Three former Virginia Cavaliers are on NBA Summer League rosters this month, with Ugonna Onyenso set to suit up for the Detroit Pistons, Jacari White joining the Los Angeles Lakers and Malik Thomas with the Toronto Raptors.
Onyenso gets the earliest run of the three, and his opening stretch comes against a demanding slate. Detroit opens against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, July 9 at 5:30 p.m. on Prime Video, then faces the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, July 12 at 4:00 p.m. on Prime Video and the New York Knicks on Monday, July 13 at 4:00 p.m. on Prime Video.
Those games give Onyenso a first look at a group of playoff teams and a chance to measure himself against notable rookies, including Philadelphia’s Labaron Philon Jr. (First round guard, Alabama) and New York’s Tyler Nickel (Second round forward, Vanderbilt).
Onyenso and the Cavaliers played Nickel in a scrimmage against the Commodores last season.
There’s a path to real minutes for Onyenso, too. Detroit is looking for help behind its frontcourt because it recently traded Isaiah Stewart away for draft picks.
The Pistons also face a decision on Jalen Duren, who is reportedly eyeing a major contract extension that Detroit may balk at. That situation leaves room for Onyenso to make an impression if he can adjust quickly.
White’s schedule comes in the California Classic, the short invitational hosted by the Warriors before Summer League moves to Las Vegas. The Lakers will play the Golden State Warriors on Friday, July 3 at 10:30 p.m. with no current TV designation, then the Miami Heat on Sunday, July 5 at 4:30 p.m. with no current TV designation, and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m. with no current TV designation. After that, Los Angeles faces the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, July 10 at 10:00 p.m. on Prime Video, the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 p.m. on ESPN, the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 p.m. on Prime Video and the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, July 16 at 6:00 p.m. on Prime Video.
For White, the spotlight is straightforward: hit shots and make enough noise to get G League attention. The Lakers are packed with guard talent, so he’ll need to stand out in a hurry. One possible measuring-stick matchup comes against Keaton Wagler, the Clippers’ No. 5 draft pick from Illinois, who could share the floor with White at times.
Thomas is the last of the three to take the floor, and his first game is Saturday, July 11 against the Houston Rockets at 9:30 p.m. on Prime Video. He won’t face a former Cavalier, but there may still be some familiar faces nearby.
NBA head coaches usually stay out of Summer League action, though they sometimes stop by to watch. If Rick Carlisle is in the building, Thomas could reconnect with the Pacers head coach and fellow program alum.
Sam Hauser of the Celtics could also be in the mix if he decides to watch.
Thomas is a longshot to remain with Toronto, but a productive Summer League run could put him in position for the Raptors’ G League affiliate. To make that happen, he’ll need to show he can run offense, knock down shots efficiently and bother opposing guards on the defensive end.
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