NORTH Carolina State basketball icon DJ Burns once had his hopes for a precious autograph crushed after bumping into an NBA star during his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood.

The 6-foot-9 forward remembered the feeling of rejection from that moment well following his first Summer League game in the Cleveland Cavaliers jersey.

Ex-NC State star DJ Burns said he’s always trying to be nice to young fans because of a sad 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood memoryCredit: Getty

Burns recalled being told to ‘get out of my face’ by an NBA star after asking him for an autograph as a kidCredit: Getty

Burns (#40) played in the 2024 Las Vegas Summer League for the Cleveland CavaliersCredit: Getty

The Cavs forward said he received ‘mad love’ during the Vegas tournamentCredit: Getty

Burns, 23, was still surrounded by young fans as he stood by giant elevator doors on the concourse level at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, together with Cavaliers reps on Friday, July 12.

The kids screamed to catch his attention and get various memorabilia signed even though the Cavs forward had just finished handing out autographs at a meet-and-greet event.

He complied with their requests with a big smile on his face but noted that the elevator was on its way – and once it arrived, he would have to head toward the team bus downstairs.

A ding eventually sounded and Burns stepped on the metal platform, still smiling as he looked at the group of younglings through the closing doors.

“I won’t say no names, but there was a guy, I walked up to him when I was a little younger and asked for an autograph,” he told The U.S. Sun three days later.

“And he was basically like, ‘Get out of my face, little kid.’

“I’ll never forget that. So yeah, I always try to be nice to the kids.”

Burns said he always tries to make it an “awesome” experience for young fans at games, remembering that he and fellow hoopers were kids once too.

Particularly as, he pointed out, “You never know if they’ll be able to see us again.”

Fans in Vegas reciprocated with love – they would even chant We Want DJ in Cleveland’s 93-89 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.

“Oh man, it’s been amazing,” Burns said of his Summer League experience.

“The guys show mad love. The people around show mad love. The experience has been crazy. The fans as well.”

Burns went undrafted earlier this year despite reaching the 2024 NCAA Tournament’s Final Four with NC State – and then shedding 45 pounds during the pre-draft process.

The ex-Wolfpack standout signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Cavaliers to put his talent on display in the Summer League.

And he was basically like, ‘Get out of my face, little kid.’ I’ll never forget that. So yeah, I always try to be nice to the kids.

DJ Burns

He arrived in Sin City understanding he would have to stay ready whenever his name would be called.

“Keep on doing things that amount to winning and come in and make an impact whenever I get my chance,” Burns said of what he thought it would take to secure a roster spot in the NBA.

Burns also quickly learned of improvements he needed to make while taking his first steps as a pro.

“Just adjusting to the pace and how fast we play,” he said two games into his Summer League debut.

“Decide to go up a lot quicker, being able to rebound and get back – and just keep on doing it consistently has been an adjustment, I’d say.”

Burns left Vegas averaging 5.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while clocking 11.9 minutes in four games for the Cavaliers.

He shot 55.6% from the field, ranking in the top 40 with his shooting percentage among players with at least three 2024 Summer League appearances.