5 players remain unsigned from the 2023 NBA draft class
The bulk of the transactions across the NBA this offseason have been completed as teams and players reached terms on contracts and extensions when free agency opened last month.
Of course, there are still some other moves to make as rosters are finalized ahead of the start of training camp in early October. Teams can carry up to 21 players on rosters during the offseason, including three two-way contracts starting this year.
The 2023 NBA draft class is also mostly signed, as well.
However, of the 58 prospects drafted on June 22, five now remain unsigned after the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a pact with Jordan Miller, the 48th pick, on Monday. The five remaining unsigned players were each selected in the second round.
Rookie Wire took a look at each player and their current contract status.
James Nnaji, Charlotte Hornets
Draft Pick: 31st
After playing with Barcelona over the past couple of years, Nnaji will likely stay in Spain for at least one more season. He is reportedly under contract until 2027 and would need to negotiate a buyout with Barcelona prior to joining the Hornets.
The roster situation in Charlotte will likely also prevent the team from signing Nnaji this year. The team currently has 14 contracts guaranteed for the 2023-24 season, which doesn’t include restricted free agents PJ Washington and Theo Maledon.
Nnaji played with the Hornets in summer league, averaging 3.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and two blocks in six appearances between Las Vegas and Sacramento. He produced his best game on July 15 with 10 points, five blocks and four rebounds.
Tristan Vukcevic, Washington Wizards
Draft Pick: 42nd
The 7-footer made a compelling case to sign with the Wizards after averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, one steal and one block in the NBA Summer League. He scored in double figures twice, including a summer league-high 15 points on July 15.
Vukcevic previously expressed interest in playing in the NBA next season and is hopeful to sign with the Wizards. However, if the team opts to stash him overseas, the 20-year-old could be loaned out to play with Peristeri in Greece.
Like the situation with James Nnaji, Vukcevic could also be the victim of a crowded roster. The Wizards have 16 players signed to guaranteed contracts and two players on two-way contracts so it would appear that Vukcevic will play overseas next season.
GG Jackson II, Memphis Grizzlies
Draft Pick: 45th
Jackson turned in a strong run with the Grizzlies in summer league, averaging 10.6 points and 4.8 rebounds in eight games between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He registered one double-double on July 6 with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
He appears to be a candidate to sign the Grizzlies’ last available two-way contract for the upcoming season since the team is over the maximum roster limit of 15 guaranteed contracts. Other players selected after Jackson inked two-way deals.
Mojave King, Indiana Pacers
Draft Pick: 47th
King, who was born in New Zealand, confirmed last month that he will play overseas next year. He wasn’t sure where he’d play but he previously spent two years in the NBL with the Adelaide 36ers before signing with the G League Ignite last season.
He averaged four points per game with the Pacers in summer league.
Tarik Biberovic, Memphis Grizzlies
Draft Pick: 56th
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported on draft night that Biberovic was selected with the intention of being stashed by the Grizzlies in Europe next season. He has played in each of the last five years with Fenerbahce in Turkey.
Biberovic played with the Grizzlies in summer league this year. He averaged 6.7 points and 2.7 rebounds on 33.3% shooting from 3-point range in seven appearances between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He scored in double figures three times.
