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Syracuse Basketball: Nine Alumni To Play in NBA Summer League

By Zachary Weisleder

Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) and forward Michael Gbinije (0) react against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) and forward Michael Gbinije (0) react against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in a semifinal game in the Midwest regional of the NCAA Tournament at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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The summer is officially here, and nine Syracuse basketball alumni are looking to showcase their skills. Let’s look at them and where they will be playing.

Andrew White (Cleveland Cavaliers):

White didn’t expect to get drafted, but instead worked out for a number of NBA teams prior to the draft. The Syracuse graduate transfer went undrafted, but signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers the very next day. Andrew White will play with the Cavs in the Las Vegas League this summer and continue being a three-point threat.

Rakeem Christmas (Indiana Pacers):

Rakeem Christmas, the former four-year player from Syracuse, will be playing in the Orlando League. Christmas, a member of the Indiana Pacers, improved his game drastically in his second year out of Syracuse. After playing in just one game in the 2015-16 season, Christmas played in 29 this past season and was a defensive spark off the bench for the Pacers. It’ll be exciting to see how the big man does this summer as he tries to show that he deserves more minutes this coming season.

Michael Gbinije (Detroit Pistons):

Michael Gbinije will also be playing in the Orlando League, lacing up for the Detroit Pistons. In his rookie season, Gbinije did not get many opportunities to showcase his abilities at the NBA level. However, Gbinije tore it up in the D-League this past year and put his veteran college experience to good use. The former graduate transfer will look to show off his rare mixture of size and skill during Summer League action and hopefully earn more playing time next season.

Kris Joseph (Charlotte Hornets):

You may not remember, but Kris Joseph was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 51st overall pick in 2012. After just one season in the NBA spent between Boston and Brooklyn, Joseph has since been playing overseas. Playing for Enel Brindisi this past season in Italy, Joseph averaged just under eight points per game. Recently, the Charlotte Hornets have put Joseph on their Summer League team in Orlando, where Joseph will try and re-establish himself as an NBA caliber player.

Tyler Lydon (Denver Nuggets):

Lydon, Syracuse’s most recent first-round pick, will play for Denver in the Las Vegas League this summer. Lydon has received scores of criticism since being drafted 24th overall, especially from former Indiana head coach Tom Crean. However, Lydon strives under pressure and should continue to do so this summer. The 6-foot-9 stretch four can score in numerous ways and has strong capabilities on defense.

Chris McCullough (Washington Wizards):

Two shaky seasons to begin his NBA career means absolutely nothing to Chris McCullough. The forward out of Syracuse will play for Washington in the Las Vagas League knowing what he needs to do to keep a spot on the Wizards’ rosters. McCullough’s confidence should allow him to become a completely different player come to Summer League.

Malachi Richardson (Sacramento Kings):

After an injury-plagued rookie season, Malachi Richardson had a head start in terms of preparing for this summer. The guard out of Syracuse will play for the Sacramento Kings in the Las Vegas League, trying to make a name for himself on a team that is in full rebuild mode. Richardson’s stroke should separate him from the pack in the Summer League, so it’ll be exciting to see how he fares during Sacramento’s four games.

Tyler Roberson (Milwaukee Bucks):

After going undrafted, Roberson signed onto the Milwaukee Bucks’ Las Vegas League team, where he will strive for a chance to play in the NBA next season. Though Roberson’s senior year at Syracuse was a letdown, the forward practiced with a plethora of teams and managed land himself a spot in the Summer League.

Next: Syracuse Football Sitdown: 2019 Prospect Mershawn Rice, WR/FS

James Southerland (Utah Jazz):

James Southerland, the former four-year player at Syracuse, last played in the NBA during the 2013-14 season, splitting time with Charlotte and New Orleans. Southerland spent this past season playing for Golden State’s D-League squad, the Santa Cruz Warriors. Southerland averaged almost 14 points and shot 40% from deep. Strong play from Southerland landed him on the Utah Jazz for the summer. Southerland will play in the Utah Jazz League, as well as the Las Vegas League. He will try to continue shooting the ball effectively. If he can do so, Southerland could very well find himself back in the NBA.

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