Kansas State Wildcats guard Markquis Nowell Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Undrafted NBA rookie draws major praise, high-level comparison

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 7/16/23

It can be tough to buy into the hype of most NBA rookies drafted outside of the early part of the first round, but a few names have already provided fans with plenty of excitement. Among them is Markquis Nowell, who electrified college basketball last season with his play in the NCAA Tournament as a member of the Kansas State Wildcats.

Nowell broke the single-game assist record for the tournament with 19 in a Sweet 16 victory over the Michigan State Spartans, a victory in which he also poured in 20 points. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Toronto Raptors and according to TSN Sports' Raptors reporter Josh Lewenberg, the team is incredibly excited about the young guard's upside and potential.

An up & down Summer League, but speaking to people in the Raps front office about Nowell, they haven’t been this excited about an undrafted player since VanVleet. Some obvious similarities (path to NBA/size) but like FVV at that stage, his feel for the game is well beyond his yrs https://t.co/DapVTxEM5Q
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) July 15, 2023

That's high praise for any player, yet alone an undrafted free agent pushing for a spot on the team's roster. Obviously, the comparison to former Raptor and current Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet in terms of excitement level is something worth taking note of.

As Lewenberg points out, while it has been an up-and-down stretch for Nowell, he's posted some solid numbers and looked impressive for numerous stretches and games during summer league play. Through four games, the Raptors guard is averaging 12 points, 6.8 assists, three rebounds and one steal per game. The struggles primarily for Nowell have been his below-average shooting at just 34 percent from the field and the fact he's averaging 4.3 turnovers per game.

It's unlikely to expect Nowell to make a major impact for the team this season, but he's currently on a two-way contract and could be a name to watch in G-League play this season. Don't be surprised if you hear Nowell's name for the Raptors in the coming seasons, as his playmaking ability could make him a future impact player in the NBA.

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