Over the last few years, multiple NBA stars have gotten their start in G League Ignite, a team that was specially made by the association as a stepping stone from amateur to professional basketball. Jalen Green of the Houston Rockets and Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors are two examples of premium talent that reached the league by way of Ignite.
But the future of the team remains in doubt right now. Just last month, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he didn't know what was next for the team.
“I’m not sure what the future of Team Ignite will be," Silver told the media before adding, “Before, there was a hole in the marketplace.”
The G League is filled with teams that attract young talent, from colleges and beyond, and prepares them for the NBA. But Ignite is a team that is run by the league itself, more of a program than a squad.
However, Ignite hasn't very tantalizing for players lately. The team holds a 2-26 record and not many athletes on the team have improved their draft potential there.
Plus, because of amateur leagues and the level of playing in college, there are many young players who don't need the G League, leaving Ignite in a weird position.
Silver has admitted that the league needs to change its plans and perspective. “My focus is turning to earlier development,” he said. “There’s an opportunity for us to be part of the community that’s developing players—elite players, and also … being a more active participant in getting kids active.”
Future NBA stars are receiving offers from colleges, other G League teams, international groups, and beyond. That means that Ignite might be losing its importance, and perhaps it future.
The G League Ignite are currently 2-26 this season. Very few players have improved their draft stock there. So far, draftees from the program have mostly underperformed in the NBA. I just don’t think this gives the athletes the advanced development they originally thought.
