Meet Katie Lou Samuelson’s Husband Devin Cannady – the NBA G League Star Who Almost Made It to Orlando Magic’s Roster

The former Los Angeles Sparks star Katie Lou Samuelson could not participate in the 2023 season due to her pregnancy. She gave birth to a daughter Aliya on August 4. Hale and hearty, Samuelson returned to the WNBA circuit when she was signed by the Indiana Fever to a two-year protected contract in February this year. Though the details of the contract weren’t discussed much, a large part of it was possible due to her husband Devin Cannady who is also an athlete and hence understands the struggles of a player holistically. 

Samuelson got engaged to Cannady on February 4, 2022, and the couple got hitched on April 22, 2023. In February last year, Samuelson announced that she was expecting a baby. Samuelson’s journey with Cannady has been amazing and she regularly uploads pictures with her husband. Despite that, not much is known about Cannady. Today Essentially Sports takes a closer look at their journey.

Devin Cannady was an exceptional baller since childhood

Cannady is a baller by profession much like his wife and plies his trade for the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League. He was born on 21 May 1996 in Mishawaka Indiana. When Samuelson was signed to the Indiana Fever it was speculated that her husband’s Indiana roots were a major factor in getting her to ink the deal with the Fever.

Cannady started playing ball by watching Michael Jordan. His father – Tony Cannady, who had played basketball for Bethel College – would sometimes bring the legend’s recordings that had a profound effect on Cannady. The Indiana-born completed his schooling at the Marian High School and also played for the AAU for MBA Select.

He also provided the impetus for his team to reach the EYBL Finals at Peach Jam. He was a child prodigy as he finished his school career as the victorious player in the program’s history and had the second most career points. He then decided to commit to Princeton. And his numbers spoke of his glory.

Devin Cannady announces his entry in the college basketball circuit

During his freshman year, Cannady averaged a decent 11.6 points per game with 2.5 rebounds per match. He provided the impetus to his team to reach the NIT. His sophomore performance wasn’t different since he helped his team have an undefeated season in the Ivy League play.

However, controversy ensued when during his senior year he was arrested. He was suspended from school and started seeing a therapist for anxiety. Things changed in his favor when Princeton gave him one more chance against Yale and he played four more games.

He ended his season due to some personal issues, averaging 18.2 points per match with 5.2 rebounds per game. At the time of his career end, he was the fifth-highest scorer in the program’s history. Thus, Cannady always proved his mettle when he was given a chance. Cannady has since then been signed by the Orlando Magic multiple times.

Devin Cannady signs Magic after his exceptional G-League performances

Cannady was undrafted at the 2019 NBA but soon got a chance to show his talent at the NBA Summer League for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also signed with the Brooklyn Nets but was unfortunately waved off before the start of the regular season. The 2021 NBA G League Champion then went ahead with the Long Island Nets. He unleashed his potential during a game against the Erie Bayhawks when he defeated them by a 109-95 margin.

With his exemplary performances, he was later signed by the Orlando Magic. However, once again tragedy stuck when he was waived off by them after playing 2 pre-season games. He once again made his way to the NBA G League through the Lakeland Magic. The Magic won the season that year and Cannady was named as the Championship Finale’s most valuable player.

Cannady then got into Orlando Magic once again but couldn’t follow it up since he was let go after 3 games. He then signed a two-way contract but unfortunately suffered an ankle injury. Chaos with the Orlando Magic ensued when Cannady was signed twice in the subsequent years only to be waived off later. His previous team Lakeland Magic accepted him during the first time whereas during his second waiver, he signed with the South Bay Lakers.

His luck again hit a dead end when he was signed by the New Orlean Pelicans but was let go the same day. As of now, he has agreed to a deal with Birmingham Squadron. He is often seen taking pictures with his wife and child, Aliya, and is a doting father. 

He was also seen donning the Team USA jersey recently playing against Samuelson. The duo got a lot of pictures. Notably, Samuelson had played the FINA Cup 3*3 in 2023. As Samuelson makes her comeback this season, fans are sure that Cannady will provide the right support for his wife so that she grows by leaps and bounds, and the Fever leaves a mark this season.