After playing well behind Rudy Gobert last season, Ekpe Udoh looks to be sticking the Utah Jazz for the 2018-19 NBA season.
He’s a hydroponic farmer on the rise in his native Oklahoma. He organizes his own book club. Also — he’s one of the best defenders in the basketball world; per his own appraisal. I’m talking about former No. 6 overall pick and Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert‘s back-up last season, the inimitable Ekpe Udoh.
He’s a renaissance man if ever there was one. And, according to a report, his varied talents will continue to be on display in Jazzland next season.
Per the Deseret News’ Eric Woodyard, Udoh met with Jazz brass on Sunday and was informed that the team would guarantee the $3.4-million second year salary of the pact he signed with the team last summer.
His money for 2018-19 officially locks in on July 10.
Ekpe Udoh met with the Utah Jazz front office today. The team will guarantee his $3.4 million contract for next season, according to a source.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) July 9, 2018
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This was always the most likely outcome for Udoh, who played well in a limited role last season. In total, he appeared in 63 regular season games for Utah, averaging just 13 minutes per contest. However, when he was on the floor, he made things happen. Particularly on the defensive end.
Per 36 minutes, the 31-year-old averaged 3.3 blocks and 1.9 steals. He ranked seventh in the NBA in defensive real plus/minus at 3.66. Moreover, his block percentage (7.7) and defensive box plus/minus (6.8) both rated well higher than the actual qualified league leaders.
More than anything, Udoh is a veteran leader and a solid insurance policy for Gobert. When the Jazz took on the Washington Wizards sans Gobert and Derrick Favors last January, the big man scored 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting, adding nine boards, four steals, two blocks and two assists.
Obviously, that’s not a line you’re going to get from him on a nightly basis. What you will get, though, is high-level rim protection, switchability and a yeoman’s effort on both sides of the ball.
Even with Tony Bradley making a case for more run during summer league, those attributes are well worth the money the Jazz will be paying.