Jankovic latches on
While draft day was surely disappointing for Stefan Jankovic‘s camp, the big man went into it knowing he’d be battling for a roster spot even were he taken in the second round.
That he went undrafted left Jankovic undeterred. He accepted an offer to play for the Miami Heat’s NBA summer league team in the coming days.
“Happy man, doesn’t get much better than this,” Jankovic said in a message. “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.”
Congrats to former #HawaiiMBB forward @StefanJ33 on joining the @MiamiHEAT #NBASummerLeague squad. #GoBows pic.twitter.com/GAHWN5QM2n
— HAWAII BASKETBALL (@HawaiiMBB) June 24, 2016
He will be both in the Orlando (July 2-8) and Las Vegas (July 8-18) leagues. ESPN will carry the Vegas games across its platforms.
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 that might round out a 15-man roster for next season.
Word is Aaron Valdes is trying to secure a summer roster spot, as well.
Jankovic chose a great team to join for the summer league.
Miami only has 6 players under contract for 2016-2017: Chris Bosh, Goran Dragic, Josh McRoberts, Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow, and Briante Weber (they’re also very likely to re-sign Dwayne Wade). Also key, they had zero draft picks this year so they’ll have 9 roster spots to fill via free agency and undrafted free agents. This is in contrast to the position Carl English was in after also going undrafted and signing with the Pacers where he impressed but couldn’t stick because the Pacers had too many players under guaranteed contracts. Of course none of this matters if Janks doesn’t play well in the summer league. Wishing him the best of luck!
congrats to Janks. Too bad he got caught up in the teams blowing smoke. Hope he gets the last laugh.
Not bad for a guy who wasn’t invited to the NBA Combine.
Being invited to the Heat means that Pat Riley thinks you have value.
Prove Chad Ford wrong. Go Janks! Thanks for that three at CSUF.