Former Yale men’s basketball standout John Poulakidas has secured a spot on the San Diego Clippers’ roster for the upcoming season in the NBA G League. This announcement follows his impressive collegiate career, where he averaged 19.4 points per game during his senior year, according to data from Yale Athletics. His shooting prowess was evident throughout his time at Yale, as he maintained a career three-point shooting percentage of 40.2% and converted 83% of his free-throw attempts.
Poulakidas’ skill set and standout performances during the NCAA tournament attracted considerable attention from basketball scouts across the nation. After not being selected in the June NBA draft, he participated in the NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Clippers. On September 26, 2023, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Clippers, which is a non-guaranteed minimum-salary contract allowing for roster flexibility.
On October 14, 2023, Poulakidas was waived by the Clippers as part of a roster move that included the signing of TyTy Washington Jr. to an Exhibit 9 deal. Despite being waived, Poulakidas was designated as an affiliate player, which allows the Clippers to retain exclusive G League rights over him. Under the terms of the Exhibit 10 contract, if he remains on the G League roster for 60 days, he stands to earn a bonus of $85,300.
The San Diego Clippers are the NBA G League affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers, providing a platform for developing talent and gaining valuable playing experience. The G League season is set to commence on November 8, 2023, with the Clippers facing the Stockton Kings in their season opener.
Poulakidas’ journey reflects the challenging landscape of professional basketball, where young athletes strive to make their mark in a highly competitive environment. His transition to the G League represents a significant opportunity to further his career and showcase his skills on a larger stage.
