In a surprising turn of events, Armando Bacot, the former UNC basketball phenom, has inked an Exhibit 10 contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. The announcement came through the team’s press release on Friday, stirring excitement and raising eyebrows across the basketball world. But what does this deal mean for Bacot’s future in the NBA, and why should fans care?
From College Glory to NBA Limbo: What’s Next for Armando Bacot?
The Grizzlies also brought in a few other names—Yuki Kawamura, Miye Oni, and Maozinha Pereira—all on similar deals. But Bacot’s story stands out. This isn’t just any contract; it’s an Exhibit 10. This one-year, non-guaranteed contract offers the league’s minimum salary and a tantalizing potential bonus of up to $75,000. However, there’s a catch—the bonus kicks in only if Bacot gets waived and then logs at least 60 days with the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate.
So, is this a clever move or a desperate gamble? Let’s be clear: Exhibit 10 contracts are essentially high-risk, high-reward deals. They dangle the carrot of a potential two-way contract, which could see Bacot shuttling between the NBA and the G League. This is where things get spicy. For Bacot, the road to securing a stable spot on the Grizzlies’ roster is anything but guaranteed.
Bacot’s journey to this point has been nothing short of legendary. During his five years at Chapel Hill, he rewrote the record books, becoming North Carolina’s all-time leader in rebounds and catapulting the Tar Heels to the 2022 national championship game. He made NCAA history by recording double-doubles in all six tournament games—a feat no other Division 1 player has ever achieved. And let’s not forget, his eight career NCAA double-doubles tied him with Antawn Jamison, another UNC great.
With 2,347 points, Bacot trails only Tyler Hansbrough in the school’s all-time scoring charts. He holds ACC records for most games played (169) and starts (168). So, why isn’t the NBA rolling out the red carpet for him?
What’s Next for Bacot in the NBA?
Bacot’s NBA aspirations first came into sharper focus when he played in the NBA Summer League with the Utah Jazz after signing another Exhibit 10 contract back in June. But now, with the Grizzlies, the stakes feel even higher. Does Memphis see a hidden gem in Bacot, or is this another test to see if the big man has what it takes to survive the cutthroat nature of professional basketball?
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: Bacot’s next steps will either cement his status as a rising star or see him fade into obscurity like so many others before him. The basketball world is watching, waiting to see if Bacot can turn this risky bet into a career-defining win.
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