The NBA’s G League Ignite team, a development squad for elite draft prospects and veterans, is set to shut down after this season. The decision was confirmed by the league and comes as a result of the changing landscape in basketball, particularly with the rise of name, image, and likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal in college basketball.
Launched in 2020, the Ignite team aimed to provide a pathway for top prospects to skip college and head straight to the professional ranks. However, with more opportunities and flexibility available in college basketball, the need for the Ignite elite team has diminished.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hinted at the reassessment of Team Ignite’s future during All-Star Weekend. Since its inception, the Ignite team has seen over 10 draft selections, including four top-10 picks. Despite a challenging season with a 6-40 record, prospects like Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland are expected to be lottery picks in June’s draft.
G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who oversaw the Ignite’s roster and coaching staff, expressed gratitude to the GM, head coach, staff, and players for their contributions. The Ignite’s final game is scheduled for March 28, marking the end of its four-year run in the G League.
As the basketball landscape continues to evolve, the closure of the Ignite team symbolizes a shift in priorities and opportunities for young players looking to make their mark in the sport. Forever Sports Online will be sure to follow the journey of the Ignite players as they transition to the next phase of their careers.
