Texas A&M basketball fans have players to cheer for in the NBA Summer League. With Wade Taylor IV and Zhuric Phelps joining the Milwaukee Bucks and the Dallas Mavericks, respectively, there's a case to be made for each one of them to sign a two-way contract or get on the roster.
While the Dallas Mavericks getting the best 18-year-old on the planet in Cooper Flagg, they do need a true point guard to help out while Kyrie Irving is injured at least until the beginning of the 2026 calendar year. With a veteran likely to be signed to take his place, along with a young Brandon Williams to take over whenever he has to, this signals a tougher road for Phelps.
Taylor IV might be in the best position because of a similar injury situation, and the depth of the Bucks should be calling for Taylor IV to get a shot on the roster.
Taylor IV has the best shot of any former Aggie to make an NBA roster
With Damian Lillard tearing his Achilles tendon in the playoffs, this will sideline him for 8-10 months. With the Bucks needing a true ball handler (and explosive playmaker), this shows that the Bucks needing Taylor IV is a match made in heaven.
Of course, height in the NBA means everything. With Taylor IV at six feet even, 175 pounds, this is a concern that the Bucks might have about Taylor IV. Also, another playmaker like Mark Sears signing with the Bucks, there will be some friendly SEC competition in Milwaukee.
Phelps being 6-foot-4 means that he has the better NBA body, but the situation in Dallas is complicated with the injury of Irving. With Nico Harrison likely to sign a veteran point guard to hold the fort down, Phelps is in a tough spot. Even if Dallas doesn't sign a point guard, Jason Kidd might give more of the point guard duties to Flagg anyway.
Taylor IV has a lot to prove, but he's done that wherever he's played at. Let's hope he has a fair shot to make it to the NBA with the tools he's already showed us.