Break in the Action
All Star Weekend: During the last two weeks, the action of the NBA and G-League has slowed in anticipation of the All Star break. A much needed rest for most, this year’s All Star weekend gave the next generation of basketball talent a chance to showcase their skills on a national stage. During the break, Jaden Hardy, MarJon Beauchamp, Dyson Daniels and Scoot Henderson all participated in the new rising stars format. Daniels (pictured) was on the winning team led by Cade Cunningham and many believe he had the best showing out of the Ignite prospects. Granted this was an All Star format and it’s wise not to deduce too much from this sort of game, he did look confident and comfortable in this environment. While he lacks a consistent jumper, being able to play with some of the best rookies and sophomores already in the league is a positive sign that he is ready to make the jump.
Michael Foster Jr. was not selected for the game but did get the opportunity to showcase his abilities in the Skills Challenge while also having the opportunity to experience the entire weekend with his Ignite teammates. As the Ignite turn their attention back to the rest of their tour, all of these young prospects will have a chance to continue improving upon their game and draft stock. Hopefully in the second half of their season they will find more success in the win column. The team as a whole has struggled to win games against the more experienced G-League talent but have a chance to turn the corner after their loss Sunday. Currently sitting at 1-11 it is hard to get any worse in the back half of the season. Ideally, the team is able to find a bit of a groove and build off their exposure to the best in the NBA during the break. The Ignites next game is Monday 2/28 and getting their second win is exactly what they need.
Who’s Hot
Saban Lee: A second round pick out of Vanderbilt in the 2020 draft, Lee has dominated the G-League in every game he has played. What feels like a similar season to Paul Reed’s campaign last year, Lee is currently leading the league in scoring and has positioned himself to be the MVP if he can duplicate his production in the second half of the season. Averaging 27.3/4.6/7.0 with shooting splits of 47.6/28.4/69.2, he is currently not considered to be a part of Detroit’s plans this season. However, if Lee is able to keep up his rebounding and assist numbers while also improving his shooting percentage from behind the arc and at the line, he has a chance to crack the Pistons rotation in some capacity next season. The Motor City Cruise are 14-4 on the season sitting in sole possession of first place. Without Lee this success would not be possible and the Cruise should turn their attention to winning the championship with their 2020 second round guard leading the way.
Who’s Cold
Cleveland Charge & Dylan Windler: The Charge are 1-9 over their last ten, 2-13 on the season and currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with the worst record in the league. One of the most disappointing aspects of the Charge this season is that the Cavaliers main roster is having so much success. Even though the NBA does not rely on their development league as heavily as other sports, the G-League has become a viable place to develop young talent and help them reach their full potential. Many G-League alum have taken the leap to the main roster over the years becoming rotation contributors or even starters in the league. This is the opposite for the Charge, as Dylan Windler has regressed during his time in the organization. A first round pick out of Belmont, Windler was injured during his rookie campaign and has not been able to regain minutes with the Cavaliers. Sent to the G-League to develop, he is currently averaging 12/10/2 with the Charge shooting 31.6% from behind the arc and 42.9% from the floor. A coveted long range shooter when he was drafted, Windler’s struggle to find a consistent shot from deep could place him in purgatory. Without his long range ability he will never be able to crack the Cavaliers rotation. Treading water with the Charge could stunt his development even further, spelling disaster for the first round pick and his team.
Top 5 Players to Watch
5. Jaden Springer: Even though Philadelphia traded for James Harden at the deadline, they still need to add another ball handler to their main roster. It has become apparent that Springer is not currently ready to make that leap but will be first in line to compete for the position next year. Averaging 15.8/5.1/2.3 he has been a steady hand for the Blue Coats, while being active on both ends of the floor. A two-way guard would fit into the 76ers roster structure and Springer could secure his spot with a solid performance in the second half of the G-League season.
4. Daishen Nix: Nix went undrafted last season but has made the most of his opportunity with the Rockets. A team with multiple holes in their main roster, with Schroeder and Wall both presumed to depart at the end of the year, Nix should become a rotation player if not starter next season. Staying the course and continuing to perform in the G-League while also capitalizing on the limited opportunities at the professional level will land him a more permanent place in Houston.
3. Mason Jones: After moving from Houston to Philadelphia last season, Jones signed a two-way deal with the South Bay Lakers. Jones is currently averaging 25.9/7.5/6.9 in thirteen games played. A player to watch in the second half of the season, Jones has a chance to capitalize on the presumed offseason changes the Los Angeles Lakers will make at the end of the season. Continuing to produce in the G-League, while allowing the main roster to turn over in the offseason could land Jones a full time role in the rotation next season.
2. Craig Randall II: Randall went undrafted out of Tennessee-Martin but has found a home on the Long Island Nets. In his second season he has dominated the league, separating himself as one of the best guards in the G-League. Averaging 25.5/5.4/6.3, Randall II won’t find a home on the crowded Nets roster but could catch the eye of another team looking for guard help. While he could work on limiting his turnovers in the second half of the season, his 36.7% three point percentage aided by his size could help him become an NBA guard.
1. Saban Lee: The presumed G-League MVP finds himself in an organization amidst a rebuild. Standing at 6-2 the league leader in points has a chance to become the second unit point guard next season. Cory Joseph is signed through next season but with Killian Hayes emerging and Joseph aging, he could be moved in the offseason. Lee continuing to perform in the second half of the season will put pressure on Detroit to make a decision about their future point guard rotation. Expect to see him with the Pistons full time during 2022-23.