The Utah Jazz have recently signed Oscar Tshiebwe, a center formerly with the Indiana Pacers, to a two-way contract. Tshiebwe, who played with the Pacers’ G League team last season, had an impressive stint, averaging 16.2 points and 16 rebounds per game with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. This signing comes after the Jazz released Taevion Kinsey, who previously occupied the team’s final two-way slot. Tshiebwe will now join Micah Potter and Jason Preston on the Jazz roster.
Tshiebwe, who joined the Pacers on a two-way deal after going undrafted, showcased his skills in the G League by being named Rookie of the Year, making the Rising Stars Challenge, and earning first-team G-League honors. He also had a brief NBA stint with the Pacers, where he scored a season-high eight points in a game against the Bucks.
In the Summer League, Tshiebwe averaged 11.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Although the Pacers offered him another two-way deal for the 2024/25 season, they ultimately filled their two-way slots with rookie Enrique Freeman. Tshiebwe opted for the Jazz’s offer, which allows him to alternate between the Jazz and the Salt Lake City Stars.
Tshiebwe is known for his physical dominance in the G League, boasting a strong presence in the paint and averaging a record-setting 16 rebounds per game. Despite his impressive interior play, his height at 6-foot-8 and limited range on offense could be potential drawbacks in the modern NBA. However, given his past success, he could serve as a valuable third-string center for the Jazz, alongside mainstays like Walker Kessler and Drew Eubanks.
