The nomadic journey of an NBA player who refused to stay put
In short: In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, some players find a home quickly. Drew Eubanks, however, has defined his career through constant movement. From being an undrafted free agent to navigating complex trades and short-term contracts, his journey reveals the grueling reality of the NBA's journeyman life.
Drew Eubanks' professional path began with a significant hurdle: going undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft. Despite being a highly-regarded 4-star recruit who was ranked No. 1 in the state of Oregon, he had to fight for his spot in the league. He initially signed with the San Antonio Spurs, debuting on October 20, 2018, in a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers. His early years were characterized by the instability of 'two-way' deals and short-term commitments. The complexity of the NBA's roster mechanics is vividly illustrated by Eubanks' subsequent movements. Between 2022 and 2024, he cycled through the Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, and Phoenix Suns. His time with the Suns even involved a notable league disciplinary action: the team lost a 2024 second-round draft pick because they were in contact with him before the free agency period began.
This highlights the strict regulatory environment where even a player's movement can have significant structural consequences for a franchise. Eubanks' career has also been marked by physical resilience. On February 14, 2024, he was punched in the face by Detroit Pistons player Isaiah Stewart just hours before a game. Demonstrating a high level of professional stoicism, he played through the injury to record 6 points and 6 rebounds. After a stint with the Utah Jazz and a brief period with the Sacramento Kings—where a torn UCL in his left thumb required season-ending surgery in 2026—he eventually joined the New York Knicks in late 2026.
Eubanks' career serves as a case study in the 'journeyman' experience. It shows that success in the NBA isn't always a linear path of steady growth with one team; it is often a series of tactical maneuvers, 10-day contracts, and trades that require a player to constantly adapt to new systems and locker rooms.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Drew Eubanks
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