Amazing talent: NC State Basketball Great Wastes No Time Getting Buckets in Vegas

Former NC State basketball forward DJ Burns is quickly establishing himself as a formidable presence for the Cavaliers in the Summer League. With 3:47 remaining in the first quarter of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ NBA 2K25 Summer League opener against the Orlando Magic in Las Vegas on Friday afternoon, Burns entered the game, substituting for his teammate and former UNC basketball forward Pete Nance.

Within minutes of his professional debut, 23-year-old DJ Burns made an impact, securing an offensive rebound and putback for his first NBA points. Shortly after, Burns scored again with an eight-foot pullup jumper.

Less than a minute later, after committing his first professional foul, Burns was replaced by Pete Nance. By halftime, Cleveland trailed Orlando 62-41, and Burns had not reentered the game. In his initial half of action, the NC State alum recorded four points, one rebound, and one foul, shooting 2-for-2 from the field in three minutes.

UPDATE: Burns concluded the game with four points on 2-for-4 shooting, along with two rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 12 minutes off the bench.

Despite not being drafted last month, Burns aims to leverage his Summer League performance with the Cavaliers into a potential spot in the NBA next season.

DJ Burns, Pete Nance, and the Cavaliers will next face the Milwaukee Bucks at 3:30 p.m. ET Sunday on NBA TV.

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