In the dog days of the NBA and college hoops offseason, the NBA Summer League is the perfect distraction for hoops fans desperate to watch competitive basketball.
For Syracuse fans, there’s the added benefit of watching former Orange players suit up. Although it’s early, some former Syracuse players have been performing so well that they could be on track to earn a standard NBA contract.
Cole Swider, who currently plays for the L.A. Lakers’ Summer League team, has been one of the best shooters in the whole competition. He was the top scorer in the California Classic circuit, averaging 22 points across two games while shooting 70% from the field and 61.5% from deep.
That efficiency has come on a high volume of attempts, as Swider leads the circuit in both three-point shots and makes. The 26-year-old has played for four teams across three seasons in his NBA career so far, and with shooting displays like this, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Purple and Gold signed him heading into next season.
Swider spent only one season with the Orange, but he quickly developed into a fan favorite, starting all 33 games he played. As a senior, he averaged 13.9 points per game while shooting 41.1% from deep, and there are probably quite a few Syracuse fans who’ve recognized him while watching Summer League.
Judah Mintz, another fan favorite during his time with the Orange, has been one of the top scorers in the Salt Lake City circuit. Mintz has averaged 19.3 points per game for the Philadelphia 76ers’ Summer League team, shooting 60% from the field across three games.
He’s been one of the best closers in the entire competition, highlighted by a tough and-1 to cap off a 26-point performance in Philly’s most recent game. Mintz hasn’t made his NBA debut yet, but he spent last season averaging 21.2 points per game on Philly’s G League team, and could earn one of the 76ers’ final two roster spots.
Mintz spent two seasons with the Orange, averaging 18.8 points per game during his sophomore season while leading the ACC in steals with 2.1 per game. The 21-year-old was Syracuse’s lead guard during his time with the program, and a lot of Syracuse fans would probably love to see him get the chance to prove himself in the NBA.
Syracuse has other notable alumni who will play when the Summer League’s main circuit tips off on July 10, from Buddy Boeheim with the Indiana Pacers to Jesse Edwards with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This year’s team boasts plenty of blue-chip talent, including freshmen Sadiq White and Kiyan Anthony, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see both of them eventually join the former Syracuse Orange players who are tearing it up at the next level.
