LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Donta Hall #11 of the G League Ignite reacts to a play during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
How the new NBA Rising Stars game format will help the G-League Ignite
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 14: Miles Bridges #0 of the USA slam dunks against the World at United Center on February 14, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois, How the new NBA Rising Stars game format will help the G-League Ignite. (Photo by Ivan Shum – Clicks Images/Getty Images)
The NBA Rising Stars game will feature a new format
The NBA had long offered high school grads a chance to play in the G-League for a year, but limited earning potential made overseas seem a more appealing destination.
They decided to make a more compelling package by creating the G-League Ignite, a new team rostered with top prospects and established veterans (high-integrity players hand-chosen to help mentor the young guys). The Ignite could also offer contracts up to $1 million.
The Ignite has been an unquestioned triumph so far. Jalen Green was the #1 high school prospect of 2020 and signed with the Ignite. He played for a year, raved about the program, and was drafted #2 overall to the Rockets. Jonathan Kuminga had a similar positive experience and was drafted seventh by the Warriors.
The 2021-2022 Ignite team was still successful in recruiting top prospects, but the increased competition means the Ignite need to step up their recruiting pitch. The G-League has finally decided to weaponize its best asset – exposure.
The NBA Rising Stars Challenge format has changed. It will now feature 12 NBA rookies, 12 second-year players, and four G-League Ignite prospects. They will play a brief four-team tournament, interrupted by a “clutch performance” exhibition in which NBA players and Ignite players will try to recreate “historic playoff shots” under a time limit.
I’ve seen some negative feedback on this change online. People claim that the Igniters won’t be able to compete and will play terribly. To which I say, that’s missing the point!
