The Jazz acquire center Kyrylo Fesenko from the Philadelphia 76ers
The Jazz figure that they are better off with a developmental center than a young power forward. Fesenko is 7’0″, 235 pounds and he hasn’t been overly productive in the Ukraine. He has played in 42 games and he’s averaged 5.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game. Most of his shots are putbacks or dunks which explains his 58.3% shooting from the floor and his 55.6% shooting from the free throw line. This was probably not a good deal for the Jazz as Fesenko might not sign this season.
I am surprised to hear this move criticized. From everything I’ve read online this kid has the chance to be a very productive player. The Jazz are deep at forward with Booze, Okur, Kirilenko, Milsap, Brewer, etc. They are thin at center with Okur being more of a perimeter player offensively and Jarron Collins mostly a stand-in. If Fesenko becomes as good as Andris Biedrens, as some suggest he might, the Jazz would continue their drive toward being young, tall and active. Also, as far as him not signing right away, look how they handled Kirilenko. They stayed under the salary cap while he developed, then had room to sign him when he was ready. Herbert Hill was not the missing piece to get them “over the hump” in the West. Fesenko might just be that piece in a few years.
Actually Bill, it’s hard for me to argue with the trade when I look at it now. The Jazz do a good job on draft day usually. Getting Brewer and Millsap last season was incredible. I really like Almond in the first round and you are right that they needed a center to come off of the bench. Still, they need to sign him and that will be tough.