Illinois Basketball: Brad Underwood puts another player in the NBA

Illinois basketball looks to be landing another player into the NBA in some form or fashion.

On Sunday afternoon, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN tweeted out that the Denver Nuggets were signing former Illini big man Giorgi Bezhanishvili to an Exhibit 10 contract. This signing does come on the heels of Giorgi playing for the Nuggets summer league squad.

What is an Exhibit 10 contract?

From my understanding, the Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year deal for the league minimum. It doesn’t come with any guarantees but there is also another route the Nuggets could possibly take.

I believe the route Denver will end up taking with Giorgi is putting him on their G-League team, the Grand Rapids Drive. The Exhibit 10 contract gives NBA teams the option to convert the agreement to a two-way contract as long as it is done before the season starts.

So, in my opinion, what is likely to happen is the Nuggets convert Giorgi’s Exhibit 10 contract into a two-way contract, and they end up sending him to the Grand Rapids Drive where he can continue to develop. He would have the chance to eventually be called up as well.

Either way, Giorgi landing some type of deal is enabling him to get his foot in the door. It is hard to crack an NBA roster, so this is a great start to a potential budding career.

Illinois basketball gets another player into the NBA.

I believe Ayo Dosunmu is the only player currently in the NBA who ended his college career with the Illini. Having Giorgi also on a team of some sorts is a good look for the Orange and Blue. It is also a great look for Brad Underwood, who can now show recruits he can put players in The Association.

I am happy for Giorgi. I think this kid has a chance to stick in the NBA as a role player. He is a high-energy guy, and probably the best locker room presence you will ever find.