Drew Timme, who inked a multi-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets in March that includes options through June, is set to join the team’s roster for the upcoming Summer League in Las Vegas later this month. The former Gonzaga star has appeared in nine NBA games so far, but remains focused and driven. "I’m still working hard to secure my place," Timme shared with CBS Sports recently. "Making it was great, but I know it can be taken away as quickly as it came. I’m focused on staying in the league and doing whatever I need to."
Timme left Gonzaga as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,307 points and played a pivotal role in the Bulldogs’ 2021 NCAA Tournament run, including the Championship game. Despite going undrafted in 2023, he secured an Exhibit 10 contract to continue his professional development, dedicating extra effort to enhancing various aspects of his game, particularly his three-point shooting.
"I’m already a good shooter, but I’m working to improve," Timme said. "Nowadays, being able to shoot from beyond the arc is essential." During the latter half of the 2024-25 NBA season, Timme started in nine games for the Nets. In his debut against the Los Angeles Clippers on March 28th, he posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Despite an early NBA reminder when Kawhi Leonard stole the ball from him, Timme quickly showed his potential by scoring 19 points the next day against the Washington Wizards. One highlight for him was playing against the Dallas Mavericks in his hometown of Texas, fulfilling a childhood dream as a longtime fan of the team.
Most of his summers are spent in Brooklyn, but when home in Texas, Timme trains under his former high school coach Mark Johnson. Staying in the league can be more challenging than getting in, but Timme draws strength and guidance from fellow Gonzaga alumni like Kelly Olynyk and Corey Kispert who have helped him stay grounded and true to himself amid the pressures of professional basketball.
The 2025 Las Vegas Summer League will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion from July 10th to 20th, with the Nets, bolstered by five first-round draft picks added in June, facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in their opener on July 10th.
Fan Take: Drew Timme’s journey from college standout to carving out a spot in the NBA epitomizes the perseverance and continual growth that fans admire in players. His development, especially with Brooklyn’s promising roster, could signal a fresh and exciting chapter for the Nets and the league’s evolving style of play.
