:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60240855/866501384.jpg.0.jpg)
The Utah Jazz have decided to retain Thabo Sefolosha for the 2018-2019 season. The fate of Sefolosha was in question as the the 34 year old wing was recovering from surgery on his right knee to repair a torn MCL. He had originally injured it in a game against the Charlotte Hornets on January 12th.
The Utah Jazz will not waive forward Thabo Sefolosha, guaranteeing his contract for next season, League Sources tell The Salt Lake Tribune
— Tony Jones (@tribjazz) July 2, 2018
At his age—feels odd typing that as I myself am 34—this is gamble. Thabo Sefolosha had been having a good season for Utah and had proven himself as a small ball four in Utah’s system. The Utah Jazz must feel confident that he’ll be able to retain most of his athleticism that is so vital to his defensive game.
Prior to the injury Sefolosha had been averaging 8.2 points and 4.2 rebounds a game.
It does feel that Utah is trying their best to bring back most of their pieces that were vital to their playoff run last year. Sefolosha’s versatility on the defensive end could have been useful in that Houston series against Harden and Chris Paul. If Sefolosha is able to return to his level of play last year, guaranteeing his contract will look like a no brainer.