The Utah Jazz have a new look to this season's depth chart, shifting the two-way line from a crop that included Elijah Harkless, Blake Hinson, and Oscar Tshiebwe to one that will only retain Hinson, with Tshiebwe no longer eligible for two-way contracts at this stage in his career, and Harkless finding a new two-way role elsewhere.
That leaves just Hinson, alongside Tamar Bates, who signed with the Jazz after spending a year with Denver's G-League affiliate, and Trey Alexander, who spent the offseason with Utah's Summer League team, earning his second spot on an NBA roster after a year with New Orleans as a rookie out of Creighton.
The offseason is a time of shifting dynamics, changes of setting, and a fresh start for any given player to carve out a permanent role in the NBA. For three former Utah prospects, those roles will need to be carved from other spots across the league.
Oscar Tshiebwe, no longer eligible for a two-way deal, has signed with the Houston Rockets after a promising stretch in Utah. He signs his first full deal with an NBA franchise -- better late than never for the former Kentucky Wildcat and college basketball National Player of the Year.
He inhales rebounds like a vacuum cleaner over a crushed-up graham cracker -- satisfyingly and effectively -- more than making up for his lack of size at the center position at around 6'8". His minimal impact as a creator on the offensive end, combined with a notable lack of size and outlandish athleticism to make up for his deficiencies. Now with a shot in Houston, he'll play backup to Alperen Sengun at the center spot, hopefully finding a consistent role in a talented Rockets rotation.
Elijah Harkless is bouncing to another two-way role in Detroit, making a name for himself as a G-League superstar and a defensive hound dog at the NBA level. He earned plenty of minutes last season as the Jazz rotation opened up above a scroll of injuries, and performed very well in his opportunities.
Though he'll remain a G-Leaguer, Harkless's position on the Pistons' lineup could be a major career boost if Detroit is able to add to last season's success (first seed in the Eastern Conference is not too shabby).
Finally, a word of appreciation for John Tonje, a prospect who was brought to Utah with a late second-round pick last year after an excellent collegiate career with Wisconsin. He'll spend this upcoming season with the Portland Trail Blazers in a two-way capacity.
