Which NBA Players Came from G League Ignite?

By Keith Mado July 12, 2024 05:37

Photo by AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

The G League Ignite team is a developmental program to help top young NBA Draft prospects prepare for professional careers. The program was launched to provide an option for high school stars as both a next-level alternative from college basketball for its top-tier talent under age 19, allowing them the chance to develop and prepare themselves with NBA coaches and trainers and earn salary before their eligibility in the NBA draft. The program was designed to be unlike the traditional G League, which has generally functioned as an official minor league for the NBA. It sought exclusively to train top prospects in preparation for their jump.

G League Ignite: NBA Players

Jalen Green

Jalen Green, one of the nation's top recruits, decided to go straight from high school to the G League Ignite program. He was rated as one of the top prospects in the 2020 recruiting class. Green demonstrated an elite NBA scoring combination of athleticism during his time with the Ignite.

Jalen Green was drafted 2nd overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2021 NBA draft. Now a player in the NBA, he still shocks us all with his scoring talent and athleticism for an instant sensation at Houston.

Jonathan Kuminga

High school standout Jonathan Kuminga was another player who opted for G League Ignite over playing in college. Kuminga's stint with the Ignite helped him showcase his skills more deeply, highlighting his versatility as a forward.

Jonathan Kuminga was picked 7th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the NBA draft. He is a very talented young player in the NBA, given his remarkable contributions to the Warriors.

Isaiah Todd

A talented forward prospect, Isaiah Todd decided to join G League Ignite as an alternative route to the NBA draft rather than maintaining his college basketball eligibility. Playing in the G-League provided Todd invaluable exposure to NBA-level competition while continuing his development toward a professional future.

Isaiah Todd was selected by the Washington Wizards in the 2021 NBA Draft, thereby entering the NBA.

Daishen Nix

Daishen Nix, an ultra-talented floor general point guard, chose to pursue his professional basketball journey by joining the G League Ignite. Though not selected in the NBA draft, Nix signed with Philadelphia and remains a player to watch as he forges his path.

Impact of the Ignite Program

It changed the game with player development pathways as to how they can make it back uphill. It is a program that offers top prospects an alternative to college basketball, with professional coaching, high-level competition, and salaries for players, before they become eligible for the NBA draft. The transition of Ignite players to the NBA has convinced teams that there is a path outside college basketball to developing pro-ready talent.

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