UCLA’s Bryce Alford to play for Warriors’ summer league team

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Because the NBA Draft only has two rounds and 60 total picks, some of college basketball’s bigger names and larger contributors are left on the outside looking in every June.

This year, UCLA sharpshooter Bryce Alford, the son of the school’s coach, Steve Alford, was among those productive, undrafted names.

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Warriors at No. 2: Breaking down how LaMelo Ball’s passing genius would fit Golden State But the Warriors came calling soon after the draft, signing up Alford to join their summer league team in Las Vegas.

“Excited and thankful for the opportunity to play summer league for the defending champions,” Alford said on Twitter.

Alford played 141 games during his four years at UCLA, serving as a high-volume scorer from the moment he stepped on campus. Alford averaged at least 15.4 points per game each of his final three seasons.

But his senior season was his most efficient. Finally paired with a savvy point guard, Lonzo Ball, Alford got more open shots last year and his percentages reflected it. He shot a career-best 48 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3, making 116 of his 270 long-balls.

Alford is unlikely to make the Warriors’ regular season roster, but summer league will be an important proving ground for him. Perhaps he can play well enough to open up eyes elsewhere or, if an NBA roster spot doesn’t open, it’s always possible he latches on to Golden State’s D-League team in Santa Cruz.

The Warriors open summer league play in Las Vegas on July 8th against first overall pick Markelle Fultz and the Sixers. Patrick McCaw, Kevon Looney, Damian Jones and recent second-round pick Jordan Bell are all expected to compete for the Warriors.

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