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
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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.