Former Arizona Basketball players to watch in NBA Summer League

Allonzo Trier and Kadeem Allen back together for the New York Knicks

Both Allonzo Trier and Kadeem Allen played well together while playing for the Arizona Wildcats in Tucson. Allen was drafted in the second round by the Celtics (53rd pick of the 2017 NBA draft), then excelled on the Maine Red Claws and with the Celtics when he played. Year two went a little different for Allen, released by the Celtics, Dave Fizdale liked what he saw with Zo, we assume, and brought on Allen to their G-League Affiliate the Westchester Knicks.

Allen is slated to play for the Knicks Las Vegas Summer League team.

Allonzo made a huge splash in the NBA. Zo and everyone who has believed in him was bummed out when he didn’t get drafted in the 2018 NBA Draft. But when Fizdale gave Zo a chance to prove himself in Summer League and then at the beginning of the season, Zo grabbed the opportunity and didn’t let up.

Trier’s efforts did not go unnoticed and the Knicks used their bi-annual exception to sign him to an NBA Rookie contract for $6.9 Million earning $3.5 Million last season. Trier becomes the “Richest contract signed by a player coming off a two-way deal,” according to Forbes sports writer Tommy Beer. Beer also reported that Trier is the “NBA’s first undrafted rookie to score at least 15 points on opening night since 2004.”

Trier and Allen will join forces again, this time in Las Vegas with Duke’s RJ Barrett playing for the NY Knicks.