Eight former Tennessee players make NBA opening day rosters
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 20, 2026, 7:54 PM
Last updated Oct 20, 2026
The NBA season commenced on October 20, featuring eight former Tennessee players on opening day rosters. Among them, Nate Ament joined the Milwaukee Bucks as the 13th overall pick in the 2026 Draft. Ja'Kobi Gillespie made the San Antonio Spurs roster on a two-way contract, while Felix Okpara signed with the Washington Wizards under similar terms. Other familiar names include Jahmai Mashack and Grant Williams, who continue their careers with the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Hornets, respectively. Dalton Knecht was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers and did not make a roster after the deadline on October 19.
- •Nate Ament signs with Milwaukee Bucks as a rookie.
- •Ja'Kobi Gillespie joins the Spurs on a two-way contract.
- •Felix Okpara also earns a two-way deal with the Wizards.
- •Grant Williams begins his third season with the Hornets.
- •Dalton Knecht was waived by the Lakers before the season.
- 7:54 PMYahoo Sports — Which former Tennessee basketball players made NBA rosters, including Nate Ament
"The NBA season tipped off on Oct. 20 with eight players who finished their careers at Tennessee on opening day rosters.
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