Analysis of Two-Way Rookies Poised to Secure Standard NBA Contracts

As the 2026-27 season approaches, 27 players from the 2026 draft class have signed two-way contracts. While most will primarily play in the G League, several have a viable path to securing standard NBA contracts in the future. Among these, 14 players were undrafted, while 13 were second-round picks, with former Purdue standout Braden Smith, selected No. 38 overall, being the highest pick to sign a two-way deal.

Three rookies showing potential to earn standard contracts this season include:

**Tobe Awaka, Chicago Bulls**

Awaka concluded his senior season at Arizona with averages of 9.3 points and 9.1 rebounds, shooting 58.7% from the field in 20.8 minutes per game. After going undrafted, he joined the Bulls as an undrafted free agent and is starting his NBA journey on a two-way contract. The 6-foot-8 forward's abilities as a rebounder and finisher make him a promising candidate for a rotation role, especially as the Bulls, under first-year general manager Bryson Graham and coach Tiago Splitter, seek players for their future.

**Maliq Brown, San Antonio Spurs**

Selected by the Spurs with the No. 44 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Brown averaged 4.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.8 steals during his senior year at Duke. His skill set suggests he could emerge as a solid role player in the NBA, particularly in a position where the Spurs need more depth. A strong performance in training camp and the G League could help him secure a standard contract.

**Carson Cooper, Memphis Grizzlies**

Cooper, who went undrafted in 2026, impressed during the NBA Summer League. Over nine games in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, he averaged 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 57.5% from the field. During his senior year at Michigan State, he averaged 11.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and one block per game with a shooting percentage of 58.4%. If Zach Edey, who has faced injuries in his career, is sidelined again in the upcoming season, Cooper may have opportunities with the Grizzlies to vie for a standard contract.