Multiple former SU players will begin their professional careers this month.
Multiple former Syracuse basketball players will begin their professional careers later this month.
At the end of June, Maliq Brown became the first former Syracuse player to be selected in the NBA Draft since Elijah Hughes in 2020. Brown was drafted 44th overall by the San Antonio Spurs. Brown played two seasons at Syracuse before transferring to Duke.
Brown joins a list of multiple other former Syracuse players that are projected to compete in this month's NBA Summer league.
What is the NBA Summer League?
As the official NBA website notes, the NBA Summer League's purpose is described as:
"As trades and free agency unfold and reshape the NBA landscape, teams are also preparing for summer leagues where rookies, young players, stars in the making and those looking to extend their pro basketball careers compete in a unique environment."
Former Syracuse players scheduled to play
William Kyle III
Kyle signed a Exhibit 10 deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. after going undrafted last month.
A 6-foot-10 center, Kyle averaged 8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds 2.5 blocks and one steal per game last season for the Orange. He previously played at UCLA and South Dakota State before Syracuse.
Quadir Copeland
After starting his career in Central New York, Copeland spent his final two seasons in college at McNeese State and North Carolina State. Copeland will be on a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets.
Chris Bell
Bell spent three seasons with Syracuse before hitting the transfer portal and playing his senior season for the California Golden Bears, Bell took to the social media platform X and indicated he signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Nate Kingz
Kingz' lone season in Syracuse proved to be his final one at the collegiate level. After averaging 12.8 points per game last season, Kingz moved on to the professional ranks. Kingz was signed in late June by the Miami Heat.
NBA Summer League schedule
ESPN and Prime Video are the television homes for NBA Summer League action this season.
Bell (New Orleans) will make his debut on July 9 against Minnesota.
Brown (San Antonio) will take on Atlanta on July 9 as well.
Kingz (Miami) will debut on July 10 against Milwaukee.
Copeland (Houston) will also play July 10, but against Denver.
Kyle (Lakers) will play against the Thunder on July 10.
What happens after the NBA summer league season concludes?
Following summer league action, NBA teams will begin to finalize their rosters for the upcoming season. Former Syracuse players like Kyle and Kingz will find out if they are signed to the NBA roster, G-League affiliates, or cut from their teams.
If players become free agents, they are then eligible to sign with either another NBA or sign with professional international teams from around the world.
The 2026-27 NBA schedule has yet to be released. Game one of the season is projected to be in New York City, home of the recent NBA champions New York Knicks, in the middle of October.
One thing to note
The California Classic Summer League, featuring a handful of teams, begins play this weekend. Miami, San Antonio, and the Lakers are participating in that.
There is also a quick summer league in Salt Lake City, which will feature a few teams, but no former SU players.
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