2015 NBA Draft: Undrafted Free Agents on the Move

By Daniel Tran | Jun 26, 2015

Every year after the draft, teams take part in the unofficial supplementary draft – signing undrafted free agents. The 2015 NBA Draft was no exception.

For 60 prospects, what seems like a lifetime’s worth of hard work culminates into the realization of a dream. For those players, hearing your name called by the most powerful men in professional basketball, shaking their hands, and being welcomed into the NBA on Draft Night is the highlight of their lives up to that point.

For others, however, that dream does not come true. Some may have a history of physical or mental issues, others may be deemed athletically challenged, and some garner reactions like, “who the heck are you?”

More from NBA Draft News

For these unfortunate players that did not get to hear their names being called out at the 2015 NBA Draft, there still is a fortunate circumstance that allows them to have the opportunity to live their NBA dream – free agency. There is less of a guarantee of making a roster than if they were drafted, but a chance to get seriously evaluated and show their skills on the court is a break that many hopefuls do not get.

With NBA teams needing to fill up their summer league rosters, the most talented undrafted free agents are getting a shot to earn their way to an NBA roster. Here are the highlights of the signings so far.

Robert Upshaw
Los Angeles Lakers

This is about as no-brainer as it gets for the Lakers. The former Washington Husky provides size, shot blocking, and the ability to finish strong around the rim. He may have a number of red flags, but getting a center with his skill set without a guaranteed contract is a win for Los Angeles.

Brandon Ashley
Los Angles Lakers

Not a bad player to take a closer look at in the Summer League. The forward that played for the Arizona Wildcats last season has a decent jump shot and can post up smaller players. With a team rebuilding like the Lakers are, that’s a nice piece to have.

Quinn Cook
Oklahoma City Thunder

After drafting Cameron Payne, the Thunder are still look for solutions at guard that will complement Russell Westbrook’s game. Cook has leadership and the intangibles that he displayed at Duke, but his ability to play point guard at the next level is in question. He may have been a better fit with Phil Jackson in New York and being the point guard in the triangle with his defense and three-point shooting.

Aaron Harrison
Charlotte Hornets

Apparently, clutch shooting will not garner you a lot of offers. After a draft where he saw his brother Andrew get drafted, Aaron will attempt to earn his way into the NBA with the Hornets, who will need his shooting touch to show up for more than the last 5 minutes of a game.

Terran Pettaway
Atlanta Hawks

Length, Length, Length. 6’6” with an almost 7’0” wingspan is enough to get you drafted usually because of the defensive potential, but his shooting percentage and lack of explosiveness made it hard for any team to pick him in the Draft. The former Nebraska guard will have to show that he can shoot and lock down opponents if he wants to break into the NBA.

Dezmine Wells
Washington Wizards

The Maryland guard made it a habit of bullying smaller guards with his strength, athleticism, and toughness last season. Unfortunately for him, the NBA is full of players as strong as he is and his offense is not good enough to set him apart. Look for him to attempt to develop into a DeShawn Stevenson or Tony Allen who can defend and give bonus offense.

T.J. McConnell
Philadelphia 76ers

McConnell is a legend in Tucson with the grit and leadership qualities that he showed at Arizona. He can find teammates and defend decently, but there is a lot to be desired with his athleticism and offensive game, which is spotty at best. With the 76ers picking up what seemed like dozens of players in the 2015 NBA Draft, Philadelphia is just hoping he will develop into a good asset or at least be a good camp body.

Next: Busting Brackets' 2015 NBA Draft Diary

More from Busting Brackets

Home/NBA Draft News