The NBA launched its G League Ignite team in 2020 to provide players an alternative to NCAA basketball. Since then, it’s become an increasingly popular pipeline for multiple top prospects.
The latest commit: Four-star recruit London Johnson, who has reclassified in order to spend two seasons on G League Ignite. The top-30 prospect inked a seven-figure contract — the largest in team history, according to The Athletic.
- Six players on the team have been drafted — most notably 2021 No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green.
- More are expected to enter the NBA next year: Scoot Henderson, who previously held the record for highest Ignite salary (two years, $1 million), is a projected top-two pick for the 2023 Draft.
Players are interested in G League Ignite versus other options, like overseas teams, because Ignite provides direct connection to NBA veterans and coaches. Johnson was no different — he told The Athletic: “The main (reason) was being able to play against NBA talent and getting coached from the highest level NBA coaches.”
The team’s long-term fate, however, is unclear. The NBA is reportedly planning to lower the draft eligibility age to 18 starting in 2024. Ignite could lose momentum if its top prospects can bypass it.
