Israeli guard Noam Yaacov was not selected in the second round of the NBA Draft in New York overnight, leaving his immediate future uncertain after a strong season with Ostend. The draft took place Wednesday night into Thursday, and the disappointment comes despite what the article describes as an excellent campaign for the Belgian club.
Yaacov can still try to earn an NBA deal through the Summer League, either a standard contract or a two-way contract. A two-way deal splits time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate, allows up to 50 games, and has become a common path for players hoping to eventually win a full NBA roster spot. Portland’s Caleb Love was cited as one recent example of a standout player on such a contract.
Before that, Yaacov will join the Israel national team for its upcoming window against Croatia and Belgium. He could then play in the Las Vegas Summer League, which opens on July 9, while Israel is scheduled to play on July 3 and July 7.
If he does not sign with an NBA team this season, Yaacov will play for the University of Utah, to which he has already committed, and try to reach the NBA from college. Under league rules, he will not be eligible to enter next year’s draft.