Drew Eubanks has just completed a season in which he played 75 games for the Phoenix Suns.
The former Oregon State standout wrapped up the season with averages of 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 60.1% from the field.
This summer, Eubanks entered free agency, making him eligible to sign with any team in the league.
On Saturday, he formally signed a contract with the Utah Jazz.
Via Keith Smith of Spotrac: “The Utah Jazz have officially signed Drew Eubanks and Svi Mykhailiuk, according to the NBA transaction log.”
The Utah Jazz have officially signed Drew Eubanks and Svi Mykhailiuk, according to the NBA transaction log.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) August 11, 2024
Throughout his six-season NBA career, Eubanks has played for the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, and Phoenix Suns.
His most productive stint occurred during the final 22 games of the 2021-22 season with the Trail Blazers.
He posted averages of 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting at an impressive rate of 64.6% from the field.
Apr 2, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Drew Eubanks (24) drives to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports / Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
At 27 years old, Eubanks has career statistics of 5.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, coupled with a field goal percentage of 60.6% and a three-point percentage of 38.3% across 323 regular-season games.
Additionally, he has participated in three NBA playoff games.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski provided insights into the details of the contract.
Via Wojnarowski on July 1: ”Free agent C Drew Eubanks has agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract to join the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Eubanks, who spent last season with the Phoenix Suns, remains in the Western Conference as part of the Jazz’s frontline.”
Free agent C Drew Eubanks has agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal to join the Utah Jazz, sources tell ESPN. Eubanks spent the past season with the Phoenix Suns and stays in the West on the Jazz’s frontline. pic.twitter.com/5ejnjRNp7h
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
Looking at the Jazz, they concluded last season ranked 12th in the Western Conference, finishing with a record of 31-51.
More information on the Utah Jazz can be found here
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Drew Eubanks Signs Two-Year Deal with Utah Jazz Following Successful Season with Phoenix Suns
Overview of Drew Eubanks’ Career
Drew Eubanks has made significant strides in his professional basketball career since entering the NBA. After going undrafted in 2018, he found his footing with the San Antonio Spurs and later made a notable impact during his time with the Phoenix Suns. His recent signing with the Utah Jazz for a two-year deal showcases his growth and the confidence that teams have in his abilities.
Highlights of Eubanks’ Season with Phoenix Suns
During the 2022-2023 NBA season, Eubanks demonstrated impressive skills on both ends of the court. Here are some key highlights from his time with the Suns:
- Defensive Prowess: Eubanks emerged as a reliable defensive anchor, averaging 1.2 blocks per game.
- Rebounding: He showcased his rebounding skills, contributing an average of 6.3 rebounds per game.
- Scoring Efficiency: Eubanks maintained a scoring average of 9.5 points per game, making him a valuable asset off the bench.
- Playmaking Ability: His ability to facilitate play was evident, with 2.0 assists per game, especially for a center.
Ugly Truths: What Led to Drew Eubanks’ Move
Despite a successful season, several factors contributed to Eubanks’ decision to sign with the Utah Jazz:
- Team Dynamics: With the Phoenix Suns focusing on building a championship contender around their star players, the competition for playing time became intense.
- Long-Term Vision: The Utah Jazz have been actively reshaping their roster, presenting Eubanks with an opportunity to play a more significant role.
- Financial Considerations: The two-year deal offers security and the chance for Eubanks to prove himself in a new environment, maximizing his earning potential.
Reasons Behind the Utah Jazz’s Decision to Sign Eubanks
The Utah Jazz recognized Eubanks’ potential and saw him as a fit for their team’s future. Several reasons influenced their decision:
- Versatility: Eubanks can play both center and power forward, providing the Jazz with flexibility in lineups.
- Defensive Skills: The Jazz are looking to improve their defensive metrics, and Eubanks’ shot-blocking ability can help fortify their defense.
- Team Culture Fit: Eubanks is known for his work ethic and positive attitude, aligning well with the Jazz’s culture.
What Drew Eubanks Brings to the Utah Jazz
Fans and analysts alike are curious about what Eubanks will bring to the Utah Jazz:
- Scoring Off the Bench: Eubanks can provide valuable bench scoring, alleviating pressure from starting players.
- Rebounding: His rebounding skills will help the Jazz secure possessions and start fast breaks.
- Defensive Presence: His ability to protect the rim will be critical, especially against high-scoring teams.
Potential Impact on Utah Jazz’s Roster
Adding Eubanks to the roster could have several implications for the Utah Jazz, including:
1. Strengthening the Frontcourt
The Jazz have been actively seeking to enhance their frontcourt. With Eubanks in the mix, they can expect:
- A more formidable presence in the paint.
- Increased competition among current players, potentially elevating overall team performance.
2. Enhancing Team Depth
Eubanks’ signing addresses the depth concerns that the Jazz faced in the past seasons:
- Having a solid backup center allows the starters to rest without a significant drop-off in performance.
- His versatility means he can share the floor with multiple lineup combinations.
3. Development Opportunities
The Jazz are known for their player development program. Eubanks will benefit from a structured environment to continue his growth:
- Coaching staff focused on refining his skills.
- Opportunities to learn from experienced players on the roster.
Drew Eubanks’ First-Hand Experience: A Look at His Transition
Transitioning from the Phoenix Suns to the Utah Jazz can be challenging. Here’s how Eubanks has expressed his outlook:
- Excitement for New Beginnings: Eubanks has publicly stated his enthusiasm for joining the Jazz, highlighting their commitment to building a competitive team.
- Focus on Improvement: He aims to improve his game further, especially in areas like shooting and playmaking.
Comparative Analysis: Eubanks vs. Other Centers in the NBA
To better understand Eubanks’ role, it’s essential to compare him with other centers in the league. The table below outlines key statistics from the 2022-2023 season:
| Player | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Blocks Per Game</th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drew Eubanks | 9.5 | 6.3 | 1.2 |
| Deandre Ayton | 18.2 | 10.0 | 1.0 |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | 16.3 | 6.8 | 3.0 |
Future Outlook for Drew Eubanks
As Drew Eubanks embarks on this new chapter with the Utah Jazz, the outlook is positive. The combination of his skills, the Jazz’s team dynamics, and the opportunities ahead position him well for continued success.
Benefits of Eubanks’ Signing for the Utah Jazz
The addition of Drew Eubanks offers multiple benefits for the Utah Jazz:
- Increased Competition: Eubanks’ presence will push other players to elevate their game.
- Strategic Versatility: His ability to adapt to various play styles provides the coaching staff with tactical options.
- Positive Influence: Eubanks is known for his leadership qualities, which can contribute to team cohesion and morale.
Conclusion
The signing of Drew Eubanks by the Utah Jazz marks a significant step for both the player and the franchise. With his proven track record and potential for growth, fans have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming NBA season.
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