The Jazz recently signed Pacers center Oscar Tshiebwe on a two-way deal. Tshiebwe played with the Indiana’s G League team last season.
We have signed forward Oscar Tshiebwe to a two-way contract ✍️
𝙳𝙴𝚃𝙰𝙸𝙻𝚂 🔗 https://t.co/SKubmfgVX2#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/X87Es5GALc
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) August 12, 2024
Jazz Sign Oscar Tshiebwe to Two-Way Deal
According to the Utah Jazz’s recent press release, the Jazz signed ex-Pacers big Oscar Tshiebwe to a two-way deal. Tshiebwe averaged 16.2 points and 16 rebounds per game over 23 regular seasons with the Pacers’ G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. The move came after the Jazz waived Marshall alum Taevion Kinsey, who occupied the Jazz’s last two-way slot. Tshiebwe joins fourth-year big Micah Potter and fourth-year guard Jason Preston.
Tshiebwe, who joined the Pacers last season on a two-way deal after going undrafted, has impressed with the Mad Ants. Tshiebwe played in the NBA’s Rising Stars Challenge, was named the G League Rookie of the Year, and earned G-League first-team honors. The Kentucky alum also made eight appearances with the Pacers, recording a season-high eight points against the Bucks in December.
Tshiebwe played with the Pacers’ Summer League squad in July, averaging 11.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Although the Pacers offered a two-way deal to Tshiebwe to stay in Fort Wayne for the 2024/25 season, the Pacers filled all three two-way slots by signing rookie forward Enrique Freeman. Tshiebwe accepted a two-way deal with Jazz that will see him bounce between the Jazz and the Salt Lake City Stars.
Tshiebwe Brings Size and Rebounding to the Jazz
Simply put, Tshiebwe was objectively the G League’s most dominant big, if not the league’s most dominant player. Tshiebwe physically dwarfs his contemporaries — a wrecking ball swinging in full force. We saw it at Kentucky, where scouts praised his strong hands, 7-foot-3 wingspan, and compact frame. Tshiebwe has carried his physical intensity to the pros, where he averaged 16 (!!) rebounds per game — an all-time G League record. He has a soft touch around the rim, and he’s near a brick wall on defense. If you’re looking for centers in the vein of Andre Drummond and Steven Adams, Tshiebwe is a decent alternative.
Yet, despite his sheer dominance in the interior, Tshiebwe comes off as handicapped away from the rim. His first major knock against him is his size — he stands at a relatively short 6-foot-8. In a league filled with similarly physically adept bigs, Tshiebwe’s height could hurt him.
His second major deficiency is his inability to make an impact outside of the rim. He’s not stellar in pick-and-roll situations due to his lack of agility. His three-point shoot is near nonexistent, and although he has a solid midrange jumper, Tshiebwe won’t get to use it often in a modern NBA offense.
Regardless of his faults, he could see some game time with the Jazz. The Jazz will likely have to rely on Walker Kessler and Drew Eubanks to fill up minutes at the five, with the likes of John Collins and Kyle Filipowski potentially slotting in at center from time to time. Considering Tshiebwe’s success in Indy, he could be a perfect third-string center for the Jazz.
