As October winds to a close, another NBA season begins, and four former Florida Gators are set to play in the 2024-25 campaign.
The most tenured Gator in the Association is Boston Celtics forward [autotag]Al Horford[/autotag], who is entering his 18th season (seventh with Boston). Horford was a key figure in the Celtics’ lineup en route to an NBA Finals appearance and world championship
He moved from a reserve role to the starting lineup last season when Kristaps Porzingis went down and has played in the starting five during the preseason. Horford is in the second year of a two-year deal with Boston, which could mean this is his swan song. Of course, there’s always a chance that he re-signs or joins another contender as a veteran leader.
Three-time all-star [autotag]Bradley Beal[/autotag] is the next name on the list. He’s entering his second season with the Phoenix Suns alongside fellow Big 3 members Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Beal is the third option and averaged 18.2 points and 5 assists per game last season, despite missing nearly 30 games due to injuries.
Beal would be the first to go if Phoenix decides to break up the trio that leads its high-powered offense, but that would come after a few months, perhaps closer to the deadline.
Point guard [autotag]Tre Mann[/autotag] was traded from Oklahoma City to Charlotte last season and put up career-high numbers in points (11.9 per game) and assists (5.2). Several NBA experts see this as a potential explosion year for Mann as he enters a contract year.
Power forward [autotag]Dorian Finney-Smith[/autotag] rounds out the list, entering his ninth overall season in the NBA and third with the Brooklyn Nets. Now over 30, DFS is a veteran leader on the Nets who is still solid at playing on both ends. He could also end up moving at the trade deadline given his versatility at the forward position
Gators who transferred before going to NBA
Andrew Nembhard is the only former Gator in the NBA who transferred before going pro. Nembhard finished his college career with Gonzaga and has spent the last two seasons with the Indiana Pacers, starting 110 of 143 games played.
Nembhard played in the Paris Olympics with Team Canada and signed a three-year extension with Indiana over the summer. His future is bright and Florida gets some credit for developing him at the start of his college career.
Former Gators looking to make rosters
A handful of former Gators should wind up in the G-League this year, including recently waived names such as Colin Castleton, Alex Fudge, Keyontae Johnson, Zyon Pullin and Tyrese Samuel.
G-League rosters are still being figured out. Check back with Gators Wire for more updates if and when those players are signed.
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