Jazz Center Has Season-Ending Surgery

After suffering his third injury to the same ankle in the last year, second-year Utah Jazz center Udoka Azubuike had season-ending surgery on Friday. The injury occurred two weeks ago, and required a repair of multiple ligaments in his right ankle and foot as well as stabilizing a joint.

The 22-year-old has been up and down between the Jazz and the Salt Lake City Stars over the past two years, and all three of the injuries to the ankle occured while down at the G League. A severe sprain last February was followed by a dislocation in November, and now the most recent, more serious injury. Hopefully the surgery will strengthen the ankle and prevent further mishaps. 

Azubuike has played in 17 games for the Jazz this season, averaging 4.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in just over 11 minutes per game. He had a strong run, however, in February, when, during a 6-game stretch, he averaged 9.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. 

With Rudy Gobert and Hassan Whiteside back in the lineup, his role was reduced once again. 

Photo Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports