Fansided

Xavier Munford discusses his professional journey thus far

By Trevor Magnotti

Apr 9, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Xavier Munford (14) dribbles the ball as Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends at FedExForum. The Warriors won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Xavier Munford (14) dribbles the ball as Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) defends at FedExForum. The Warriors won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Xavier Munford has endured one of the more interesting routes to the 2016 Las Vegas Summer League. The 6’2″ former Rhode Island Ram went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft, and landed with the Maine Red Claws as a 3rd round pick in the 2014 D-League draft. Munford was then traded to Bakersfield, where he averaged 10.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game off the bench for the Jam. He was rewarded after his decent debut with a shot on the Los Angeles Lakers’ Summer League team, before returning to the Jam for 2015-2016.

This year, Munford took the next step towards permanent NBA consideration. He exploded for the Jam, taking over a starting role and responding by averaging 20.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. His game developed significantly, as we saw his three-point percentage rise from 31.6 percent to 41.2 percent, and his assist rate skyrocketed from 18.4 percent to a solid 32.4 percent. And NBA teams took notice — After he lit up the Red Claws at the D-League Showcase, the Memphis Grizzlies came calling with a 10-day contract, and Munford was suddenly in a position few D-League guys get a chance at. Munford went from the D-League to playing 22.3 minutes per game in the playoffs for the Grizzlies, and showed good fight. Even though he shot just 32.1 percent from the field, he still performed well, averaging 2.5 assists per game in the series loss to the San Antonio Spurs, and looking fairly comfortable defending against Tony Parker and Patty Mills.

Now — after being waived by Memphis — Munford is back for a second round at LVSL, again with the Los Angeles Lakers. And while the Lakers’ team is stacked with NBA prospects in the backcourt (D’Angelo Russell, Anthony Brown, and Jabari Brown are all competing for minutes with Munford), He’s still done well with the minutes he’s gotten, posting six points and three assists in the Lakers’ opening win over the New Orleans Pelicans, and two points and two rebounds in limited minutes against the 76ers.

Upside & Motor had the chance to talk with Xavier after the 76ers game, about Summer League, the D-League, and the next steps as he tries to land a permanent NBA role.

U&M: This is the second time you’ve played at Summer League, right? What are differences you’ve noticed between playing in the D-League and playing in Summer League?

Xavier Munford: “At Summer League there’s a lot of young players and stuff out here, so it’s not going to be the prettiest offensively, it’s a lot of new guys playing with each other. That’s basically the [biggest] difference that I’ve noticed, the D-League is more structured, and Summer League is kind of more free open play.”

U&M: What are some big changes that you have been working on in your game this summer? 

XM: “Added strength, being stronger, working on my defense, my playmaking skills, reading the pick and roll lanes, and being an overall good point guard.”

U&M: Last year you had a pretty unique situation going from Bakersfield to playing a huge role for Memphis in the playoffs. Can you describe how that process was, and how that opportunity helped you grow?

XM: “Yeah, it definitely helped me grow a lot. It helped me get my foot in the door as an NBA player. I learned a lot from playing against guys like Chris Paul, Tony Parker, a lot of great guards that are in the league. But being in the D-League, you’ve got to always be sure you stay ready. When your number’s called, you’ve got to be prepared when it happens.”

U&M: What’s your ideal role if you were to get an NBA spot?

XM: “Just a leader, a point guard that makes sure everybody’s happy on the court and makes sure everybody’s doing the right thing, just stuff like that. Just a good team player.”

Xavier will likely get more minutes as Summer League goes on, and this is where he will get his chance to show what he can do. With his excellent speed, improving three-point shot, and willingness to improve, he’s definitely a name that should be on the radar for teams searching for point guard depth heading into 2016-2017. Munford played 19 minutes Monday night notching 4 points and 4 assists in the Lakers victory over Golden State.

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