The dreams of 58 basketball prospects came true over the course of the first-ever two-day NBA Draft this week, as franchises made their selections of players they hope will become mainstays on their rosters in the years ahead. However, the draft also left several hopefuls unpicked, leaving them to scramble for free-agent deals.
Notable Snubs
Among the most surprising snubs were Kentucky wing Justin Edwards, Creighton guard Trey Alexander, and Clemson big man PJ Hall. All three players made significant impacts on their high-caliber college teams in the 2023-24 season, making their exclusions particularly unexpected.
Justin Edwards, who was ranked in the top three of the Top247 Composite as a recruit, became the first player with such high rankings to go undrafted. Edwards' exclusion from the draft pool was a shock to many scouts and analysts who had expected him to be a surefire selection.
Two-Way Contracts
Shortly after the draft concluded, reports indicated that a handful of this year's snubs, including Edwards, Alexander, and Hall, had signed two-way contracts. These contracts typically allow a player to spend up to 45 days with the NBA team while spending the rest of their time developing in the G League. Though these deals offer slim odds of leading to a permanent roster spot, they provide undrafted players with a crucial opportunity to prove their worth.
Opportunities in the Summer League
The NBA Summer League represents another critical opportunity for undrafted players to showcase their abilities. Historically, the Summer League has been a proving ground for many overlooked talents to make a name for themselves and earn a spot on an NBA roster.
Both Trey Alexander and PJ Hall played integral roles in their teams' successes last season. Alexander, known for his versatility as a guard, boasts adept ball-handling and scoring prowess, making him a valuable asset on the court. Meanwhile, Hall offers a strong presence in the paint and the ability to stretch defenses with his mid-range shooting.
As the basketball community keeps a keen eye on these undrafted talents during the Summer League, it remains to be seen whether they can defy the odds and secure a place in the NBA. The path for these players may be fraught with challenges, but their journey is far from over.
In the end, the NBA Draft is just one step in a long journey for many players. For those who went undrafted, the Summer League and two-way contracts present new avenues to achieve their dreams of playing professional basketball. Time will tell if they can seize these opportunities and prove their worth on the court.