Jazz and Thunder interested in C Alexis Ajinca

The last time you saw Alexis Ajinca, he was probably getting dunked on in a Toronto Raptors uniform. Unless, of course, you watch a lot of Pro A French basketball.

Ajinca has been gone from the NBA since the end of the 2010-11 season, his third in the league. He could be on his way back, though, as a report from BasketUSA (translated using Babylon) indicates, "According to the team, the recruiters sent by Oklahoma City and Utah cast of elsewhere a look very attentive to the performance of the pivot." In other words, they've been watching closely.

Ajinca has looked good in seven games for France at the EuroBasket 2013 tournament that's currently underway, averaging 10.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. At 7-foot-2, it's not surprising why teams might be interested.

However, Ajinca struggled in his first NBA run, playing in just 71 games and averaging 3.1 points and 1.6 rebounds. He lacked defensive polish and looked far too willing to roam the perimeter on offense, but perhaps now at age 25 his game has matured.

It seems unlikely Ajinca, who has an NBA out clause that can be exercised until Sept. 30, would leave for anything other than a guaranteed contract. The Jazz have an open roster spot while the Thunder have 15 players but only 12 on guaranteed deals.