Valencia Basket continues searching the market for a center, and Christian Koloko has emerged as one of the names in recent days. The 26-year-old Cameroonian, standing 2.11 meters tall, became a free agent on October 9 when the New Orleans Pelicans released him before his non-guaranteed contract could be guaranteed. However, according to Superdeporte, the orange club's interest is currently limited, and he doesn't appear to be the choice.
The problem is fit. Koloko is a defensive-minded center: he protects the rim, blocks shots, and brings physicality. Xavi Albert's Valencia, undefeated in the EuroLeague with a fast-paced, open style of play, needs more from their interior players on offense, and especially some scoring threat from beyond the arc. That's where the Cameroonian falls short. Last season, split between the Lakers, Grizzlies, and Hawks, he averaged 2.7 points, 3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 13.2 minutes, and rarely shoots from three.
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His career has also been inconsistent. Selected 33rd overall in the 2022 draft by the Toronto Raptors, he had a solid rookie year, but a blood clot issue caused him to miss the entire 2023-24 season. He returned in 2024-25 with the Lakers and has since signed a series of short-term contracts without establishing himself in any rotation.
Valencia's need for interior depth is real: the club already brought in Jasiel Rivero on a one-month temporary contract to fill the gap. Koloko is, by availability and physicality, another option in a market with limited supply in October. But as of now, he is not among Valencia's priorities.