Sumner spent three years playing for the Xavier Musketeers (at Xavier University, Cincinnati) from 2014 to 2017.[1] Sumner was sidelined with an injury in an 82–77 win against St. John's in January 2017 and did not play the rest of the season. At that point, he was averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.[2] This was not the first time he had suffered knee issues; his freshman season was cut to just six games as he withdrew from further playing due to chronic tendinitis in his knees.[3] On March 28, 2017, Sumner declared for the 2017 NBA draft.[4]
Professional career
Indiana Pacers (2017–2021)
On June 23, 2017, Sumner was selected 52nd overall in the 2017 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans, only to be traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for cash considerations.[5] Sumner signed a two-way contract with the Pacers on July 5, 2017, becoming the first second round draft pick to sign such a deal. In the 2017–18 season, Sumner struggled for minutes and spent significant time with the Pacers' G-League team, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
Sumner's limited minutes continued into the beginning of the 2018–19 season, but when teammate Victor Oladipo suffered a season-ending injury of a quadriceps tendon rupture his playing time increased significantly, and was given his first NBA start, against the Golden State Warriors.[6] On February 11, 2019, Sumner signed a standard NBA contract with the Pacers,[7] which was reported to be a two-year contract.[8]
On July 29, Sumner inked a three-year contract worth $6.48 million with the Pacers after declining his $1.6 million team option in late June.[9]
During the 2020–21 season, Sumner averaged 7.5 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, shooting 52.5 percent from the floor. In April 2021, he posted consecutive 20-point games against the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic.[10] On September 9, 2021, it was announced that Sumner would be sidelined indefinitely with a torn Achilles tendon.[11]
Brooklyn Nets (2022–2023)
On October 6, 2021, Sumner was traded, alongside a 2025 second-round pick, to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for the draft rights to Juan Pablo Vaulet.[12] Four days later, he was waived by the Nets.[13]
On July 8, 2022, Sumner re-signed with the Nets.[14]
On July 15, 2023, Sumner was waived by the Nets.[15]
On September 29, 2023, Sumner signed with the Charlotte Hornets,[16] but was waived on October 24.[17]
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