A post-draft battle is developing as NBA teams rush to sign undrafted hopefuls in the wake of the NBA Draft, where teams actively sought out new talent to improve their squads. Antoine Davis, Drew Timme, and Malachi Smith are a few of the well-known athletes attracting notice. Teams looking to hire them are now catching sight of these promising candidates who were passed over during the draft.
Teams frequently benefit from the opportunity provided by undrafted athletes to discover untapped talent and possible steals. NBA teams are engaged in a competition to sign these players during the post-draft season.
Bucks roped in Drew Timme with Exhibit 10 deal
According to sources from The Athletic, the Milwaukee Bucks made a wise decision by signing Drew Timme to an Exhibit 10 contract. With the possibility of turning it into a two-way contract before the start of the season, this agreement enables Timme, the Gonzaga University standout and all-time leading scorer, to join the Bucks on a league minimum pay contract.
Undrafted Gonzaga forward Drew Timme has agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2023
Timme contributed significantly to the program while he was a student at Gonzaga. He broke records, tallying a staggering 2,307 points and 910 field goals. In the NCAA Tournament, he had 10 games with 20 points or more scored in them, which was a new national record.
Timme holds the Gonzaga record for the points scored, field goals scored, free throws made, and also rebounds in the acclaimed NCAA Tournament. The 22 years old showcased his versatility by averaging 21.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.
Gonzaga guard Malachi Smith signs with Blazers
Former Gonzaga guard Malachi Smith has agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, keeping him in the Pacific Northwest. Undrafted player Smith now has a chance to compete for a roster slot in training camp and the NBA Summer League for the upcoming 2023–24 season according to this league minimum salary agreement.
Undrafted Gonzaga guard Malachi Smith has agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, per sources.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2023
Despite not being included in mock draughts prior to the draught, Smith’s choice to enter it was not unexpected. The 193 cm tall guard of Bulldogs has time and again showcased his talent while playing for Gonzaga, with an average of 8.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. He shot exceptionally well, making 50% of his three-point shots.
Similar deal presented to Detroit-Mercy guard Antoine Davis
The talented guard from Detroit Mercy, Antoine Davis, has signed a free-agent contract with the Portland Trail Blazers after going undrafted in the NBA Draught. Davis is anticipated to join the franchise’s summer league team, which is slated to compete in Vegas from 7 July to 17 July, even though the team has not yet made its official summer roster public.
The Portland Trail Blazers are signing undrafted Detroit-Mercy guard Antoine Davis on an Exhibit 10 contract, per sources.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2023
The college career of Davis was quite amazing and will probably live on in NCAA history for a while. Including the most 3-pointers made in a career 588 and the most consecutive games with double-digit scoring 144, he has an incredible four NCAA records.
The deal gives Davis an opportunity to present his talents and skills to the management while playing in the NBA Summer League. It could be a life-changing chance for Davis to gain a spot in the Blazers’ regular-season roster.
