Category: Prospects

The Detroit Pistons Have an Intriguing Prospect in Deividas Sirvydis

Ahead of the 2020-21 NBA campaign, Deividas Sirvydis and the Detroit Pistons have agreed on a 3-year contract. The long-term commitment will pay Sirvydis $898,310 in year 1, $1,517,981 in year 2, and $1,782,621 in the final year.

Sirvydis was selected with the 37th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Shortly after, he was traded to the Pistons. The Lithuanian star showed out in the 2019 Summer League for Detroit, playing in 5 games. With an average of 1.8 points in just 6.9 minutes per contest.

Sirvydis then headed overseas, returning to Lietuvos Rytas in Lithuania. A team that he had been with since 2017, prior to being drafted. The 20-year-old featured 16 EuroCup games for Lietuvos Rytas in the 2019-20 campaign. Where he averaged 6.6 points and 2.8 rebounds, in 15.5 minutes (MPG). This was on 43.9% shooting, 38.2% from 3-point land.

The young prospect signed a long-term deal with Hapoel Jerusalem in May 2020. However, he left the team in November to join the Pistons. As his NBA opportunity came calling.

Detroit Pistons prospect Deividas Sirvydis finding grove in EuroCup
(Image/Patrick Albertini/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)

Player Profile:

Sirvydis is an excellent shooter from the outside. The numbers may not show it, but it’s a small sample size. He can convert on catch-and-shoot situations, off screens, and even off the dribble.

He isn’t necessarily athletic but has a high basketball IQ that makes up for it. At 6-foot-8, the forward possesses upside as a shot creator, due to his ability to handle as well as facilitate. Although, he does still have a long way to go in that department.

Sirvydis will have to gain some weight to play at the next level. He is known to struggle when teams get physical. In the NBA, once players get that soft label, they will get banged around. He has to fill out and get stronger.

Also, more muscle will help Sirvydis to play through contact and finish at the rim. On defense, the Lithuanian forward competes hard but struggles to fight over screens both on-and-off the ball.

Sirvydis’ Step to the Next Level:

Deividas Sirvydis is currently listed day-to-day by the Pistons and is yet to feature in the 2020-21 NBA pre-season.

The 6-foot-8 youngster may sit a lot during the campaign ahead. But in the long-term, time in the G League may assist in his development, by giving him much-needed playing time. This will prove tricky this season, however. As the Pistons are believed to be one of the teams opting out of a G League bubble.

At the NBA level, Sirvydis can be a solid 3-point shooter who can stretch the floor. The Pistons need shooting and he could potentially fit that bill.

Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.

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Cole Anthony Speaks to Damian Lillard and Kemba Walker Ahead of Draft

Ahead of the draft on November 18, NBA Call-Ups were able to speak to a number of top prospects. With one of those prospects being Cole Anthony.

Despite an underwhelming freshman campaign at the collegiate level, with North Carolina, Anthony is still a highly sought-after point guard.

The 20-year-old had a relatively strong season with the Tar Heels. But poor shooting was one of the factors that has led to his draft stock falling.

Through 22 games in the 2019-20 season, he averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.3 steals per contest. This was on 38% shooting from the field, 34.8% from 3.

Additionally, Anthony had to battle injury. Missing part of the season with a partially torn meniscus.

NBA Draft 2020: 5 best fits for UNC point guard Cole Anthony
(Image/Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

When speaking to NBA Call-Ups, Cole Anthony revealed some NBA names that he has spoken to on his journey to the professional ranks.

Q: On your journey to the NBA over the past few years, have you been in contact with any NBA players that have assisted in the development of your game? If so, what advice did you receive from them that helped?

Cole Anthony: “Honestly, not really. I’m certainly very cool with some guys. Mo Bamba is one of my best friends. I’m cool with a bunch of players but in terms of my development, probably not.”

“I’ve talked with Kemba (Walker), Dame Lillard a little bit asking questions about the game. But in terms of helping, nothing really hands on.”

Kemba Walker and Damian Lillard are certainly two excellent sources of wisdom for the young guard. Even though he states that he hasn’t worked out with either, one would think that he was able to gain valuable insight just in the form of a conversation.

Cole Anthony could very well sneak into the lottery selections of the 2020 NBA Draft. However, NBADraft.net projects him to be selected at #15.

Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.

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Jalen Smith Speaks About His Ever Improving 3-Point Shot

During pre-draft media availability ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18, NBA Call-Ups were able to speak with potential lottery pick Jalen Smith.

The topic centered around the improvements he has been able to make to his game in preparation for his looming NBA opportunity.

Q: You have seen an exponential growth in your 3-point shooting over the course of your college career. What have you been able to introduce into your game to bring your percentage up almost 10%? And how do you feel your 3-point shot will translate to the NBA?

Jalen Smith: “I think my shot is going to be very consistent a lot more. Obviously with this time, I have been able to get a lot more adjusted to the NBA 3–point line and get a lot more shots up.”

“I feel that with my work ethic and my late nights in the gym it is going to be very crucial for me being able to good shooter at the NBA level.”

Smith was able to improve upon his freshman year with a dominant season for the Maryland Terrapins. With his 3-point shooting improving dramatically, from 26.8% in the 2018-19 season, to 36.8% in 2019-20.

In his sophomore, and final season, with Maryland Smith posted averages of 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks, on 53.8% FG.

This has prompted the 20-year-old to push towards the NBA. Where he is expected to be selected in the mid-to-late teens of the 2020 NBA Draft.

Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.

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Prospect Prospectus: Leandro Bolmaro, FC Barcelona

20-year-old Leandro Bolmaro of FC Barcelona holds the potential to be selected in the late-1st round of the 2020 NBA Draft.

Given the vast pool of potential international talent, every NBA Draft is rife with discussion of prospects who might prove to be the next phenomenon within the league. The NBA’s uneven record of correctly valuing international prospects lends an added sense of risk to the endeavor.

Moreover, Luka Dončić – the Slovenian sensation who has risen from Euroleague wunderkind to global superstar in less than three years – will loom over every international prospect for the length of his career. In a competitive league that is obsessed with exploiting “market inefficiencies,” the ability to reliably spot incoming international talent will become increasingly important.

In that spirit, we take a look at FC Barcelona’s Leandro Bolmaro.

The Good:

Bolmaro has drawn some enthusiastic comparisons to his fellow Argentinian Manu Ginóbili, and a quick look at the tape reveals why.

The young, 6-foot-7 wing is an athletic slasher who has the concentration and physical frame to finish creatively through contact. He is deadly driving with his dominant right hand but can be less confident going to his left. As with many young players, he is at his best in transition. Where athleticism and simpler passing reads work to his advantage.

His Euroleague minutes have fallen. From 9 to 6 per game, on a loaded Barcelona team with ambitions to win the trophy. In spite of that, he has improved his shooting percentages, while decreasing his turnover rate. He averages the same 1.8 PPG in the Euroleague as he did in the competition last year, with half the shots and fewer minutes.

Through the 2020-21 Liga ACB campaign to date, Bolmaro is averaging 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.

The Bad:

That being said, there is a reason he faces a reduced role this season. He makes many of the mistakes young players often make, and here the comparison to Ginóbili seems particularly apt. While his turnover rate has been improving, it remains too high for his role. Bolmaro’s ability to see the game currently exceeds his ability to put the ball where it needs to go.

The biggest question mark with Bolmaro is the sheer lack of data we have to evaluate him. He has never averaged 10 minutes per game against elite competition. Similar prospects have failed to stick in the NBA in recent times (Kostas Papanikolaou and Sergei Karasev come to mind), which in combination with the lack of data will be enough to scare lottery teams away.

Milwaukee Bucks NBA Draft Prospect Watch: Leandro Bolmaro
(Image/Pablo Morano/MB Media/Getty Images)

The Verdict:

Leandro Bolmaro has the skill set to become a high level role player in the NBA. In order to reach his potential, he will need to discipline himself and rein in his most impulsive play.

His lack of seasoning against the best competitors in Europe also points toward a potentially lengthy development process. He would be best taken by teams who are already good, with strong veteran players to act as mentors. All of those things point to him being taken in the late first round, where he has the potential to be the next international steal.

Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.

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Taking a Look at the Hype Surrounding Victor Wembanyama

When looking at future NBA prospects, all eyes are on 16-year-old phenom, Victor Wembanyama. Eyes have been watching the French youngster from afar for a while now, but since a certain video went viral back in October, the hype has significantly multiplied.

The viral video showed the 7-foot-3 Frenchman locking horns and impressing in a 2-on-2 workout against the Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert, as well as Vincent Poirier of the Boston Celtics.

Wembanyama’s versatile skillset was on show. From impressive handles to eye-catching mid-range jumpers. He certainly showed an ability to score on Gobert, a 2-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

ESPN’s Mike Schmitz describes Wembanyama as “arguably the best prospect in the world regardless of age”. Currently playing out of Nanterre 92, Wembanyama is eligible for the 2023 NBA Draft. Where Schmitz states that he has a chance of being selected with the top pick.

Beginnings:

Victor Wembanyama grew up playing football and participating in Judo. But also from a young age, he was taught the fundamentals of basketball by his mother who played the sport. He went on to begin his career at local club Entente Le Chesnay Versailles.

At 10-years-old he joined the youth system of Nanterre 92, on the outskirts of Paris. His parents reportedly rejected offers from the likes of FC Barcelona and ASVEL Basket. Through his youth career he was part of many successful teams, picking up silverware in various categories.

In the 2019-20 season, a 15-year-old Wembanyama started representing Espoirs Nanterre in the LNB Espoirs, a French U21 league. Where in 13 games (19.9 MPG), he averaged 10.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks. On 52.4% shooting.

In October 2019, he made his professional debut for Nanterre 92. Featuring in 31 seconds against Brescia in the EuroCup. Where he became the second-youngest player to play in the EuroCup at 15 years, 9 months, and 25 days old. Behind Stefan Petkovic.

In February 2020, he showed out for the Nanterre under-18 team at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament. Through 4 contests, he posted averages of 15.8 points, 12 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 6 blocks. Whilst facing the Zaragoza U18 team, Wembanyama recorded a tournament-record 9 blocks. Additionally, his blocks average (6) led the competition, which earned him all-tournament team honours.

https://www.sport.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Icon_WEMBANYAMA0188.jpg
(Image/Sport.fr)

Current Progress:

In the current 2020-21 campaign, and now 16-years-old, Wembanyama has been moving up and down the French basketball ladder. As his stock has risen dramatically. He’s spent time on assignment with Centre Federal in the Nationale Masculine 1, the 3rd tier in France.

The Centre Federal roster is filled with players from the famous INSEP training institute. The same institute that developed the likes of Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Clint Capela, and many more.

In his one-and-only game with the team (Oct 21), Wembanyama scored 22 points against STB Le Havre. In the 72-63 victory, the rising star also had 10 rebounds and 7 blocks.

He has showed out again for Espoirs Nanterre too, playing in 2 games to-date. In those, he’s played an average of 31.5 minutes per contest. Posting averages of 15.5 points, 16 rebounds, 2 assists, 2.5 steals, and 5.5 blocks.

He made his French league debut for Nanterre on September 23, 2020. Playing 4 minutes and grabbing a single rebounding in a LNB Pro A loss to JL Bourg.

On November 4, 2020, Wembanyama made his EuroCup season debut. Playing 17 minutes and recording 5 points (2-3 FG), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 blocks, in a 75-63 loss to Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana.

On the international stage, the French phenom represented France at the 2019 FIBA U16 European Championship in Udine, Italy. He led his team to a silver medal, recording a tournament-high 5.3 blocks per game in the process. As well as earning all-tournament team honours.

Comparisons:

Standing at 7-foot-3, Wembanyama possesses incredible length with a 7-foot-8 wingspan. He’s currently listed as a Power Forward and has drawn comparisons from Rudy Gobert to Kristaps Porzingis. Obviously, there have been Giannis Antetokounmpo comparisons thrown out there as well.

“Despite his huge feet and thin frame, he moves like a wing. Not only does he put a lid on the rim like Rudy Gobert, he also shows the floor-spacing potential of a young Kristaps Porzingis, with a far better handle and passing feel.”

Mike Schmitz, ESPN

Either way, Wembanyama is a huge talent that possesses potential NBA superstar prowess. At the tender age of 16, he is very raw, but his ability to hold his own in the French professional ranks already is impressive. That, and while he dominates size-wise, his slick handles and capability to shoot from range will have NBA teams locked on his progress leading up to 2023. Watch this space.

Stay up-to-date with the latest from the NBA G League, as well as with the development of future elite prospects from around the world, by following Call-Ups on all social media channels.

Including on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

European Talent Show Out at the Amiral League

Between July 22-26, the first edition of the Amiral League took place. The French Summer League was held in Cergy, France, on the outskirts of Paris. Where eight teams, packed full of European talent, battled it out for the championship. Which was won by Team Amiral.

Adam Mokoka of the Chicago Bulls/Windy City Bulls headlined the talent on show, winning championship and MVP honors. Mathias Lessort (Bayern Munich), Bandja Sy (Andorra), Lahaou Konate (Metropolitans 92), and Boris Dallo (ESSM Le Portel) were among those who featured over the 5-day tournament. As did former G League player for the Windy City Bulls and Capital City Go-Go, Darel Poirier.

In-among the established talent was many up-and-coming European prospects for fans to feast their eyes upon. With a few of those prospects being on the Yard x Paris Basket team. A hybrid team that consisted of members of Paris Basketball, who play in the second tier of France, in the LNB Pro B.

(Image/Matt Evans/Call-Ups)

Juhann Bégarin

17-year-old Juhann Bégarin (right) has a reputation of being one of the best international prospects in the 2021 NBA Draft. Like many top prospects before him, Bégarin joined INSEP in Paris and played for their affiliate club, Centre Fédéral. Who compete in the Nationale Masculine 1 (NM1), the third-tier of basketball in France.

The 6-foot-5 shooting guard averaged 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2 steals per game, in the 2018-19 season. In February 2019, he featured in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament, where he averaged 19.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.3 steals. Bégarin was named MVP of the Basketball Without Borders Europe camp in June 2019. Which took place in Riga, Latvia.

In July 2019, Bégarin left Centre Fédéral and signed with Paris Basketball. Paris operate in the second-tier of France, in the LNB Pro B. In the 2019-20 season, he played in 19 games (16.7 MPG) and averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Juhann Bégarin really does fit the mold of a modern basketball player. He’s an exciting, explosive guard that already possesses a reasonably sized frame. His eye-catching handles can create opportunities not just for himself, but for his teammates too.

(Image/Matt Evans/Call-Ups)

Ismael Kamagate

19-year-old Ismael Kamagate (left) was another highly touted prospect to feature in the Amiral League. Like Juhann Bégarin, Kamagate has played for the Centre Fédéral team, and still does. In fact, the 6-foot-11 center is on a duel-registration, which allowed him to sign for Paris Basketball on a contract that runs until June 2021.

In the 2019-20 LNB Pro B season, Kamagate played in 21 contests for Paris. Averaging 6.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. This past season with Centre Fédéral (NM1), he averaged 10 points, 6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1 block, in 11 games.

Kamagate has gone through the French youth international ranks and last featured at the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championships. Where he posted averages of 3 points and 4.5 rebounds, in 6 games.

Standing at 6-foot-11, Ismael Kamagate has incredible length that makes him dominant in the paint on both ends of the ball. He’s not as highly regarded as teammate Juhann Bégarin, but if he gains some strength and continues his development, his time could come. He is eligible for the NBA Draft in 2023.

(Image/Matt Evans/Call-Ups)

Milan Barbitch

Guard Milan Barbitch (right) is another that played with Centre Fédéral. Averaging 10.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.2 steals through the 2018-19 campaign. Which proved to be his final season, as he left to join Paris Basketball for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.

18-year-old Barbitch featured in 22 LNB Pro B games for Paris in the 2019-20 campaign. Averaging 3.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, in 11.5 minutes per contest.

Standing at 6-foot-5, Barbitch has great size for a combo guard and has unlimited range when he gets hot from 3. With a bit more weight, he should be able to compete at the professional level, on both ends of the ball, with relative ease.

Unlike Bégarin and Kamagate, Barbitch is a player that goes under the radar. To date he hasn’t been capped by France at any of the youth international levels. He is eligible for the NBA Draft in 2023.

He is the son of Yann Barbitch, who is a former professional player and is now involved in the French men’s national team.

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The Importance of the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament

Each year since 1953, the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) has hosted 64 of the best college seniors in the United States. Taking place in Portsmouth, Virginia, the tournament is the oldest amateur basketball tournament stateside.

Players participate in a 4-day postseason event, consisting of 12 games. In front of NBA executives and scouts (approximately 200), as well as international representatives. 8 teams of 8 players each play 3 games, fighting for exposure and a chance to impress in front of onlookers.

In order to qualify for the tournament, players must be NCAA-eligible through the end of the season. Then, a player-selection committee distributes invitations to each player’s college.

Over the course of the tournaments history, many players who have participated have gone on to get drafted into the NBA. Including Earl Munroe, John Stockton, Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippin, Tim Hardaway, Derek Fisher, Ben Wallace, Jeremy Lin, DeMarre Carroll, Jimmy Butler, and Derrick White.

Live: 2019 NBA Draft results - Denver Stiffs
(Image/Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports)

Player Opportunities:

In 2019, 63 of the 64 PIT players were given at least 1 NBA tryout. Additionally, 55 of those were invited to play in the NBA Summer League.

In the most recent NBA Draft, the following PIT players were selected. Justin James (Sacramento Kings, #40), Terance Mann (Los Angeles Clippers, #48), Quinndary Weatherspoon (San Antonio Spurs, #49), Jarrell Brantley (Indiana Pacers, #50), and Marial Shayok (Philadelphia 76ers, #54).

Among the NBA representatives, are those from G League franchises. As the players are 4-year college athletes, many get overlooked in the draft. Paving the way for G League franchises to pick-up talented prospects. Some prospects get invited to summer training camps of NBA rosters on Exhibit-10 deals.

In an interview on The Lake Lake Show, the Director of Basketball Operations for the South Bay Lakers, Nick Lagios, spoke about the importance of the tournament in scouting players.

“Portsmouth Invitational has really been our go-to. A lot of them are older, so it’s rare for them to get drafted super-high. But there’s very good players. A lot of them go under the radar because they are 22 or 23, or sometimes 21. But they’re not 18 or 19. Always the top couple of players at Portsmouth, maybe not on the stats sheet but in our opinion, they end up being great two-ways and even NBA players.”

Nick Lagios, South Bay Lakers
(Image/GiveSmart)

The tournament allows scouts to analyse prospects outside of their collegiate environment. Providing an insight into their potential in the professional ranks.

2019 Success Stories:

2019 participants Terence Davis (Toronto Raptors), Chris Clemons (Houston Rockets), Chris Silva (Miami Heat), Juwan Morgan (Utah Jazz), were all picked up by NBA teams despite going undrafted.

The 2020 tournament is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But in recent years, the majority of players that featured got picked up on G League rosters. Or forged opportunities overseas.

The following 2019 PIT participants earned two-way contracts for the 2019/20 season.

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Daishen Nix Decommits From UCLA to Join G League

On April 28, it was reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic that top prospect Daishen Nix has decommited from UCLA to join the NBA G League.

Nix is a five-star prospect out of Trinity International School in Las Vegas. He committed to the UCLA Bruins in August 2019. Passing up on offers from Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, and Maryland.

Now, it appears that the 18-year-old has backtracked. He will jump straight to the professional ranks and join the new G League select team. Alongside elite prospects Jalen Green and Isaiah Todd.

It is strongly believed that Nix will be a lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and a top point guard selection.

The G League deal for Nix, as reported by Charania, is believed to be around the $300,000 mark.

It’s another huge coup for the G League. Who recently reshaped their professional pathway program, also known as the select contract, to appeal more to prospects. Mainly from a financial standpoint.

But also from a development standpoint, as professional coaching and veteran players will be part of the new Los Angeles-based select team.

Follow Matt on Twitter, @MattEvansCU.

Greg Brown III, Picks Texas Longhorns Over G League

On April 24, it was confirmed that top high-school prospect, Greg Brown III, would be committing to the Texas Longhorns.

Choosing his fathers alma mater, Brown also revealed that he turned down offers from Kentucky, Auburn, Memphis, and Michigan.

In addition, the five-star recruit reportedly had a $300,000 offer to join the G League’s professional pathway program.

Brown spoke to Sports Illustrated about the G League offer: “My dad talked to the G League for a long time.. it was a great option, but Texas was where I wanted to be.”

The 6-foot-9 forward represented Vandegrift in Austin at the high-school ranks. Recording 3,007 points, 1,493 rebounds, 476 blocks, 188 assists, and 134 steals over a four-year period.

In his senior year, Brown averaged 26.1 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, and 3.5 blocks per game.

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Breaking Down the G League’s Future, With Elite Prospects

Rewinding back to April 16, news emerged that top high-school prospect Jalen Green would be foregoing college to join the G League. In a “reshaped” professional pathway program. As well, it has been confirmed that top prospect, Isaiah Todd, will be following suit.

The G League officially announced the Jalen Green coup, with President Shareef Abdur-Rahim making the following comments.

“He represents the next generation of NBA players, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him develop his professional skills in our league. Jalen will learn from an NBA-caliber coaching and player development staff as he begins his professional basketball journey in the NBA G League.”

Isaiah Todd to bypass college and join Jalen Green in the NBA G League
(Image/Isaiah J. Downing/USA TODAY Sports)

The New Professional Pathway Program/Select Contract:

The existing scheme was initially set with a $125,000 contract, for a five-month season. This was created in October 2018 in an attempt to capture elite prospects. Allowing them to develop in the G League before heading to the NBA. As opposed to attending college or going overseas.

It became quickly apparent that the sum of money wasn’t competitive. Even though it was way above the $35,000 amount that regular G League players receive. Australia’s National Basketball League soon emerged as a rival, with 2020 NBA Draft prospects LaMelo Ball and R.J. Hampton opting for that route whilst receiving reported mid-six-figure sums of money. As well as endorsements.

This hasn’t just occurred over the past season. Emmanuel Mudiay played over in China back in 2014, for a large amount, instead of going to college. Rewinding back even further, to 2009, Brandon Jennings did the same in Italy.

Ball and Hampton’s recent decisions has prompted NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Abdur-Rahim to restructure the G League program. With it being reported by Shams Charania, that the select contract to elite prospects will now pay $500,000+. With each player case differing.

It has become clear that bonuses can be earned through appearances, development duties, and community initiatives too. As well as endorsement deals on-top of salaries. Charania has suggested that Jalen Green could pocket over $1 million. Additionally, he will receive a full college scholarship.

New G League Select Team in Los Angeles:

It has been reported that Green and Todd will headline a new G League select team, based in Los Angeles. However, it is believed that the team will operate outside of the traditional G League structure. Additionally, it will not be affiliated to an NBA team.

Green, Todd, and other elite prospects will receive professional coaching, training, and exhibition contests, alongside professional veteran players.

Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports is suggesting that Sam Mitchell, David Fizdale, and Brian Shaw may be options to take the Head Coach role with the new team.

Additionally, it is understood that the amount of games played will be around 20. Away and condensed from the traditional G League schedule. Opponents will be other G League teams, overseas national teams, and NBA academies. 

March Madness 2019: How to watch the National Championship Game ...
(Image/cnet.com)

Moving Forward:

While many view the G League’s aggressive move to entice elite prospects away from college a positive. The NCAA most certainly will not. The move could have huge effects moving forward.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has reported that uncommitted prospects Makur Maker, Karim Mane, and Kai Sotto could follow Green and Todd into the G League ranks, with the new select team.

This diverts talent away from the college ranks. Should it be successful and Green, Todd, and Co reach the NBA with no hiccups, it could be an established pathway moving forward for prospects.

Rulings were already in place for prospects to enter the league through the G League Draft and the waiver system. The professional pathway program is set for a limited amount of elite prospects. But maybe further young talent that sit around the mid-level could be fed into the league. In an attempt to accelerate their professional careers.

A recent report from Marc Stein of The New York Times, has stated that the NBA’s long-term vision may include having a division that features multiple select teams bundled with elite prospects.

Debate has sparked, for many years, on whether college players should be paid. With the NCAA generating millions of dollars off the backs of athletes, yet still operating under an amateur status.

Increase in Exposure:

Exposure will be lost at the college level and will be gained in the G League, around the select team. The NBA pay G League salaries, and it’s clear that they’re pumping money into this new program.

The G League has grown exponentially since the Gatorade restructure, with players wages going up. As well as the introduction of two-way contracts, and the increase in general talent across the league.

Although, a much larger spotlight is certainly on the G League moving forward now. Consequently, a new television deal could be on the way. Along with further lucrative sponsorship opportunities.

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