The 2025 NBA Draft came and went, and while several Alabama Crimson Tide players hoped to hear their names called, none were selected over the two rounds. However, that doesn’t mean their professional dreams are over. Undrafted free agency is often a second chance for talented players to prove they belong in the league, and this year, multiple Alabama standouts secured opportunities with NBA teams. Here’s where each of them landed and what their futures might hold.
Leading the group is Jarin Stevenson, the versatile forward who showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman year at Alabama. Stevenson’s combination of size, athleticism, and shooting potential made him an intriguing prospect, but his inconsistency kept him out of the draft. Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait long to find a home. The Oklahoma City Thunder, a team known for developing young talent, signed Stevenson to a two-way contract. Oklahoma City’s player development staff has a strong track record of turning raw prospects into contributors, and Stevenson’s ability to stretch the floor as a 6’10” forward fits their system perfectly. With Chet Holmgren anchoring the paint, Stevenson could find a niche as a floor-spacing big who can switch defensively.
Another Crimson Tide player who found an NBA opportunity is Mo Dioubate, the high-energy forward who played a key role off the bench for Alabama. Dioubate’s relentless motor and defensive versatility earned him a summer league invite with the Miami Heat, and his performance there led to an Exhibit 10 contract. The Heat are the perfect organization for a player like Dioubate—a hard-nosed, physical forward who thrives in hustle situations. Miami’s culture prioritizes toughness and effort, and if Dioubate can impress in training camp, he could earn a two-way deal or even a spot on the main roster. His path to minutes won’t be easy, but if there’s any team that values undrafted grinders, it’s the Heat.
Meanwhile, guard Rylan Griffen, who transferred to Alabama from Kansas, signed a summer league deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Griffen’s shooting and secondary playmaking were valuable for the Tide, and the Mavericks are always looking for floor spacers to complement Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Griffen’s ability to knock down catch-and-shoot threes gives him a chance to stick, though he’ll need to show improved defense to earn a full contract. Dallas has a history of giving undrafted players a shot—just ask J.J. Barea—so Griffen could be a surprise candidate for a two-way deal if he shines in summer league.
One of the more surprising post-draft signings was Nick Pringle landing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Pringle, known for his athleticism and rebounding, didn’t have the most polished offensive game in college, but his physical tools are undeniable. The Lakers, who love signing high-upside athletes, gave Pringle an Exhibit 10 contract with the hope that he can develop into a rotational big. With Anthony Davis needing backup help, Pringle could carve out a role as an energy big off the bench if he can refine his defensive instincts and finishing around the rim. The Lakers’ summer league team will be his first test, and if he impresses, he could earn a two-way spot.
Then there’s Davin Cosby Jr., the sharpshooting guard who showed promise as a deep threat during his time at Alabama. Cosby’s elite shooting stroke earned him a summer league invite with the San Antonio Spurs, a team that prioritizes skill development. The Spurs, under head coach Gregg Popovich, have a knack for finding hidden gems, and Cosby’s ability to space the floor could make him a developmental project. If he can hold his own defensively, there’s a chance he could earn a two-way contract, especially given San Antonio’s need for shooting around Victor Wembanyama.
Another Alabama player who found a post-draft opportunity is Sam Walters, the stretch forward who transferred from Michigan. Walters’ size and shooting ability made him an interesting prospect, and the Orlando Magic signed him to an Exhibit 10 deal. Orlando is building a young, athletic roster, and Walters’ skill set fits their need for floor-spacing forwards. The Magic have a history of giving undrafted players a chance—see Admiral Schofield—and if Walters can prove he’s more than just a shooter, he could earn a longer look.
Lastly, Kris Parker, the former Alabama wing, signed a summer league deal with the Brooklyn Nets. Parker’s length and defensive potential make him an intriguing developmental piece, and the Nets, who are in a flexible rebuild, could take a flier on him as a two-way player. His offensive game needs work, but his defensive versatility could be his ticket to sticking in the league.
For all of these players, the journey is just beginning. Undrafted free agency is often a tougher path than being drafted, but it’s also a chance to prove doubters wrong. Many NBA stars—from Fred VanVleet to Duncan Robinson—started their careers undrafted, and with the right opportunity, any of these Alabama players could follow in their footsteps.
The Thunder, Heat, Mavericks, Lakers, Spurs, Magic, and Nets all took chances on Crimson Tide talent, and now it’s up to these players to make the most of their opportunities. Summer league will be the first test, followed by training camp battles and G-League assignments. The road to the NBA is rarely straightforward, but for Jarin Stevenson, Mo Dioubate, Rylan Griffen, Nick Pringle, Davin Cosby Jr., Sam Walters, and Kris Parker, the dream is still alive.
Alabama may not have had a player drafted in 2025, but the fact that so many found NBA homes speaks to the program’s ability to develop pro-ready talent. Now, it’s about proving they belong. Whether it’s Stevenson’s potential in Oklahoma City, Dioubate’s hustle in Miami, or Pringle’s athleticism with the Lakers, each of these players has a unique opportunity to carve out an NBA career. The odds are long, but as history has shown, undrafted players can—and often do—make an impact. The 2025 NBA season might just feature a few new Crimson Tide alumni making their mark.
