The Denver Nuggets added a talented, well-traveled guard to their organization this week.
James Akinjo has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Nuggets, according to Spotrac's Keith Smith.
His deal sets Akinjo up to receive a bonus if he stays in the G League with the Nuggets' affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold.
Akinjo is a 24-year old guard who spent time in college at Georgetown, then Arizona, then Baylor. He averaged double-figure scoring in each of his college seasons.
He went undrafted in 2022 and has played entirely in the G League since then. Akinjo has suited up for the Westchester Knicks, Stockton Kings and Wisconsin Herd.
Last season for the Herd, Akinjo played in 41 games. He averaged 14.6 points, 7.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. From 3-point range, Akinjo shot 36.1%.
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The Nuggets had a couple open spots on their training camp roster because last week, they waived both Terrence Hargrove Jr. and Coleman Hawkins.
Akinjo could follow the same path as those players. To get him onto the G League roster from training camp, Akinjo would be waived. That would set him up to play for the Grand Rapids Gold and earn an $85K bonus for spending at least 60 days with them after signing an Exhibit 10 deal.
For now, Akinjo will keep grinding to show that he deserves to make his NBA debut at some point and not solely reside in the G League.
It may not happen immediately, but the more chances Akinjo gets, the more chances he has to make a name for himself.
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