NBA: Ex-USU star Jalen Moore forges a path to the NBA

Las Vegas • Thirty minutes. That's how long it took for Jalen Moore's phone to ring following the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-9 small forward from Utah State didn't get selected, but that was partially by design. There was interest from multiple teams in the latter half of the second round, but they didn't offer Moore his the chance to make a roster right away.

"There were teams that wanted to draft him and stash him overseas," Jalen's father, Jimmy, said. "We asked them politely not to draft him."

It took a half hour for that faith to pay off. The Milwaukee Bucks called and offered the chance at a two-way contract, a deal the two sides quickly agreed upon. Less than 24 hours after Moore hung up with Milwaukee, the phone rang again. It was the Atlanta Hawks. They also offered a two-way deal, which Moore had to turn down because he was committed to the Bucks.

"It's been a whirlwind," Moore said. "Everything has gone so fast, from signing the contract to playing in summer league. I'm sure at some point, I'll get to catch my breath."

Three days into the Las Vegas Summer League, the former Sky View star, Cache Valley native and one of the best players in this generation of Utah State players can't wipe the smile off his face.

For Moore, it has gone almost too fast. He still remembers playing AAU ball at Big Mountain Jam as a spindly teenager. He developed into one of the best high school players in Utah, leading Sky View to a state title. And as an Aggie, he became one of the best players in the Mountain West Conference. Now, he's on the cusp of the NBA.

Moore knows the journey to the league isn't over. The two-way contract provision means he will spend most of his time in the G-League with the Wisconsin Herd. But he will also rotate with the Bucks, where he is either the 16th or 17th man on the roster.

"The process has been great," Moore said. "I feel like I've come a long way from hgh school and college, and now having a chance to one day play in the NBA. But I know I can't stop. I have to keep getting better and keep growing my game. But it's an honor to be a part of an NBA franchise so this has been great."

The Moores were initially surprised by Milwaukee's interest. They knew through the pre-draft workout circuit that there was interest from the Hawks and a few other teams, but the Bucks calling caught them off guard.

However, Milwaukee and coach Jason Kidd are building a specific supporting cast around star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks have taken a liking to long, athletic forwards who can shoot the ball.

"They told me they like the way I can defend," Moore said. "The adjustment period has been fun. The game is a lot faster than it was in college, a lot more physical. But I'm definitely prepared for the challenge."

Moore played 16 minutes in his professional debut, knocking down two 3-pointers and scoring six points against the Cleveland Cavaliers. On Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets, Moore grabbed five rebounds and recorded an assist and a steal.

He's spent much of his time at power forward, spotting up and stretching the floor. But defensively, Moore has guarded every position but center.

"I just want to keep getting better," Moore said. "It's cool playing ball for a living. I came from Logan, so coming out of there and having a chance to play in the NBA isn't usual. So this means a lot. I just want to keep improving and moving forward."

tjones@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tribjazz