Former Yale men’s basketball standout John Poulakidas has officially secured a spot on the training camp roster for the San Diego Clippers, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA G League. This announcement marks a significant step in Poulakidas’s professional basketball career after a stellar collegiate performance.
During his senior season at Yale University, Poulakidas averaged an impressive 19.4 points per game, establishing himself as a key player for the Bulldogs. He demonstrated remarkable shooting abilities, with a career average of 40.2 percent from beyond the arc and a free-throw success rate of 83 percent. His standout performances, particularly during the NCAA tournament, attracted attention from basketball enthusiasts across the nation.
Poulakidas, who went undrafted in the NBA draft held in June, participated in the NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Clippers. On September 26, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the team. This type of contract is designed to provide teams with greater roster flexibility while offering opportunities for emerging talent.
On October 14, Poulakidas was waived by the Clippers as part of their roster adjustments following the signing of TyTy Washington Jr. to an Exhibit 9 deal. Exhibit 9 and 10 contracts are non-guaranteed minimum-salary agreements outlined in the league’s collective bargaining agreement. If a player is waived on an Exhibit 10 contract, the team can designate them as an affiliate player. This designation allows the waiving organization exclusive rights to the player in the G League.
Following his waiver, Poulakidas was designated as an affiliate player for the San Diego Clippers. If he remains on the roster for at least 60 days, he stands to earn a bonus of $85,300, highlighting the financial incentives associated with this developmental pathway.
The G League season is set to commence on November 8 with the San Diego Clippers facing off against the Stockton Kings. As Poulakidas embarks on this new chapter, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he translates his collegiate success into professional achievements.
