The past month has treated the Syracuse basketball alumni with veteran status in the NBA very well. Jerami Grant inked a $160 million deal with the Trail Blazers, while Oshae Brissett signed with the Celtics.
It isn’t just free agency season, though. It’s also time for the NBA Summer League, which is over halfway done already. So how are the younger former SU players faring?
Buddy Boeheim – Pistons
Buddy Boeheim has received limited minutes with the Pistons summer squad, but he’s certainly made the most of that time. Through three games, he’s shot over 60% on three-pointers and led Detroit in triples twice.
Clearly, Boeheim can produce as a spot-up shooter. He flashed that ability throughout the last season with the Motor City Cruise of the G-League. The issue is a lack of opportunity, and not just low minutes. Last weekend, the Pistons renounced their rights to Boeheim. While he’ll continue to play for them in summer ball, the Syracuse grad needs to find a new home for next season.
Boeheim’s shooting prowess could result in some two-way offers, which would put him in a limbo between the G-League and NBA like last season. However, defensive liabilities put a ceiling on how far Boeheim can climb up the ladder.
Cole Swider – Lakers
Cole Swider has had by far the most successful stretch in Summer League this year. He’s started all five games the Lakers have played, tallying double digit points in four of them. Similar to Boeheim, Swider’s success has come from behind the arc. His 16 three pointers rank in the top-five of the entire league. Swider was on a two-way deal with Los Angeles last year, but if his play continues to be at this caliber, he might see some more time in the big leagues next season.
Elijah Hughes – Magic
Elijah Hughes has seen a wide range of results for the Magic in his fourth year on a Summer League team. He’s made a start and was second on the team with 14 points, but played just 13 minutes and received a DNP in the other two games Orlando has played. On the bright side, the pressure is off Hughes to find a home for next season. Last week, the former All-ACC First Team member signed with Manissa BB of the BSL, the top league in Turkey.
Alan Griffin – Bucks
Through three games, Alan Griffin made just one appearance for the Bucks. In that contest, all 19 players on Milwaukee’s roster received playing time, so take that how you will. Griffin, who played on the Orange for one season in 2020-2021, tallied four points on three shots in his lone appearance.
