Georgia Tech’s Michael Devoe agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Clippers after he wasn’t selected in the NBA draft Thursday, to a person familar with the situation. An Exhibit 10 deal is a one-year minimum contract that guarantees a training-camp invitation. It could be converted into a two-way contract for Devoe to play with the G League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers. Devoe also will play with the Clippers in the Las Vegas Summer League next month.
Devoe is heading to a team familiar with Tech products. Moses Wright went to training camp with the Clippers last year and then played for the team’s G League entry, which is coached by former Tech coach Paul Hewitt with former Tech assistant Darryl LaBarrie on his staff, before signing a two-way contract with the Mavericks.
In addition, Tech’s Jordan Usher agreed to a summer league deal with the Jazz, according to a person familiar with the situation, after he wasn’t drafted. It’s a foot in the door for the energetic and versatile Usher, who had a pre-draft workout with the Jazz.
Usher’s next step could be an invitation to the team’s preseason training camp. It’s also an audition for the league’s 29 other teams, as Wright did last summer, as his play with the Pelicans in last year’s summer league helped him earn a spot on the Clippers’ training-camp roster.
Usher particularly showed his potential as an NBA prospect as a senior, when he averaged 14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists (all career highs) while shooting 47.8% from the field and 34.2% from 3-point range. He did so while showing versatility at both ends of the floor, often playing center in the Yellow Jackets’ Princeton-style offense and defending both post and perimeter players.
Devoe showed his worth as a scorer this past season, finishing third in the ACC in scoring (18.0 points per game), and in the development of his all-around game. Particularly this season, he took on more point-guard duties, which is how many NBA teams projected him leading to the draft.
Devoe and Usher follow the signings of Wright (Clippers) and Alvarado (Pelicans) last year. It’s the first time that Tech has had two players sign NBA contracts in back-to-back seasons since 2009 and 2010 near the end of Hewitt’s tenure.
About the Author
