Deivon Smith, a former St. John's guard, recently inked a summer league contract with the Atlanta Hawks, aiming to prove his worth after an undrafted status in the 2025 NBA Draft. During his final season, Smith battled injuries yet contributed significantly to St. John's historic Big East Tournament championship victory. His scoring and playmaking skills could bolster the Hawks' summer league efforts as they integrate new talent, including No. 23 overall pick Asa Newell.

Smith's journey from college basketball to the NBA highlights his resilience, particularly after missing substantial playing time due to injuries. His performance in the summer league will be pivotal, not only for his career aspirations but also for the Hawks, who look to blend new draft picks into their roster. As Smith seeks a permanent spot, the spotlight will be on how he adapts and thrives in the competitive summer setting.