Local players Dereon Seabron, Keyontae Johnson and David McCormack use NBA Summer League to gain experience, get noticed
The NBA Summer League is an offseason basketball competition that allows NBA teams to test their recent draft picks, rookies, two-year players and G League affiliate players.
Dereon Seabron, Keyontae Johnson and David McCormack all took advantage of that experience this summer.
Seabron, a Lake Taylor High graduate, showed signs that he could be an impact player for the New Orleans Pelicans with his play this summer.
After going unselected in the 2022 NBA draft, Seabron signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans as he split time with the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League.
He averaged 18.4 points, 5.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game with the Squadron. He also played in five games with the Pelicans, averaging 2.4 minutes.
Seabron, 23, had some breakout performances for the Pelicans’ summer league team as he averaged 17.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 5.0 assists.
He was able to show the Pelicans his ability to get to the rim and his intensity on defense.
“I just feel like that with my speed and athleticism … I feel like that will open up more things for my teammates, so I just look to make the right plays,” Seabron told the media.
He said the experience this summer will be beneficial as he tries to get to the NBA.
“I feel like anytime you’re getting reps, especially live game reps, it’s good for your game and for you to improve,” said Seabron, who had 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists against Golden State.
Johnson, who attended Norview High in Norfolk, was the 50th overall selection by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. He signed a two-way contract with the Thunder, which means he’ll split his time next season between the Thunder and the OKC Blue in the G League.
His summer got off to a slow start due to a hamstring injury when the team was in Salt Lake City, but he returned in the Las Vegas Summer League and averaged 12.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in five games.
He told the media that he wanted to work on defending and rebounding this summer.
“A lot of people have seen me score at K-State, so just trying to show the other sides of my game,” he said. “I can play without the ball in my hands.”
Johnson, who helped lead Kansas State to the Elite Eight last season, was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and was named an Associated Press third-team All-American.
McCormack, who attended Norfolk Academy, played with the Toronto Raptors this summer. In two games, he had seven points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.
McCormack, who helped lead Kansas to the NCAA title in 2022, spent last season in Turkey with Beşiktaş Emlakjet. He averaged 9.1 points and 7.4 rebounds.
Larry Rubama, 757-575-6449, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com. Twitter @LHRubama
