The NBA’s Loophole Strikes Again — One Rising Star Is Suddenly Available to Every Team. How Did This Young Star Suddenly Become Fair Game for Every NBA Team?
New York, NY — In a surprising twist that has left fans and insiders buzzing, a little-known NBA rule has quietly made one of international basketball’s brightest young stars eligible to be signed by any team — no draft, no fanfare, no complicated negotiations required.
Meet Kevin Quiambao, the 22-year-old Filipino standout who, without even stepping foot inside Barclays Center for the 2024 NBA Draft, is now officially an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any NBA franchise willing to take a chance.
And the reason? A technicality buried deep within the league’s collective bargaining agreement that few outside of front offices even understand.
The NBA’s International Eligibility Loophole
Most casual fans are familiar with the standard draft process: declare eligibility, hope to hear your name called, and land with one of the league’s 30 franchises. But for international players, there’s a lesser-known pathway to the NBA — and Quiambao has quietly walked through it.
According to NBA rules, international players aged 22 and older are automatically considered draft-eligible, even if they never officially declare for the draft. If they aren’t selected, they immediately become free agents, available to sign with any team.
But here’s the kicker: even if they go undrafted, some players — like Quiambao — skip the whole draft process entirely simply by aging into free agency status.
In short: Kevin Quiambao is 22. He didn’t need to declare for the draft. He didn’t need to wait for his name to be called. He’s already a free agent, and NBA teams are quietly paying attention.
Who Is Kevin Quiambao?
A rising star in Southeast Asian basketball circles, Quiambao has been making waves with his impressive size, skill set, and basketball IQ.
At 6’8″, with versatile offensive tools and the ability to stretch the floor, Quiambao has drawn comparisons to modern NBA forwards known for their versatility and playmaking. His performances for De La Salle University and in international competition have turned heads, showcasing:
✅ Smooth perimeter shooting
✅ Excellent court vision for his size
✅ A high basketball IQ and polished footwork
✅ The ability to defend multiple positions
While scouts may debate whether he’s NBA-ready today, his unique combination of age, potential, and international pedigree makes him a low-risk, high-upside target for franchises looking to bolster their rosters or G-League affiliates.
Why It Matters
For NBA teams, especially those focused on international scouting, Quiambao’s sudden availability represents a rare opportunity.
Rather than spending a draft pick, negotiating buyouts, or competing in the traditional draft process, teams can quietly extend offers and bring him into their system as an undrafted free agent. It’s a loophole that has, in the past, helped international players sneak into the league with minimal fanfare — only to prove themselves on the big stage.
And with the growing globalization of the NBA, these quiet signings often become headline-grabbing success stories down the line.
What’s Next for Quiambao?
Reports suggest that several NBA teams have already expressed preliminary interest in the Filipino forward, though no official offers have been made public. Summer League invites, G-League contracts, or even a two-way deal are all possibilities — and Quiambao’s camp is said to be evaluating options.
Meanwhile, basketball fans in the Philippines and around the world are watching closely, hopeful that Quiambao could follow in the footsteps of other international stars who broke into the league through unconventional means.
