Florida's guard Xaivian Lee dribbles down the court during Florida’s game against Colgate at the O’Connell Center in Gainesville, Fla., on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (Libby Clifton/WRUF)

Former Gator Xaivian Lee Searches for Shot in NBA Summer League

The 2026 NBA Summer League is wrapping up, with many players looking to earn their place on an NBA roster for the 2026-27 season, including a former Florida Gator.

Undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, former Florida guard Xaivian Lee signed an Exhibit 10 one-year, minimum-salary, non-guaranteed contract deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and has suited up in Las Vegas.

With four games under his belt, Lee has struggled in limited action. Playing 16.1 minutes per game, he’s averaged 5.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists, ultimately working to find consistency in his jumper.

In his debut against the Indiana Pacers last Friday, Lee went 1-for-6 from the field, scoring just two points in 13 minutes. In addition to the less-than-ideal start, he picked up four fouls in the Cavs’ 99-93 loss.

In Cleveland’s 103-94 loss Sunday against the Detroit Pistons, Lee saw a more efficient outing, scoring five points while shooting 2-for-3 from the field and hitting his only 3-pointer of the summer. In a 90-73 victory over the Miami Heat a day later, Lee scored his Summer League-high 8 points, shooting 3 of 5 from the field and recording 3 rebounds and 3 assists in 14 minutes. In Cleveland’s latest win Wednesday over the Pelicans, Lee had 29 minutes of playing time and made only 2 of 10 shots from the field. Lee finished this game with 7 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.

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Lee, who averaged 11.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists in his one season at Florida, saw a stint in Gainesville that was flooded with inconsistency. The 6-foot-4 four star came to Florida after three seasons at Princeton in hopes to fill the hole that was left by Walter Clayton Jr. and help Florida win back-to-back championships.

Lee was also a part of the fateful play that ended the Gators’ NCAA tournament bid in their Round of 32 game against Iowa. He ran the length of the court in the waning seconds but could not get a shot off and the Gators were stunned, 73-72.

Lee now sets his sights on the Cavs’ Summer League finale on Friday against the Chicago Bulls. Lee should see another game with extended time on the hardwood with rookie standout Meleek Thomas likely resting. If Lee does not make the final Cavaliers roster, he will most likely have to climb the ranks of the G League to make a name for himself at the highest level.

Category: Gator Sports, Gators Men's Basketball, NBA