Araujo's Agent Sees Little Value In Another Year At The End Of An NBA Bench
By Walter Dubowec
It appears a virtual certainty that Rafael Araujo's will not be playing in the NBA next season and instead will head to the Euroleague. The former Raptors' #1 draft pick and his agent believe that he is not helping his career by being a designated towel waver and cheerleader at the end of an NBA bench.
Hoffa’s agent, Jim McDowell stated that even if another NBA team offered Araujo what looked like a #12 spot on its roster, he would likely opt to play in Europe just to get on the court enough to enhance his career. Another year as a bench warmer “might not be an optimal situation" and “It would not help his career”, said McDowell.
Agent McDowell feels Araujo needs minutes on the court this season, even if they're in Europe. This will put Araujo "in a stronger position than he is now" to seek another NBA deal down the road.
Hoffa’s countless hours spent working out before and after practice have rarely translated into meaningful NBA minutes. Throughout his three-year career, Araujo has played in the equivalent of just 33 full games – most of those with the Raptors.
That makes Europe an attractive option for Araujo. No one can argue that his development is stalled in the NBA. "The guy needs to see the court - he needs to play, he needs to play regularly,'' McDowell said. "At some point, that has to happen. So that's the driving force behind what we're trying to do here."
Hoffa Offered An Invite To Jazz Camp
McDowell also said Araujo, a 27 year old, 6-foot-11 unrestricted free agent, has received an invitation from the Jazz to come to their fall training camp, but the offer contains no guarantees.
McDowell feels it "unlikely" that Araujo will be at Jazz camp in October, where Hoffa would be more injury protection for the Jazz than a viable candidate for a roster spot. "It makes sense to look elsewhere," he said. "He's not opposed to [Europe] at all, frankly. The NBA hasn't been all that friendly to this guy since he showed up, when you get down to it."
Whether its the coaches, the fans, the media or Araujo himself who are responsible for the unfriendliness of the NBA towards Hoffa is a topic open to debate. Needless to say, he has not done much to justify a new contract.
Whether its the coaches, the fans, the media or Araujo himself who are responsible for the unfriendliness of the NBA towards Hoffa is a topic open to debate. Needless to say, he has not done much to justify a new contract.
Hoffa missed much of the Rocky Mountain Revue this summer with a groin pull. McDowell said, "That didn't help" Araujo's cause with the Jazz or with other NBA teams that were scouting the Revue because no one has seen him play extended minutes with that reshaped body that he is reportedly working on now in training program in Santa Barbara.
Most NBA observers don’t feel that Hoffa has the skill, the speed or mental aptitude to handle the quick paced NBA game. However, if he’s ever going to make it – Europe is the best place for Araujo to restart his career.
Fesenko's Signing Bumps Araujo Out
Fesenko's Signing Bumps Araujo Out
The Jazz reached agreement with center Kyrylo Fesenko, who received a three-year contract. Fesenko essentially takes Araujo’s roster spot. The Jazz will pay the $500,000 buyout to his Ukrainian team. Although Fesenko is a project, the Jazz feel the best place for the 7-foot-1, 272-pound, 20-year-old is the NBA. His three-year contract is thought to be similar to what the Jazz gave second-rounder Paul Millsap last year. It is estimated to be worth about $1.5 million over the first two years, which are guaranteed, with a third non-guaranteed year in excess of $800,000.
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