4 NBA Teams That Should Take a Closer Look at Kyrylo Fesenko During Free Agency
The Utah Jazz obtained the draft rights to center Kyrylo Fesenko from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a 2007 second-round draft pick during the 2007 NBA Draft.
Fesenko is a 7-foot-1 center weighing 280 lbs. from the Ukraine. He signed a three-year contract with the Jazz in August 2007 and in 2010 signed a one-year deal, with the team making him an unrestricted free-agent during the summer of 2011.
During his four years with the Jazz, Fesenko has seen his scoring improve, even though his numbers are not all that impressive. What has been impressive about him has been his all-around development since joining the team as a rookie.
When called upon during the 2009-10 NBA Playoffs due to injuries to starters Mehmet Okur and Carlos Boozer, Fesenko started nine of the 10 games averaging 3.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in 18.1 minutes played.
These numbers are not going to jump out at you, but in terms of his basketball growth, Fesenko is going in the right direction. The four teams listed below are in need of a center, and due to the glaring demand for big men in the NBA, teams will have to closely evaluate every option before coming to a decision.
So, let’s see which teams should look at Kyrylo Fesenko more closely during free agency!
Utah Jazz
1 of 4The Jazz already have a crowded frontcourt, but could always use some depth at the center position. They are also familiar with Fesenko’s game and what his capabilities are so far, possibly making it easier for both parties.
However, at the same time, due to the additions of Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter, the Jazz may be thinking of donating the bulk of the minutes to them in order to observe how these players fit into their long-term plans.
If that is the case, then Fesenko will most likely look to join a team that can promise him a certain amount of minutes, or sign him to be their sixth man.
Houston Rockets
2 of 4The Rockets are in need of a center to replace the now-retired Yao Ming. They also traded veteran Brad Miller on draft day for Jonny Flynn, while Chuck Hayes is a free-agent.
Although Jordan Hill and Patrick Patterson are on the roster, they are most likely to play more at the power forward spot than at center.
Hasheem Thabeet is a true center, but the former Connecticut big man has yet to prove that he can play the center position in the NBA.
Although Kyrylo Fesenko has not put up big numbers in his time in the NBA so far, he is a player the Rockets can take a chance on if they are not able to obtain an already established center.
Fesenko was almost signed by the Houston Rockets last summer, but the Utah Jazz quickly locked him up.
Orlando Magic
3 of 4The Orlando Magic could be looking for a replacement center, especially if Dwight Howard wants out and is granted his wish.
Orlando does not have a lot of depth in the frontcourt after trading away center Marcin Gortat to the Phoenix Suns last year in order to obtain Jason Richardson, Hidayet Turkoglu and Earl Clark. In addition, the Magic also obtained Gilbert Arenas from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Rashard Lewis.
As a result of the trades, the team gave up much of their depth in the frontcourt, and need to find a replacement. Rookie Daniel Orton has not played yet, and Brandon Bass is more of a power forward than a center.
So, Fesenko has shown that with more playing time with his time in Utah, he can run the floor, defend for the most part, and can only get better as time goes on.
Fesenko will never be able to replace Dwight Howard, but there is not a player that the Magic could add to their roster that will be equivalent to the mere presence of Howard.
Philadelphia 76ers
4 of 4The 76ers are also in need of some size since Spencer Hawes is also a restricted free-agent ready to hit the open market.
If the 76ers (the team that drafted Fesenko initially back in 2007) do add Fesenko, it will be in a back-up role, but that will also depend on what happens to Hawes.
Nonetheless, the 76ers need depth at the center position, and Fesenko is a decent candidate to add to an already young NBA team.
