The Denver Nuggets officially locked up their 49th overall draft pick, Bryce Hopkins, to a two-way contract on Wednesday, and if you weren’t paying attention this summer, you’re about to find out why this move could be huge for the defending champs. This isn’t just some standard rookie signing; it’s the culmination of a player who put in the work, made some serious noise, and earned every bit of this shot. Hopkins’ performance in the G League combine and Summer League showed exactly why the Nuggets made this play.
From Big East Standout to NBA Prospect
Hopkins wasn’t just some afterthought in college. This soon-to-be 24-year-old forward put in serious time, playing one year at Kentucky before hitting his stride with three seasons at Providence. He wrapped up his collegiate career with the St. John’s Red Storm, where he was named a second-team All-Big East selection last season. The numbers speak for themselves: he averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals, hitting 36.3% from downtown. And get this: he ranked fifth in the entire conference in free throws made with 127 and fifth in win shares with 4.8. You don’t get those numbers without being a force on the court. He even started all 50 of his appearances at Providence and earned first-team All-Big East honors as a sophomore in the 2022-23 season. This dude knows how to produce.
Summer League Domination Led to a Contract
Talk about earning your stripes! Hopkins was one of just 44 prospects invited to the G League combine back in May, and he didn’t just show up, he absolutely stood out. That performance punched his ticket straight to the draft combine, making his case for a second-round selection undeniable. But then he got to Summer League with the Nuggets, and that’s where things really took off. In four appearances, Hopkins went off, averaging 18 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 steals, shooting 35.7% from three-point range. He scored at least 14 points in every single game, including a monster 24-point explosion on July 10. That kind of consistent scoring against other top rookies and hopefuls? That gets you noticed, plain and simple.
What This Two-Way Deal Really Means
So, what’s next for Hopkins? This two-way contract means he’ll split his time between the NBA club and the Grand Rapids Gold in the G League next season. He’s eligible to play up to 50 games in the NBA, which is a big opportunity to show what he can do at the highest level. And he’ll be earning $678,882, which is half of the minimum salary for a player with zero years of experience. This is his shot, his big chance to prove he belongs in the rotation. Keep an eye on Hopkins; if his Summer League performance is any indication, he’s ready to make some noise for the Nuggets.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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