UNC in the NBA: Marcus Paige nets 12 points, six assists for Thunder
Marcus Paige performs well for Thunder in extended minutes
For all of his accomplishments, both on the court and off, Marcus Paige is one of the most beloved Tar Heels in North Carolina basketball history.
His decorated career at North Carolina is highlighted by an All-American sophomore season and an appearance in the 2016 National Championship game as a senior. His final shot as a collegiate, a three-pointer that tied the title game with 4.7 seconds left, is one that won’t soon be forgotten.
His short time in the pros, though, hasn’t come quite as easy or with as much success.
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Paige was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 55th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He was traded to the Utah Jazz on draft night and then released from the team just a couple of months later. Soon after, he was signed by the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA’s G-League.
Paige averaged 12.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists for the Stars. He logged 32.7 minutes-per-game and started 40 of the 46 games that he appeared in.
Paige was recently added to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Summer League roster, one of seven guards that hopes to make the team for the upcoming 2017-18 season.
So far, Paige has shown that he can provide solid defense and perimeter shooting for the team, scoring 10 points in just 10 minutes of play during the teams’ first Summer League game on July 1st.
On Tuesday night, Paige logged 31 minutes in the Thunder’s 95-81 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He scored 12 points on 3-of-9 shooting from the floor, including 3-of-7 from three-point range and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. He also recorded six assists, three rebounds and turned the ball over just once.
For Paige, consistency will be key in making an NBA roster this season. If he can shoot efficiently from beyond three-point range and play lock-down defense on opposing guards, he’s got a chance.
Paige and the Thunder will resume play in the Utah Summer League on Wednesday afternoon against the Dallas Mavericks. The game is available to watch on ESPN3.
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Check back with Keeping It Heel for updates on Paige, as well as former Tar Heels and NBA rookies Justin Jackson and Tony Bradley.