Former Kansas basketball defensive standout Marcus Garrett will receive an opportunity to rejuvenate his professional career by playing for the Knicks Summer League team.
NBA Summer League games began yesterday, and several Kansas Jayhawks made their way onto rosters. Marcus Garrett is the most recent player to be named to one.
The New York Knicks revealed that he was among several other ex-college basketball stars to appear on the Summer League roster. Some other players include former UNC standout Trevor Keels and Nebraska’s Isaiah Roby.
Garrett, a three-time Big 12 All-Defense selection, was one of the best on-ball defenders in Kansas basketball history. In four years, he appeared in 129 contests, averaging 7.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
READ: Kansas legend joins TBT alumni team
Although he was a terrific player in college, Garrett hasn’t enjoyed much success at the next level. He played in 12 games for the Miami Heat back in 2021-22, most recently competing for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the G League. Garrett has only scored 13 lifetime points in the NBA.
Knicks announce 2023 Summer League roster pic.twitter.com/fP1Fy214JQ
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) July 3, 2023
There might be a conflict of interest between Garrett and a prior event he had committed to. Kansas has put together an alumni team named “Mass Street” in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), and the Dallas, Texas native was expected to suit up for them in their first game on July 19.
NBA players are not allowed to play in TBT, despite being able to coach the teams. A Summer League contract is not guaranteed, meaning Garrett would still be eligible for the tournament. However, fans could not blame him for prioritizing his professional career. We might not see him on the Mass Street roster when TBT begins in two weeks.
If he performs well enough for the Knicks, Garrett might be able to secure a two-way deal for the upcoming season. His defensive prowess and hard work ethic would be an asset to any team that decides to bring him aboard.
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