Charlotte Hornets interested in signing Euroleague MVP Ekpe Udoh
The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly looking to add frontcourt depth as they are interested in Euroleague MVP Ekpe Udoh.
According to Amico Hoops, the Charlotte Hornets are interested in signing Euroleague champion and MVP Ekpe Udoh. The former NBA big man has spent the past two seasons overseas with Fenerbahçe Istanbul. The 30-year old is plotting an NBA return next year.
A few other teams are reportedly interested in adding Udoh this summer. The Cleveland Cavaliers, the Sacramento Kings and the Denver Nuggets were named as possible destinations for the 6’10 big man. It will ultimately depend on if he is willing to come back at the right price.
The former first-round pick originally broke into the NBA when he was drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2010 by the Golden State Warriors. After a promising 2009 season at Baylor University, Ekpe skyrocketed up draft boards because of his shot blocking and defensive ability. He only spent one full season with the Warriors before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
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Udoh spent two and a half seasons with the Bucks where he was largely underwhelming. After playing one year with the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2014-15 seasons, Ekpe then decided to play overseas where he would not only get consistent minutes but also thrive. That gamble paid off as he averaged 12.3 points per game, 6.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in two seasons with Fenerbahçe where he also became a Euroleague Champion and MVP.
Here’s a list of his accomplishments.
In six total seasons in the NBA, Udoh averaged only 4.o points per game, 3,2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. Although, he did make 270 appearances in the league so he has enough experience to play at the top level. His second year in the league was his most successful as he averaged a combined 5.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks with the Warriors and Bucks.
If the Hornets do end up signing Ekpe, it would be an interesting acquisition as they already have a number of big men on their roster and on their bench like Miles Plumlee, Frank Kaminsky and Johnny O’Bryant. Although, it never hurts to add talent and Charlotte could use and is actively looking for a shot blocker this offseason.
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It will be interesting to see who signs Udoh this summer or if he even comes back to the NBA at all. He may stay overseas and continue to dominate in Europe with Fenerbahçe. Although, his stock is at an all-time high so it makes sense that NBA teams are interested in signing Ekpe.