Stefan Jankovic might be undrafted, but he’s still undeterred.
While Thursday’s NBA Draft was disappointing for Jankovic’s camp, the former Hawaii big man went into it knowing he’d be battling for a roster spot even were he taken in the second round. Only first-round draftees are guaranteed a contract.
Friday morning, Jankovic got some encouraging news. The Big West Player of the Year was extended an offer to play for the Miami Heat’s NBA summer league team in the coming days. He quickly accepted.
“Happy man, doesn’t get much better than this,” Jankovic said in a message to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “Got an opportunity with a world class organization to play for them in the summer league which is the next step in making a roster and playing in the NBA which is still the goal.”
He will compete in the Orlando (July 2-8) and Las Vegas (July 9-18) leagues. ESPN will carry the Vegas games across its platforms. Broadcast information for the Orlando games is to be determined, according to NBA.com. Game recaps and box scores will be available at OrlandoMagic.com.
For Jankovic, it’s an opportunity to be seen against other young talent trying to make a mark, including players who were drafted high. For the NBA teams, it’s a low-risk platform to find a body or two who might round out a 15-man roster for next season.
Other players mentioned for Miami’s summer squad are Louisville wing Damion Lee, South Carolina forward Michael Carrera, Toledo forward Nathan Boothe and former St. John’s forward Chris Obekpa, according to the Miami Sun Sentinel.
At least one player on last year’s Heat summer roster made an impact during the regular season. Tennessee’s Josh Richardson went in the 2015 second round, played summer ball, and became a rotation player well into the 2016 playoffs. Tyler Johnson, an undrafted guard in 2014 out of Fresno State, also played in the summer for Miami and enjoyed regular-season minutes.
Former UH wing Aaron Valdes is trying to secure a summer roster spot, his father, Andy, said Friday.
