While some top NBA prospects over the years have opted to forgo college basketball in favor of an international league, few have gone the G League route. However, multiple industry sources tell Evan Daniels of 247Sports.com that the idea of spending a year in the NBAGL is becoming more intriguing to high school prospects.
As Daniels notes, when the G League first introduced its new “select contracts” for top high school prospects in the fall of 2018, it announced plans to make those contracts worth $125K. However, sources tell Daniels that the NBAGL is now willing to pay more than that “for the right prospects.”
Additionally, Daniels speculates that the coronavirus pandemic could discourage prospects who want to go pro rather than attending college from choosing an international league, since traveling overseas may not look like as appealing an option at the moment.
According to Daniels, the G League is believed to be an option for some notable members of the recruiting class of 2020, including power forward Isaiah Todd – who recently backed out of his commitment to Michigan – and shooting guard Jalen Green. Even if neither of those two prospects opt to play to play in the NBA’s developmental league next season, the G League has been “aggressively” scouting and meeting with prospects over the last couple years and seems to be making some headway, Daniels writes.
Still, skepticism persists that the G League is a viable route for high school prospects who have a bevy of college and overseas options. Veteran NBA forward Jared Dudley tweets that the NBA has to address the NBAGL’s facilities and travel situation in order to increase the league’s appeal.
The biggest myth that has ever penetrated pro sports is the high schoolers can play in the nba. It should be 2 years in college before becoming eligible.
Why should they go to college? If they go pro they can earn money, and play agaisnt better competition.
Yeah man! You are so right, they can get paid & almost wherever they play it will be better competition as they will play with men not kids.
I’ve never understood why minor league basketball couldn’t be a thing. College basketball seems like such a antiquated idea for the kids that have no interest in continuing school. If they wanna play for pay, let ‘me. Good for them. I probably would if I could.
If the basketball kids want to go (pro), let ‘em go…happens in baseball. Athlete’s choice, and gives colleges/universities the opportunity to mayhaps better use their resources on others interested in a more “traditional” route.
When players cross that line out of HS they are men. No matter where they play. Mentally kids is real.
Should set up a $3M cap system for G League and let the GM’s work out pay for a 15 player roster.
Think 95% of HS players need a minimum of 1 year in college or G League level play to be NBA ready. Many needing 2 or more years.
If someone wants to pay them stupid money who says no ?
I certainly wouldn’t say no.
Bet Boing would cut a great deal on 737 reworked jets for all the G League teams.