:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64057344/usa_today_12257013.0.jpg)
Newly-graduated Wildcats Vic Law and Derek Pardon were each signed to post-draft deals by Orlando late Thursday night/early Friday morning, according to multiple reports.
The Orlando Magic have agreed to a deal with Dererk Pardon (Northwestern), league sources told @TheAthleticNBA.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 21, 2019
Northwestern’s Vic Law has agreed to an undrafted free-agent deal with the Orlando Magic, a source told ESPN.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 21, 2019
The small forward and center, as expected, were not drafted, but each will at least get a chance to catch on with a young, relatively exciting team. The Magic, who finished 42-40 last season before falling in five games in the first round to the eventual NBA Champion Toronto Raptors, selected Auburn forward Chuma Okeke with the 16th overall pick before trading their second-rounder for a future pick and cash considerations.
Law and Pardon follow in the footsteps of Scottie Lindsey and Bryant McIntosh, who each played in the Summer League (with the Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Pelicans respectively) before moving on to play overseas.
The two will each try to become only the second Wildcat this decade to reach the NBA. Reggie Hearn, of course, after a path that took him through multiple continents, made three appearances for the Pistons in 2018.
Before him, Evan Eschmeyer, also the last Northwestern player to be drafted, was the only graduate of NU to reach the NBA this century, participating in parts of two seasons with the (then-New Jersey) Nets, who drafted him at the start of the second round, before rounding out his career with the Dallas Mavericks.
The 2019 NBA Summer League will run from July 5th to the 15th. Mark your calendars for the Magic’s games ASAP.