The dog days of summer are rolling on, and everyone’s eyes are on one thing: the NBA Summer League. You thought I was going to say the MLB All-Star Game, didn’t you? Anyway, there’s a lot of former Orange taking the courts in Las Vegas, many names that SU fans probably want to hear all about. Let’s dive into it:
Judah Mintz – Philadelphia 76ers
The man of the hour. Judah Mintz made the decision to leave the ‘Cuse after his sophomore season in 2024 to enter the NBA Draft. Mintz would go undrafted and found himself signing a summer league deal with the Sixers in hopes of finding his way onto a 15-man roster. The point guard has found some success so far, putting up 16 points in 19 minutes on Monday against the Trail Blazers. In the effort, Mintz went 5-of-7 from the field and 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. Last night against the Timberwolves, Mintz contributed nine off the bench. A solid start for the former four-star recruit who dazzled Syracuse fans night in and night out.
Cole Swider – Miami Heat
A name some ‘Cuse fans might forget, Swider finished his collegiate career with the Orange back in 2022. Since then, the 6-foot-8 forward hasn’t seen much success but is taking another chance to prove himself this summer league with the Miami Heat. Swider has done a solid job in his role, notching 38 total points in his first two games. Monday’s contest against Oklahoma City saw some struggles, as Swider shot just 1-9 from the field. Perhaps a turnaround is in order though for the sharpshooter.
Jesse Edwards – Minnesota Timberwolves
Now I know what you’re thinking: Jesse Edwards is a traitor! He left for West Virginia last season! While this may be true, he is seeing some time on the court as an Orange alum in the summer league. In the one game Edwards has played thus far, he snagged six rebounds and seven points against the Pacers, including a block. The 6-foot-11 center should continue to see action as the summer progresses and could prove valuable to teams in the league with his size.
At the end of the day, it’s the summer league and these reps are extremely valuable to a young player trying to crack the NBA. More Orange in the league is never a bad thing, so we’ll see how the rest of the month goes for these hoopers.
