Iowa State Basketball: Where former Cyclones are playing this summer
By Doug Winkey
The other rookie Cyclones
Naz Mitrou-Long (Indiana Pacers-Orlando, Sacramento Kings-Vegas)
The 6’4″ 203 pound guard from Canada has two great opportunities this summer. Neither the Pacers nor the Kings have guard rotations that would be considered above average. Iowa State’s second best three-point shooter could make an impact based on his career 38% mark from deep.
Indiana is a particularly exciting location as Mitrou-Long will play next to former teammate Georges Niang. The Pacers also might opt to start rebuilding now if they trade away Paul George. Both former Cyclones could be part of that project.
Outside shooting isn’t Mitrou-Long’s only asset, as he upped his steal average from .8 to 1.2 and shot a career-high 47% from the field overall. His senior year saw an improved ability to slash to the hoop with the ball. Mitrou-Long was far more versatile than his previous years as a long range sniper. He has two chances to really wow NBA execs.
Deonte Burton (Minnesota Timberwolves)
High-flying Deonte Burton will join the Timberwolves for their summer league schedule. The 6’5″, 250-swingmanng man averaged 15.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks as a senior. Burton often had to play in the post against bigger players, but he was still one of ISU’s best defenders every night. He also improved his decision-making and cut down on costly turnovers.
The Timberwolves could use an infusion of wing talent after trading several guys to Chicago for superstar Jimmy Butler. Minnesota doesn’t have great wings outside of Butler and Andrew Wiggins for the moment, so Burton could make the roster if he demonstrates an even higher level of play than as a Cyclone.
Matt Thomas (Toronto Raptors)
The least heralded Cyclone senior also has the toughest road to the pros. The 6’5″, 193-pound sniper averaged 12.3 points, 3.9 boards, and shot 44% from deep as a senior. His usage was as a bomber both in the halfcourt and transition offense. Thomas was a good defender, but doesn’t have the foot speed his teammates do to keep up with NBA guards.
Making things harder is the fact the Raptors have a top-tier shooting guard in DeMar DeRozan and a couple of developing backups. Thomas needs to be electric in Las Vegas to really stick with the team either in Toronto or their G-League affiliate Raptors 905 in Missassauga, Ontario.