Tennessee Basketball: Kyle Alexander signs a Summer League contract

Kyle Alexander was the lone Vol that did not get drafted on Thursday’s NBA Draft, but he did sign a Summer League contract with the Miami Heat.

Kyle Alexander impressed multiple NBA franchises during the pre-draft process but not enough to hear his name called on draft night, but that’s ok because he now has an opportunity to prove what he has in the Summer League with the Miami Heat.

Johnathon Givony announced the move on Twitter in his “Canada update.”

Alexander will have an opportunity to showcase his talents in Las Vegas for the Heat. This gives other teams to evaluate Alexander during this short period too if the Heat doesn’t keep him after Summer League ends.

Alexander defended the paint for the Vols and was one of the main contributors on defense for Tennessee when they were on their 27-1 run to become the number one team in the country.

He finished with 7.4 points, 1.7 blocks and 6.7 rebounds per game in his senior season but struggled with fouls in just about every game.

That needs to be a big focus for him if he wants to at least play in the G-League next season. Even if he does continue to struggle with fouls but can show off his defensive skills, some teams might overlook the foul trouble.

Alexander can dominate if he can get going in the hand full of games throughout the ten-day Summer League.

It would be nice to see Alexander play well enough to get a contract from the Heat whether that’s a G-League contract or anything where he could play in some games in with the Heat.

Seeing Alexander and Josh Richardson on the court together would be a pretty cool sight. Two generations of Vols could be pretty wild to see after there was such a long drought of Vols in the NBA having successful careers.

Alexander could serve as a reliable backup for the Heat, but I think it would probably be best if he played a season in the G-League first.

The Heat’s current center Hassan Whiteside could be leaving next Summer so that could allow Alexander to earn a roster spot if the depth isn’t there.

Alexander joined the Vols as a small freshman from Canada but finished his career as one of the best defensive players and rebounders the Vols have seen in a while.

It’s nice to see some Tennessee players get a chance with some NBA teams and Alexander along with his three former teammates who were drafted will all get that chance.