Deng Adel signs first NBA contract with Cleveland Cavaliers

Former Louisville basketball forward Deng Adel has signed a two-way deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The talent of Deng Adel is certainly undeniable, but the Adel that we saw during his junior season at Louisville playing for David Padgett, left much to be desired. Though he led the team in scoring, averaging 15 points per game, when Adel declared early for the NBA Draft shortly after the Cards loss to Mississippi State in the NIT Quarterfinals it seemed like the NBA was a long-shot due to his up and down play throughout the 2017-18 season.

After going undrafted, Adel signed with the Toronto Raptors for the NBA Summer League and played like the player we all knew he could be. The former Cardinal signed with the Raptors to go to training camp, a feat which many believed he wouldn’t be able to do, and actually played extremely well when given the chance.

Though he missed the cut, Adel was assigned to the Raptors 905, the Toronto Raptors NBA G-League Affiliate, where he quickly became one of the leagues most productive rookies.

After half a season, averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, Adel has signed his first NBA contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers according to NBA reporting guru Shams Charania of the Athletic.

Adel will play on a non-guaranteed Two-Way contract, which will allow for him to spend time between the Cleveland Cavaliers and their G-League Affiliate the Canton Charge. For those not familar with the NBA’s newest contract, here’s how it works.

"“NBA teams may have up to two players under NBA Two-Way Contracts who will spend the bulk of the season in the NBA G League and not more than 45 days with their NBA team. Two-Way players are paid a corresponding daily amount based on the number of days they play in each league. Only players in their fourth NBA season or earlier are able to sign Two-Way Contracts, which can be for either one or two seasons.”"

Deng Adel will join a Cleveland Cavaliers team that currently holds the NBA’s worst record at 9-35 overall. The teams struggles this season comes as no surprise, as they are playing in their first season without LeBron James, who left for the Los Angeles Lakers.

With injuries to several key players including Kevin Love, David Nwaba, and Rodney Hood, playing time should be available to Deng Adel right away. To make room for Adel the Cavaliers waived Jalen Jones, another two-way contract player, who signed with the team last month and was already averaging 13 minutes per game.

Knowing the Cavaliers have plenty of minutes available and only 45 days to prove his worth, Adel will have to produce quickly at the NBA level. His game is a great fit for the NBA due to his size at 6’7 and versatility on both sides of the floor.

The potential is endless for Adel, but playing consistently night to night and most importantly playing within himself, something he didn’t do during his junior season at Louisville, will be the telling sign of whether or not he can stick in the league.

Talking to Basketball Insiders right before the 2018 NBA Draft Adel said about his game, “My perimeter game is improved. My play making ability has improved, I just need to go out and compete.” If he can do that, don’t be surprised if he develops into an NBA 3 & D wing for the Cavaliers or some other team.

Adel will make his debut with the Cavaliers on Wednesday night when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers.