As the NBA Summer League season opened up on Saturday, three of six former Iowa State Cyclone players got their first minutes of the year. Saturday, Melvin Ejim suited up for Orlando Magic’s white squad while Diante Garrett and Royce White were teammates for the Los Angeles Clippers squad.
NBA Summer League: Iowa State Cyclone Players Report: July 4th
Ejim took on the Detroit Pistons squad lead by Adonis Thomas. Ejim had a rough first quarter. In one stretch, Ejim had a shot blocked, an offensive foul, and a turnover in a consecutive sequence.
However, the second quarter opened up for Ejim, as the former Iowa Stater hit a three pointer that helped improve his play going forward. He followed with a pair of free throws and a trifecta of rebounds to close out the half.
Ejim finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists as his team won 87-76.
Cyclone fans watching on NBA TV got a treat on Saturday on top of watching the former Iowa Staters; the game following Ejim’s game featured Diante Garrett and Royce White playing as teammates.
Although neither player scored an abundance of points, Garrett and White seemed to fit in in Orlando.
Garrett came off the bench and showed off his fast hands in a number of assists that looked as good as they ever have for the former Energy star. There is little doubt that Garrett will play in the NBA at some point this season, the question is not if, it is when?
White started for the team, but did not get any minutes after the first quarter. That does not always mean a bad thing in summer league, as the coaches are trying to get looks for everybody. White will want to put more points on the board during the next outing, though.
Garrett ended the game with two points, six assists and a steal while White settled for two assists and a block. The Clippers were ultimately ousted in overtime 75-74.
