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3 undrafted free agents to watch in NBA Summer League

By Max Holm

Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard PJ Dozier (15) shoots as Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) guards during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard PJ Dozier (15) shoots as Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) guards during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard PJ Dozier (15) shoots as Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) guards during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard PJ Dozier (15) shoots as Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) guards during the second half in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

All the attention Thursday night was on the players who did get taken, but some second round talent was scooped up after the 2017 NBA Draft.

As first and second round draft picks were getting on planes to head to their new cities, NBA front offices were still hard at work.

While the 2017 NBA Draft only has room for 60 picks, there are plenty of spots available on NBA Summer League rosters. Year after year, undrafted free agents make NBA rosters. For players projected in the second round, it makes more sense for some to be undrafted rather than get their name called.

Not being tied down to a team gives the player and their agent more power. Even if they sign with a certain team, they could earn a deal and training camp invite from any team.

Success stories like T.J. McConnell of the Philadelphia 76ers come to mind. Not getting drafted is not necessarily the end of an NBA dream. Robert Covington, again of the Sixers, is another example. Covington rose through the D-League and will be heading for a big-time extension.

Summer League is the real chance for players who weren’t drafted to shine. Here are three guys to watch that could play their way onto an NBA roster this fall.