Villanova Wildcats: Darryl Reynolds must prove himself in Summer League

With Summer League around the corner, former Villanova Wildcats’ bigman Darryl Reynolds has an opportunity to show teams why he should have been drafted.

Now that the NBA Draft has concluded, Villanova Wildcats fans can rejoice at Josh Hart‘s selection. After four years with Nova, he has the opportunity to prove himself at the next level. But, what about the rest of the senior class? Specifically, what about Darryl Reynolds?

Well, look no further! Reynolds will have an opportunity to showcase himself in front of NBA scouts and other personnel. He, along with 13 other prospects, will compete for the Philadelphia 76ers’ Utah Summer League team.

Here’s a rundown of the roster:

Now, at first glance this roster looks pretty solid. You have guys like Markelle Fultz and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot who have guaranteed roster spots. Then, we have guys who could easily make the G-League team: Delaware 87ers. These would include the likes of Melo Trimble, Alex Poythress, and Aaron Harrison. Finally, the rest. These are the players who could will most likely earn roster spots on other teams, whether pro or developmental.

Tons to Prove

To me, Reynolds would fall into the third catagory. Now, this is an initial thought. It all depends on how well he plays. Remember, T.J. McConnell was in a similar situation back in 2015. Most people felt he would lose out in Scottie Wilbekin. On the contrary, he would win the spot, and become a starter for the majority of that season.

This time around, Darryl Reynolds will need to show the NBA what he can do. In a vacuum this makes sense. After going undrafted, Reynolds has so much to prove. The chip on his shoulder would make Atlas quiver in fear. Considering how he didn’t hear his name called, the odds are against him.

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In addition, Darryl Reynolds’ play style could work in the NBA. Ideally, his role would involve crashing the boards and getting easy putbacks. He doesn’t shoot the ball beyond the paint. In all fairness, he never had to. Reynolds’ role with the Wildcats dictated that he grabbed rebounds and played quality defense. To his credit, he did just that. Nothing more, nothing less.

Fortunately, teams need that kind of player. Off the bench, in small bits and pieces, Darryl Reynolds could flourish. Similar to the likes of Reggie Evans and Udonis Haslem, teams need that bruiser bigman on the inside crashing the boards. At 6-8, 225 pounds, Reynolds may fit that mold quite nicely.

Two-Way Contracts?

But, it all starts with Summer League. While he still can very easily prove to the Sixers that he can ball, they might not have room for him in the rotation. However, he could very well earn himself a two-way contract. This would make it so that he can earn both a pro and a G-League salary. This ideally would make it so that, whenever needed, the Sixers could call him up.

Here’s the kicker, players on these deals can only spend 45 days in the pros. But, it doesn’t have to be consecutive. Although, the Sixers can only offer this contract to two players. They haven’t decided on who they want to spend that sort of dough on, but hey, it’s a thought. Maybe Reynolds does enough in the Summer League to earn himself such a contract. Again, it’s all up to him.

Next: Villanova Wildcats: How Josh Hart Fits With Los Angeles Lakers

Now, what about other teams? Remember, Reynolds doesn’t have a contract with the Sixers. If he proves himself, other teams will come knocking. It all depends on his grit and ambition. As long as those things are in check, Darryl Reynolds will find his way onto an NBA roster similar to how his Villanova Wildcats compatriot Daniel Ochefu did.