Israeli guard Noam Yaacov did not get selected in the second round of the NBA draft in New York overnight, between Wednesday and Thursday, leaving his immediate future uncertain after an excellent season with Ostend. The article says he will now have several possible routes to the league, but no guaranteed NBA deal.
Yaacov can take part in the NBA Summer League and try to earn either a standard contract or a two-way deal. The piece explains that two-way contracts have become common in recent years, with players splitting time between an NBA team and its G League affiliate and being allowed to appear in up to 50 games. The article cites Caleb Love of Portland as one example of a player who stood out while on such a contract.
For now, Yaacov will join Israel’s national team for its upcoming window against Croatia and Belgium. After that, he could play in the Las Vegas Summer League, which begins on July 9, while the national team’s games are scheduled for July 3 and July 7.
If he does not sign with an NBA team this season, Yaacov is expected to play for the University of Utah, which he has already committed to, and try to reach the NBA from there. Under league rules, he will not be eligible to enter the next draft.