As the NBA Draft was inching closer and closer last month in Brooklyn, New York, it became evident that a team was going to take a chance on former Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal. He tested the NBA Draft waters following the 2024-25 season, but decided to return to Blacksburg for this past season.
It was a frustrating final season with the Hokies for Lawal, who dealt with an injury that cost him a good chunk of the season. However, that didn't take away from the draft. Predicted to go late in the second round, which ended up being the case after the Dallas Mavericks selected him in the second round, 48th overall. He joins an organization that hired former Michigan coach Dusty May to replace Jason Kidd as their head coach.
Read More: Virginia Tech Men's Basketball News: NBA Draft, program favorite returns, more
On Thursday, the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas will get underway, and Lawal will be suiting up for Dallas after he signed a two-way contract with the Mavericks.
How to watch Tobi Lawal in the 2026 NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks
Things will get underway on Thursday night for Lawal and Dallas and here is a breakdown of the Mavericks schedule and how to watch (all times EST).
- Thursday: vs. Golden State Warriors, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
- Saturday: vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 10 p.m. (ESPN)
- Monday: vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
- July 16: vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 4 p.m. (ESPN)
After four preliminary round games, each team will play at least one more game.
This is going to be a big showcase for Lawal. If he doesn't make the NBA roster, he'll get plenty of time in the G League with Dallas. His athletic ability was just too much for teams to pass on, despite his offensive game needing a lot of work. He will always rebound the ball and alter shots around the basket, but his offensive game and free throw shooting are what need the most work for success at the next level.
There is not much on TV over the next week with MLB going on its All-Star Break, so that allows the NBA to grab the spotlight with the Summer League.
Add us as a preferred source on Google