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Shamorie Ponds did not hear his name picked in Thursday night's NBA Draft, but like many other players, he has a shot at the pros.
After the draft, Trey Rodriguez announced Ponds was signing a free agent deal with the Houston Rockets, who had no draft picks. However, Ponds' agency took down the social media post, meaning it may not be a done deal.
**UPDATE, 12:45 PM: Ponds, on his Instagram page, says it’s official; we will find out the parameters of the deal and post later.**
We will keep this post updated as the Brooklyn guard seeks his first shot at playing at basketball’s highest level.
At 6’1” in shoes, Ponds may be small for the NBA, but his college production obviously showed a high level of talent.
In three years at St. John’s, Shamorie Ponds scored over 19 points per game, four assists, five total rebounds, two steals in 35 minutes per game — shooting on 51% on two-pointers, 33% from outside the arc and 84% from the free throw line.
In FiveThirtyEight’s “CARMELO” rankings, the statistically-focused writers thought highly of Ponds as a player likely to outperform his draft pick, relative to others in the draft.
His first action will likely come in the NBA’s Summer League, starting on July 1st, where Ponds can display the crafty pick and roll decision-making that served him well at St. John's.
Former teammate Justin Simon will get a chance in summer league with the Chicago Bulls; Tariq Owens will get summer run after signing a free agent deal with the Suns.