The Wizards waived rookie shooting guard Joel Ayayi on Tuesday, according to NBA.com’s official transactions log. Ayayi had been on a two-way contract.
After going undrafted out of Gonzaga last July, Ayayi signed a two-way deal with the Lakers, but was cut just before the season began. The Frenchman was claimed off waivers by Washington and had spent the last few months with the franchise.
Ayayi appeared in seven NBA games for the Wizards this season, but logged just 20 total minutes in those games and has spent most of his time with the Capital City Go-Go in the G League. In 31 NBAGL contests (32.0 MPG), he has averaged 9.5 PPG, 6.4 APG, and 5.6 RPG on .455/.264/.548 shooting.
Washington is reportedly signing Jordan Schakel to a two-way contract, meaning either Ayayi or Cassius Winston had to be cut in order to create room on the team’s 17-man roster. It appears the Wizards have opted to hang onto Winston.
Should have stayed at Zaga? Thought he looked like a decent prospect during the tourney
He was overshadowed by Suggs there; I hardly noticed him. Holmgren is there now but Ayayi would have the backcourt. It’s these guys on the edge that should be patient.
He wouldn’t have done any better if he stayed for another year. He is what he is. He can’t shoot.
His shot was improving YOY at Gonzaga. Another year in the system would have benefitted him to maybe getting drafted. You get more cracks if you at least get drafted.
Nice last name. Ayayiiii