The NBA is shutting down the G League Ignite group after this season, canceling the event squad of elite draft prospects and veterans that was launched in 2020, sources briefed on the matter inform The Athletic.
The NBA launched the Ignite at a degree when no different American professional league offered a path for pre-draft eligible gamers to be considerably compensated to play earlier than coming into the draft. With the rise of title, picture and likeness (NIL) and the switch portal in school basketball, the necessity for the Ignite elite group was eradicated. Now, NIL permits gamers to earn cash whereas going to school and receiving NCAA expertise.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had mentioned at All-Star Weekend final month that Ignite’s future was being reassessed.
“I’m unsure what the way forward for Group Ignite can be as a result of earlier than I felt there was a gap within the market we have been filling,” Silver mentioned. “Now my focus is popping to earlier improvement of these gamers.”
The league’s first two signings — the Houston Rockets’ Jalen Inexperienced and the Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga, the No. 2 and No. 7 picks within the 2021 NBA Draft, respectively — symbolize great success tales and proof of accomplishment for the Ignite’s four-year run. Final yr, Scoot Henderson went No. 3 total to Portland after a standout Ignite season. It’s believed salaries for elite prospects have been as excessive as $1 million per season, akin to Henderson’s deal in 2022-23.
Since 2020, the Ignite has produced greater than 10 draft picks, together with 4 top-10 picks. G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim oversaw the Ignite’s roster and training employees, hiring revered former NBA gamers and coaches in Brian Shaw and Jason Hart as this system’s head coaches over 4 years.
The Ignite has struggled this season with a 6-40 document, though prospects Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland are projected to be lottery picks in June’s draft. Ignite’s final sport is scheduled for March 28.
(Prime picture of Ron Holland, London Johnson and Eric Mika: Ethan Miller / Getty Photographs)