The NBA Summer League is about to take place and for those who love tracking the professional careers of former Gators this is always a great opportunity to see where players ended up and how they can fight for roster spots either at the top of the sport or in the G League.
For those who might not know, the NBA Summer League is a series of tournaments around America where teams submit rosters of largely young players to either develop or showcase their skills to earn contracts. It is an interesting setting as half of the players are established, contracted players that are looking to develop, and half the players are undrafted who got the opportunity to fight for a spot and they’re looking to claw their way up the ranks.
Here are where former Gators are playing this summer:
The Memphis Grizzlies chose to include Walter Clayton Jr. on the roster, and he should lead the way offensively and get some valuable on-ball reps as a leader.
Will Richard will be playing with the Golden State Warriors who signed him to a multi-year deal. He will be able to compete without the stress of trying to earn a contract.
Alijah Martin, after inking a new deal with the Toronto Raptors, will be joining them in Summer League. After an excellent season in the G League he may not play a ton–but he’ll try to make the most of any minutes he sees.
Xaivian Lee will be with Cleveland, who signed him to a non-guaranteed deal to get a closer look.
Colin Castleton will compete for the Orlando Magic who recently signed him to a 2-way deal that allows him to move between the NBA and G League. Now one of the older players in the G League, expect him to not play a ton and dominate when he is in the game.
Zyon Pullin, who just had a dominant season in the G-League and even got in a few NBA games, will be looking to grow in his role with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Micah Handlogten will be with Utah, also on a non-guaranteed deal.
Now, let’s check in on some former Gators who finished their college careers elsewhere.
Kowacie Reeves Jr., who notably did 14 individual workouts for NBA teams which is as many as I’ve ever heard of, ultimately signed a non-guaranteed deal to play for the Indiana Pacers after multiple different offers.
Riley Kugel will be with the LA Clippers, and Sam Alexis will be with Oklahoma City, both on, you guessed it–non-guaranteed deals.
Osayi Osifo, who has been quietly playing well in the G-League, has an opportunity with the Denver Nuggets.
It also should be mentioned that Denzel Aberdeen would have almost certainly been playing in Summer League, but as he goes back to Florida to finish his degree while fighting for eligibility he chose not to go that route.
There will be plenty of Gators in Summer League action, so if you’re trying to get your basketball fix in the offseason there will be something for you.