Sioux Falls Skyforce Anticipating Arrival of Derrick Walton, Jr.

The ever-changing landscape between the NBA and the G League includes two-way contracts this season. This new tool will bring Derrick Walton, Jr. to Sioux Falls.

From the jump, let’s settle the definition of a two-way contract. Close followers of the G League are acutely aware of this wrinkle which allows each NBA team to sign a player that can spend a maximum of 45 days with the parent club while the rest of the season is spent in the G League. Each team has the ability to sign two such players of this type. For a more extensive look at the function of two-way contract, noted G League scribe Chris Reichert has a FAQ section on the website 2ways10days.com.

Derrick Walton, Jr. signed such a deal with the Miami Heat on Monday virtually locking the former Michigan guard into a Skyforce uniform for extended stretches this season. Miami has the ability to sign another for that purpose should they so choose.

Tale of the tape for Derrick Walton, Jr.: He’s a 6-foot guard and Michigan native who suited up all four years with the Wolverines. Walton is the only one in school history to amass 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 400 assists plus a single-game school record 16 assists late in his senior season.

Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel took note of Walton’s performance for the Magic’s Summer League team. In a sport that cherishes size, there is also a chance for fierce competitors to impress.

“My dad growing up always told me to play bigger than my size,” Walton said. “In this timeframe in the NBA I think the smaller guards are excelling, guys like Isaiah Thomas, Kyle Lowry and Chris Paul. I think I can do some similar things. At the end of the day, when you can play, you can play. It doesn’t matter how tall you are.”

The sample size is four games, but the Heat saw a potential gem with his 10 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds on 47 percent shooting. Even though Miami didn’t have him on their Summer League entrant, their interest does date back to Walton’s NBA combine experience.

One other two-way contract note is worthy of mention involving the Skyforce. Luis Montero who was allocated to Sioux Falls last season then traded to Reno, accepted a two-way deal with the Detroit Pistons which means the 6-7 guard will spend a generous portion of his time with the Grand Rapids Drive.

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