The G league’s tagline for the 2022-23 season is a “a complete different league.” Because of the official minor league’s growth, one could say that the NBA suits that very same description.
A record 234 players have G league experience, in response to a release from NBA communications. That’s 47% of the league.
Last season’s best team had a powerful G league presence. Gary Payton II (Wisconsin Herd), now a Portland Trailblazer, began in multiple playoff games and won a hoop with the Golden State Warriors.
The reigning champions will defend their title this season with Jonathan Kuminga (G League Ignite) and Jordan Poole (Santa Cruz Warriors) as integral members of their young core. But It’s not only the Warriors that benefited from the G league. In truth, the event league saw 164 NBA call-ups of 117 different players last 12 months.
After being sent to Santa Cruz and coming back higher than ever, Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole is a G league success story (John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports).
The success of G league Ignite
While France’s Victor Wembanyama skyrocketed to stardom in two exhibition games against G League Ignite, 17-year-old point guard Scoot Henderson also solidified his status as a top draft pick.
Henderson will likely follow the footsteps of 2021’s 2nd overall draft pick Jalen Green and luxuriate in an early selection after his time with G league Ignite. “I’m sure there’s loads of teams on the market wishing they might add him to their roster immediately, he’s that good” an NBA team scout told Yahoo Sports’ Krysten Peek.
Ignite was established to offer opportunities for prospects trying to play professionally, and present a substitute for college. Preparing to start their third season as a developmental program, the team currently has a powerful eight alumni within the league.
And it’s not the one team producing. With no less than 4 players having minor-league experience on all 30 teams within the NBA, the G League’s proven itself in its place path to the most important stage.
