LAS VEGAS — TyTy Washington Jr. understands life in the NBA isn’t always straightforward.
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The 6-foot-3 guard was selected by the Grizzlies in the first round of the 2022 draft but has since spent time with four different franchises over the course of four seasons.
Now he finds himself back at Las Vegas Summer League with the Magic, fighting for his next shot in the league.
“I think it just really all comes down to opportunity,” Washington told the Orlando Sentinel about getting the chance to catch on with an NBA club. He got an up-close look at the uncertainty immediately. On his draft night, he was traded twice, going from Memphis to Minnesota to Houston.
“You’ve got to be in the right situation. Sometimes you get lucky, you know? But really, it’s just (about) an opportunity. You put in your work until your number’s called. When your number’s called, you make the most of it and never look back.”
Heading into Sunday’s exhibition against the Portland Trail Blazers at UNLV’s Cox Pavilion, Washington, 24, had come off the bench in Orlando’s first two Summer League contests.
In a pair of appearances, he averaged 5.5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists during 14.6 minutes per game.
“I’m just thankful for the opportunity,” Washington said. “Summer league’s a time for you to come out here and showcase what you’ve been putting in the offseason. I’m just happy the Magic gave me an opportunity to come out here and do that.”
While Washington is new to the Magic organization after he spent time with the Clippers, Suns, Bucks and Rockets, he already had a relationship with Orlando Summer League coach D.J. Bakker, who’ll also serve as an assistant under new Magic coach Sean Sweeney.
Bakker served as an assistant coach in Milwaukee when Washington played on a two-way contract with the Bucks during the 2023-24 campaign.
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“I’ve known D.J. for quite some time,” Washington said. “(He is) a real good coach, real passionate. He wants what’s best for us. He’s been around the NBA so he’s just harping on what’s going to carry over from the G League or summer league and really carry over to the NBA and what really matters.”
The Arizona native played one year in the SEC at Kentucky and has appeared in 74 career NBA regular season games, most recently with the Clippers. He’s also played in 66 career G League regular season games with Rio Grande Valley, Wisconsin, Valley Suns and San Diego.
He shared what he’s hoping to showcase this summer.
“I just want to come out here and show that I know how to play basketball the right way, knock down open shots, (and) be able to space the floor,” Washington said. “Basketball’s becoming positionless so (if) you can shoot the 3-ball above 40%, you can help any NBA team.
“That’s really my biggest goal. I’ve worked on my body a ton this past offseason so (I’m) really here just showcasing my physical side of that and just coming out and playing hard.”
In recent years, Orlando’s Summer League squad has played host to several veteran players searching for a more permanent spots in the NBA.
In July 2024, Jay Huff had been on three teams in three years before he grew into an established big man after a summer stint with the Magic. He’s found a home in Indiana and played in all 82 games with 47 starts for the Pacers last season. In 2025, both Skal Labissiere and Wendell Moore Jr. joined Orlando in Las Vegas and wound up with contracts after the summer.
Washington is hoping to prove to teams around the league that he’s serious about basketball and that those watching recognize the work he’s put into his body.
“It was never a talent thing,” he said. “So, I feel like if I could just show everyone (and) pass the eye test, I feel like I could better my chances of sticking around the NBA.”
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Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected]