Utah Jazz Best/Worst Case Series: What will Ekpe Udoh’s role be?

Ekpe Udoh has proved his worth as a solid rim protector for the Utah Jazz, but can he do more in the upcoming 2018-19 season?

One of the luxuries the Utah Jazz benefit from game in and game out is the fact that they can have a rim protector on the floor at all times, which is a big reason why their defense is so incredible. Between Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors, who starts at power forward but often backs up Rudy at center as well, the Jazz have a staunch front line that defends the rim relentlessly.

But even if one of those two goes down to injury or if they simply need to be spelled off in the rotation, the opposing rim remains in capable hands for the Jazz. That’s because they have defensive extraordinaire Ekpe Udoh to rely on off the bench.

Udoh isn’t moving the needle for the Jazz offensively, but he’s a stellar defensive player that is exceptional at his craft. After filling his role well in 2017-18 and certainly living up to his calling, the Jazz guaranteed the second year of his contract, keeping him on board for the upcoming year.

As such, it will be exciting to see what Udoh can bring this time around. He doesn’t figure to see all that much playing time, but that doesn’t mean he won’t find a way to be an important part of this Jazz team.

Best Case Scenario

Unfortunately, Ekpe Udoh’s highest best case scenario likely only comes about if the Jazz find themselves bit by the injury bug and lose Rudy Gobert and/or Derrick Favors for extended periods of time. If one of those two were out and Udoh found himself playing major minutes, he may very well excel in that playing time and become a key figure to maintaining Utah’s defensive presence even with the guys ahead of him on the depth chart out of commission.

If the Jazz remained a force with Udoh established in the second unit, it would be big for him compared to what he’s been able to accomplish in recent years.

However, as much as it might be a bummer for Udoh individually, the hope is that such won’t be his scenario. Instead, ideally both Gobert and Favors will remain healthy throughout the year and Ekpe will take on a bit of a different role. In that case, his best case scenario would be that he still finds himself in the Jazz 10-man rotation, logging at least a few minutes per game to help spell off Gobert and Favors when the situation requires.

In order for Quin Snyder to have more trust in utilizing him in that way, Udoh will have to get at least a little more serviceable on offense. If he can be somewhat of a threat on that end of the floor, his defense is good enough for him to earn playing time as it is.

Typically, between Favors and Gobert, the Jazz have had the center position covered. But if Udoh can improve such that he’s needed more frequently, that will likely be his best case scenario that doesn’t require injuries to bolster his playing time.

Worst Case Scenario

Ekpe Udoh’s worst case scenario would be that he fails to improve much or perhaps declines, loses Quin Snyder’s trust and rarely sees the court, if at all. There were stretches last season, particularly when the Jazz were humming and the Gobert/Favors tandem was rocking, where Udoh only logged minutes in garbage time. There’s a chance that he could see something similar this upcoming year, especially if he doesn’t improve.

If Udoh finds himself entirely out of the rotation and riding the pine night in and night out, it will not only put his future with the Jazz in question, but also his future in the NBA. He was playing overseas prior to signing a contract with Utah, so it isn’t unreasonable to think that he could return to that after this season if he’s unable to produce at a high level.

In essence, Udoh’s worst case scenario would have him out of the rotation, logging DNPs as he watches from the bench throughout the season and potentially out of the league at the conclusion of 2018-19.

Fortunately for Udoh, even if the Jazz (finally) have a healthy season, I think his defensive prowess alone will still give him opportunities to shine when the time is right. The best thing he can do for himself is remain ready and as he does so, he should be able to find moments to make an impact.

Having a third stingy rim protector on Utah’s roster will be an absolute commodity for the times when Utah needs a stopgap while Favors and Gobert are both on the bench be it due to fatigue, foul trouble or injury. Not only that, but if Udoh can develop well this offseason, as so many other Jazz players have, and improve on offense, he may even find a nice niche as a consistent piece in Utah’s 10-man rotation.

Udoh may not be an absolute threat for the Jazz, but he’s a great asset to have for their second unit. I expect him to be ready to go when his name is called and to do big things in those opportunities during the upcoming 2018-19 season.