Just because you go undrafted in the NBA Draft doesn’t mean your career is done, just ask Austin Reaves.
Reaves went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, and he just signed a $185 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Not all stories are like that, but former Illini forward Ben Humrichous is just starting to write his story.
While Humrichous didn’t hear his name called on Wednesday night, Jon Chepkewvich of Draft Express is reporting that he is signing an Exhibit-10 deal with the Brooklyn Nets.
NEWS: Illinois’ Ben Humrichous has agreed to an Exhibit-10 contract with the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell DraftExpress.
— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) June 25, 2026
The 6’9” hybrid forward played a key role off the bench for the Illini throughout their Final Four run.
Showed well throughout his predraft workout circuit. pic.twitter.com/rZXXv9TAfJ
An Exhibit-10 deal is a minimum salary contract for one year. While it isn’t a guaranteed agreement, this contract can be converted into a two-way contract, which would allow Humrichous to play both in the G-League and the NBA.
Layman’s terms, this is a foot in the door for Humrichous.
The great thing for Humrichous in the deal is that the Nets don’t really have anything going for them. They are a blank canvas that is searching for direction, so it is not like there are a ton of talented players laced throughout the roster who will have spots ahead of him.
Ben Humrichous showed the shooting ability and size at Illinois that can translate to the Brooklyn Nets
At the end of the day, Humrichous not getting drafted doesn’t shock me. There is one glaring issue, and that is his defense. He is a little flatfooted off the dribble, and that would worry me a bit if I were an NBA team.
With that being said, I think Humrichous does have a couple of attributes that do translate well to the NBA.
I think Humrichous’ size is great. At 6-foot-9, he can play out on the wing and just be a pure knockdown shooter. He can be someone who can come off the bench and give you a few big buckets to help turn momentum.
Another thing that I keep an eye on is Humrichous’ shooting. He hit 36.1% from three-point range last season with the Illini, and those aren’t corner buckets. Humrichous always liked to shoot from NBA range, and that is most of the 36.1%.
I am not sure if the Nets will retain Humrichous into next season. My guess is that he is going to be on their Summer League roster, though. Regardless, he has his foot in the door to show the NBA that he belongs.
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