next came a surprising move by the coaching staff; Azubuike was given the start even with Whiteside healthy.
Azubuike is a huge 7’0” 270 lb player, and has surprising athleticism. When he’s on the court, he provides size, energy, and verticality. He is still young and unpolished. It’s evident at times that he’s out of position on defense. But his combination of physical tools and pure effort make it a guarantee that he’ll impact the game one way or another when he’s on the court.