One of the standout stars from this year’s March Madness will be showcasing his talents with the Cleveland Cavaliers at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas next month. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, NC State star DJ Burns will join the Cavaliers after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Burns, 23, emerged as one of the breakout players of the recent NCAA Tournament, leading NC State to its first Final Four appearance since 1983 before falling to Zach Edey’s Purdue. His impressive performance during the tournament, coupled with his season-long contributions, has earned him a shot at proving himself on the professional stage.
The 6’9”, 275-pound center had a unique collegiate journey before his standout season with the Wolfpack. Burns redshirted at Tennessee and then played three seasons at Winthrop, where he garnered significant accolades, including the Big South Player of the Year in 2022 and the Big South Freshman of the Year in 2020. His single season at NC State was marked by his recognition as the ACC Tournament MVP and the Most Outstanding Player in the South Region.
During his final season at NC State, Burns averaged 12.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to make a significant impact on the court. Despite his impressive college resume, Burns went undrafted, leaving him with much to prove as he transitions to the professional level.
Undrafted NC State center DJ Burns will join the Cleveland Cavaliers for the NBA Summer League, sources said.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2024
Burns’ game is characterized by his inside presence and physicality, a style that is becoming less common in the modern NBA which increasingly values perimeter skills and versatility. However, Burns has been working on his conditioning and overall game since the end of the college season, aiming to adapt and make his mark in the pros.
The NBA Summer League presents Burns with a critical opportunity to display his skills and fit within an NBA system. The Cavaliers will be closely evaluating his performance, with the possibility of offering him a two-way contract if he impresses during the summer league games.
As Burns looks to transition his college success to the professional ranks, all eyes will be on his performance in Las Vegas, where he hopes to earn a spot on the Cavaliers’ roster and continue his basketball journey.
