Mitchell settles in as Mizzou alumni continue NBA Summer League play
Tonje scored 20 while Mitchell impressed as Mizzou alumni continued Summer League action Friday
Former Missouri players continued their NBA Summer League schedules Friday, with several Tigers seeing action across four games, highlighted by strong performances from Mark Mitchell and John Tonje.
Sean East II opened the day for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 99-93 loss to the Indiana Pacers. East played eight minutes and made his only shot, a 3-pointer, to finish with three points. He also added one rebound and one assist in a limited role.
The next of the former Tigers to take the floor was Mitchell, whose Denver Nuggets fell 97-86 to the Houston Rockets. Mitchell finished with eight points on 3-of-5 shooting, grabbed three rebounds and converted both of his free-throw attempts while playing 14 minutes.
Mitchell appeared uncomfortable early as he adjusted to the speed and spacing of Summer League play. He looked a step behind during his opening minutes but gradually found his rhythm.
As the game progressed, Mitchell relied on his physicality to create space, attack the paint and slow the game to his pace. His efficient scoring and steady defensive effort earned him quality minutes.
The game also featured another former Tiger in Trevon Brazile, Denver's second-round selection and the No. 35 overall pick in last month's NBA Draft. Brazile made his first Summer League start and logged 29 minutes. He scored five points on 2-of-8 shooting, including 1-for-1 from beyond the arc, while collecting a team-high 11 rebounds.
Jevon Porter was active for the Memphis Grizzlies during their 97-96 win over the Chicago Bulls but did not enter the game.
The final game of the night featured two players with Missouri connections, as the Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 83-80 in overtime.
Caleb Grill did not play for Boston, but Tonje delivered one of the top performances of the evening. The No. 53 overall pick in 2025 started and played 26 minutes, scoring 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Tonje knocked down five of his nine attempts from 3-point range while adding five rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Through two days of Summer League action, Missouri's former players have continued to find opportunities across several NBA rosters. Tonje's scoring outburst and Mitchell's improved performance after a slow start provided encouraging signs as the week continues in Las Vegas.