With the NBA's regular season tipping off, here’s a look at which former Colorado Buffaloes are currently on active rosters.
Seven former Buffs took the court to start the NBA regular season. Tad Boyle's hire back in 2010 have sent 10 players to the NBA to this point. Players such as Alec Burks and Jabari Walker are productions of Boyle and are currently playing in the NBA.
The CU men's basketball program made history this past year by sending three players into the league. Most notably, two Buffs, Cody Williams and Tristan da Silva, were taken in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Williams was the highest-selected player from Colorado since recent Hall of Fame inductee Chauncey Billups, who was the third overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft.
Outside of the draft, the past summer was very memorable for CU alumni Derrick White. White won his first championship with the Boston Celtics. He also went to Paris, France, for the 2024 Summer Olympics and took home the gold medal with the U.S. men’s national basketball team.
All former Buffs will be covered throughout the season, but here is how the seven NBA Buffs did in their season opener:
Derrick White (2016-2017), Boston Celtics
After a storied career with the Buffaloes, Derrick White was drafted 29th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 2017. White was traded to the Boston Celtics in 2022, where he became a two-time All-Defensive Team selection. White opened his season with the Celtics against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Oct. 22. White is the current starting shooting guard for the Celtics, averaging 20 points and three assists per game. Since the season opener, White has been able to shoot efficiently in the paint, as he is currently shooting a 53% field goal percentage.
Spencer Dinwiddie (2011-2014), Dallas Mavericks
Spencer Dinwiddie played for the Buffs from 2011 through 2014 and was selected No. 38 overall by the Detroit Pistons. Dinwiddie is in his 10th NBA season and is currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks. Dinwiddie and the Mavericks opened up against the San Antonio Spurs, but Dinwiddie didn't receive much court time as he remained scoreless in the three minutes he played.
Alec Burks (2009- 2011), Miami Heat
Alec Burks played for the Buffs in 2009-2011 and was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 2011 NBA Draft. Burks is currently on the Miami Heat and had his season opener on Saturday, Oct. 26. Burks played for a total of 25 minutes and scored nine points for the Heat. The veteran guard shot efficiently, shooting 73% from the field.
Jabari Walker (2020-2022), Portland Trail Blazers
Jabari Walker was a part of the Buffs from 2020 through the 2022 season, entering the 2022 NBA draft and being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the 57th overall pick. Walker opened up his third NBA season on Friday, Oct. 25, as Walker and the Trail Blazers faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans. Walker appeared in the game for 17 minutes and scored two points off the bench.
Cody Williams (2023-2024), Utah Jazz
Cody Williams was a highly-touted part of the Buffs squad last season and opted for the NBA Draft this past summer, becoming Colorado’s first-ever one-and-done. Williams was selected No. 10 overall by the Utah Jazz. Williams played his first NBA game on Oct 23, recording 19 minutes and scoring two points against the Memphis Grizzlies. In the following game, Williams played for a total of 25 minutes, but struggled as he scored two points on 16.7% shooting. Even though shooting in his first two games hasn't been a plus for Williams, he was able to record three rebounds, two assists and one steal in the matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
Tristan da Silva (2020-2024), Orlando Magic
Tristan da Silva was a big part of the Buffs for the past four years but entered the NBA Draft this past summer and was selected by the Orlando Magic at No. 18 overall. Da Silva wasn't able to pick up any points in his season opener against the Miami Heat but scored a career-best 17 points on Nov. 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In the Summer League, he averaged 17 points per game in his three games.
KJ Simpson (2021-2024), Charlotte Hornets
KJ Simpson was a massive star for the Buffs but opted in the NBA draft this past summer with his teammates. Simpson was selected as the No. 42 pick by the Charlotte Hornets. In the pre-draft process, Simpson obtained a hamstring injury, resulting in him missing the Summer League. However, Simpson did sign a two-way contract with the Hornets, so Simpson will spend some time in the G-League and with the Hornets.
As the numerous NBA Buffs play throughout their season, more coverage will follow their performances.
Cover photo via OrlandoMagic/X
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