The Utah Jazz have signed Oscar Tshiebwe as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season. With Lauri Markkanen’s situation resolved, the team is now focusing on shaping its lineup. The addition of Tshiebwe, who stands 6-foot-9 and weighs 260 pounds, adds significant strength under the basket. To accommodate him, Taevion Kinsey has been waived. Tshiebwe, originally from the Congo and previously with the Pacers, will now look to make his mark with the Jazz.
Tshiebwe’s journey to the NBA began when he moved from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the U.S. for high school and then attended West Virginia University before transferring to Kentucky. During his two seasons at Kentucky, he led the nation in rebounds per game and won the John R. Wooden Award as the country’s top player. Despite these accomplishments, he went undrafted last year but signed a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers, where he was named the NBA G League Rookie of the Year for setting a record with 16 rebounds per game with the Indiana Mad Ants.
In addition to Tshiebwe, the Jazz have also signed this year’s second-round pick, former Duke forward Kyle Filipowski, and former UCLA guard Johnny Juzang. This choice deviates from using their second-round pick exception, with Filipowski’s four-year, $12 million contract including a $3 million salary for his rookie year. Had they used the pick exception, the contract would have been worth slightly more, but with a lower rookie salary.
Tshiebwe’s presence is expected to enhance the Jazz’s rebounding capabilities and create more scoring opportunities for players like Markkanen. His move to the Jazz also means he will no longer play in the G League. As the team integrates these new players, it will be crucial to build chemistry and understand how they will fit together.
This signing raises questions about the Jazz’s strategy—whether Tshiebwe is being brought in as a potential centerpiece or if he could be traded later. Filipowski, who secured a notable Summer League performance, will also need to find his role within the team. The first two years of his contract are guaranteed, but the future remains uncertain.
As the Jazz continue their rebuild, Tshiebwe, Filipowski, and Juzang face the challenge of competing against established veteran teams, all while striving to help the Jazz become a playoff contender.
