NBA G League: Top Two-Way and Standard Contract Prospects
Our own Nathan Grubel is back for another dive into the NBA G League, showcasing top prospects for NBA Standard and Two-Way contracts plus bonus coverage on a 2025 NBA Draft prospect in Dink Pate.
Welcome back to another NBA G League column!
This time around, it would be beneficial to provide actual examples of players who succeeded during the Tip-Off Tournament and Winter Showcase period and are up for elevated signings.
In doing so, I will examine players who have earned consideration for Two-Way contracts as well as those who could be signed off of a Two-Way deal into an NBA standard contract and take up one of the empty roster spots for a portion of teams across the league (10 teams currently have an open roster spot to consider a Two-Way or other G League prospect as a signee).
One caveat to this: just because I’m suggesting a player for a signing doesn’t mean said NBA organization is even considering signing any players to open spots at this time. NBA teams will carry open Two-Way and roster spots across an entire season to remain flexible for other trades and buyout signings. Therefore, some of these could happen or none of them. What’s important is keeping an open mind and always monitoring talent ready for a new opportunity out of the G League.
So that being said, let’s start by looking at players who are playing to the level of a Two-Way contract!
*All statistics referenced are from the 2024-25 G League Tip-Off Tournament period, and are courtesy of the NBA G League, Basketball-Reference, and Synergy Sports*
Top Two-Way Contract G League Prospects
Jaylen Nowell, Guard, Capital City Go-Go
26.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.0 TOV
57.5/55.9/93.3 Shooting Splits
Jaylen Nowell has long been one of the best scoring guards in the G League, having shown that same prowess through two college seasons at Washington.
Drafted in the second round in 2019, Nowell struggled to shoot and score with the same efficiency in college. He’s had multiple go-rounds in the NBA, but he hasn’t quite broken onto the scene yet over the last four seasons.
Nowell, however, is having his best year yet as a professional basketball player with the Capital City Go-Go. Through the Tip-Off Tournament period, Nowell has not only continued to score at an excellent rate, but has stepped up as a catalyst for others in terms of distributing the basketball alongside another guard who is worth a look for a Two-Way deal below.
It’s one thing to score as a guard in the G League, but it’s another to be able to actually break down defenses and capitalize on opportunities. Nowell has done so on very high volume both inside and outside the arc.
Defense is still hit or miss for Nowell, as he has the physical tools to defend both backcourt positions, yet he still suffers from lapses away from the basketball despite his experience competing against seasoned pros.
Still, guards who can manage an offensive role like Nowell always deserve looks. And to be fair, I wouldn’t hold too much of Nowell’s spotty efficiency against him in minutes earlier this year for the New Orleans Pelicans. With so many injuries and a lack of cohesion, it’s a tough task for anyone to find rhythm and build chemistry in a situation like that.
RJ Nembhard, Guard, Capital City Go-Go
16.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 3.3 TOV
50.0/42.9/91.1 Shooting Splits
I’ve watched RJ Nembhard light it up quite a few times in person during the Las Vegas Summer League. When he gets hot, he can really get it going scoring one-on-one against decent competition.
That’s a big reason why I’m not surprised to find myself penning his name for a Two-Way opportunity after a pretty great start to the G League season for the Capital City Go-Go.
Simply put, Nembhard just plays with a chip on his shoulder offensively. He consistently gets into the teeth of the defense, and he can separate and embrace contact to finish in the lane. Having his best season shooting the ball, Nembhard doesn’t fear any defender in front of him and is more than willing to cut through gaps in the lane. I’d like to see him get to the free throw line a bit more often than he does, given the percentage of shots he takes from two-point range, but he’s crafty at getting those looks off to the point where I understand how his shot diet is best manufactured.
From a passing perspective, Nembhard can play a little loose and take some chances at times, but he still possesses the vision and touch necessary to run the backup point guard spot for an NBA team. Nembhard can pass with either hand, and operates well off a screen at the top.
Nembhard doesn’t quite stand out defensively, but checks a lot of other boxes that other guards have offensively who have gotten opportunities on a Two-Way deal or even an NBA standard contract.
Aaron Estrada, Guard, Motor City Cruise
8.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.4 TOV
48.1/36.4/75.0 Shooting Splits
Aaron Estrada’s name has cooled down a touch on the prospect evaluation front based on the lack of minutes and opportunities during the Winter Showcase for the Motor City Cruise.
That being said, he was off to a rip-roaring start at the beginning of the Tip-Off Tournament period, and I’m not ready to write him off as a possible Two-Way candidate heading into the regular season.
Estrada went undrafted this past June, but he had a great season last year for Alabama in the SEC. A proven scoring guard who can seemingly get his shot from anywhere, he’s begun to shine at the G League level with his ball control.
Per Synergy Sports, Estrada’s rating in terms of Possessions Plus Assists is in the 96th percentile of the G League, meaning he’s managing his touches well to get himself and others great looks without turning the ball over.
Estrada has finished well at the rim (71.4%) and spaced the floor as a catch-and-shoot option. As a decision-maker in pick-and-roll actions, Estrada has patience in reading defenders and knowing when to accept vs. reject the screen and play off what the defense gives him.
Most guards in the G League aren’t known as defensive stalwarts, but Estrada is tough and really gives effort on that end of the floor. He helps go up for rebounds, can force opposing players into tough shots, and gets his hands in passing lanes to force turnovers.
Likely a player who gets more looks next year as opposed to this one, Estrada has popped in a way I wouldn’t have expected him to up to this point. His box score numbers aren’t as plentiful as Jaylen Nowell’s or RJ Nembhard’s, but there are aspects of Estrada’s floor game I like a little more than both of them and wouldn’t be afraid to get him on a Two-Way deal if I were running a franchise in search of someone who could play minutes as a third or fourth guard.
Jalen Slawson, Wing, Osceola Magic
12.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 2.8 TOV
46.2/37.7/70.7 Shooting Splits
Before Jalen Slawson came out in the 2023 NBA Draft, there was certainly a split in consensus regarding the productive forward out of Furman.
Slawson presented a floor of a tough play finishing power wing who could put the ball on the deck, post smaller matchups, and provide support on the glass. There were questions about his decision-making and levels of athleticism, but guys who are built well and strong can sometimes make up for some concerns in relation to quickness and verticality.
Those concerns are what led to Slawson slipping to the back end of the second round, resulting in a new situation for him off a non-guaranteed deal. Now playing with the Osceola Magic, Slawson has hit his stride as a play finisher, tertiary creator, and help defender in the G League.
While Slawson still turns the ball over more than I’d like due to a loose dribble in traffic and some errant passes, there are other times when Slawson makes some sharp reads in finding teammates and turning something out of nothing.
Slawson can finish effectively around the basket, nail jumpers off the catch, and even knock in some occasional contested mid-range jumpers.
In terms of positional size and skill set, Slawson fits the description of a hybrid wing/forward who can provide minutes off an NBA bench. He’s sure to get another opportunity sooner rather than later.
Miles Norris, Forward, Memphis Hustle
17.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.9 TOV
47.8/37.0/64.7 Shooting Splits
I applauded the signing of Miles Norris by the College Park Skyhawks a season ago, yet he ultimately found himself released and scooped up by the Memphis Hustle on a G League standard contract.
Despite the change of scenery, Norris has gotten off to an excellent start for the Hustle and played well during the Tip-Off Tournament period.
Where Norris really shines is in the simplicity of his offensive game. He’s a great shooting threat both off the catch and on the move, and he knows how to play without the basketball to put himself in position to succeed. With his 6’10” frame, it’s difficult for defenders to contest his shot; even when they force him out of his initial shot he can dribble, reset, and knock down a new look.
Norris’s primary concern stems from his lack of defensive impact, as he possesses a narrow frame that doesn’t allow him to hold up particularly well against more physical forwards. He’s best defending on the wing, but can get beat some off the bounce as he’s not exactly the fleetest of foot laterally either.
Still, low-mistake wings with size and length who can shoot as well as Norris often get a number of professional looks. Norris is still young in his career, so a Two-Way deal should hopefully be right around the corner.
Jackson Rowe, Forward, Santa Cruz Warriors
14.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.9 TOV
51.9/44.2/65.4 Shooting Splits
Jackson Rowe caught my eye this past Summer League playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors as a player who I didn’t know much about coming in, yet he stood out due to his positional size on the wing and spot-up shooting ability.
Those strengths have carried over to this G League season, with Rowe’s performance through the Tip-Off Tournament period speaking for itself from beyond the arc.
Rowe’s mark of 44% from deep is impressive in and of itself, but he does take nearly five a game and should stand to increase that volume with more games under his belt.
A physical player who isn’t afraid to mix it up on the glass and get his hands on the ball defensively, Rowe has the tools of a potential “3-and-D” wing at the next level. In multiple areas, he’s improved from his first run in the G League last year—especially from a processing standpoint offensively in terms of spatial awareness.
Rowe should be in contention for a Two-Way deal at minimum, and he should continue trending in the right direction during the regular season and beyond.
Malevy Leons, Forward, Oklahoma City Blue
11.9 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 2.4 TOV
47.3/36.0/74.3 Shooting Splits
To me, Malevy Leons should be on an NBA team in a guaranteed roster slot as opposed to only a Two-Way deal. He’s been that good already in G League minutes.
Leons is EVERYWHERE on the floor, making plays defensively while also possessing the handle as a tall forward to put the ball on the deck and make something happen. He can knock down spot-up threes, find teammates on the move, and has the type of modern game NBA teams are looking for.
There will be levels of skepticism in terms of how his frame holds up against stronger NBA talent, but Leons plays with his head on a swivel and anticipates what’s happening on the floor. He’s smarter than given credit for, and those who can react preemptively can mitigate certain athletic concerns.
There really aren’t a ton of negatives to bring to light regarding where Leons is at in his current development. He moves a bit awkwardly in terms of covering a ton of ground laterally, and he doesn’t possess a handle in which he’s breaking down defenders from the perimeter. But he controls the ball well, makes decisions, has a high motor, and can shoot the rock. What more could you want from a Two-Way prospect who is likely deserving of more?
Jaylin Williams, Forward, Grand Rapids Gold
8.4 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.9 BPG, 1.0 TOV
53.1/41.0/77.8 Shooting Splits
Jaylin Williams hasn’t done anything to necessarily blow me away in his G League evaluation, but he’s done exactly what I thought he could do as a professional mismatch scorer.
A tough forward, Williams knows how to put the ball in the basket in a number of ways. He can finish through contact, create separation in the midrange, and has knocked down a great percentage of his triples through the Tip-Off Tournament period for the Grand Rapids Gold.
I’m still puzzled as to what his best position is defensively on the floor, and I’d like to see him rebounding at a higher rate—especially given how strong he is as a forward. However, there’s still enough there to like offensively as a plug-and-play scorer.
Where he needs to keep growing as a basketball player is in his decision-making. He isn’t a turnover machine, but Williams plays with a ton of confidence as a scorer to where he can miss certain opportunities to dump the ball off to teammates for better looks. As he gets used to the speed and nature of the pro game, I’d expect Williams to keep trending in the right direction in that regard.
Dylan Disu, Forward, Raptors 905
8.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.5 TOV
50.5/39.3/75.0 Shooting Splits
Very similar to Jaylin Williams in terms of both production and how he goes about his business offensively, Disu’s statistical profile at his position lends itself to a Two-Way opportunity.
A combo forward who was a mismatch nightmare at times for the Texas Longhorns in college, Disu’s bread and butter is in facing up his opponents to get looks 12 feet and in of the basket. Since last season, he’s worked on increasing his number of three-point attempts to match more of the modern style of offense, and he has knocked them in at an above-average rate through the Tip-Off Tournament period.
Another player who doesn’t command a lot of playmaking usage, Disu is on the floor to score and shoot when called upon, play with a high motor, and impact the game any way he can defensively. He hasn’t been bad on defense for Raptors 905, but I’d like to see a bit more from him, given what he was able to do guarding multiple positions at times and even scaling up in college.
Still, Disu is the type of forward who is worthy of a look by NBA teams. He’s bigger than one would anticipate, plays with strength, and if he’s knocking down deep shots Disu provides quite a bit of good value for any bench rotation.
Top NBA Standard Contract G League Prospects
Boston Celtics - Anton Watson, Forward, Maine Celtics
12.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.8 TOV
46.1/33.3/54.5 Shooting Splits
In terms of players who don’t need the ball in their hands to be impactful, Anton Watson fits that description well. A strong forward at 6’8” who’s listed at 225 pounds, Watson has the positional build to contend with those at his position on both ends of the floor.
Watson excels at the little things, such as playing in different ball-screen actions as a screener, roller, and cutter, along with boxing out on the boards and playing with active hands to fill gaps in passing lanes for steals and deflections.
What has been the most surprising about Watson’s time in the G League compared to his days at Gonzaga is his three-point volume. Watson averaged nearly SIX attempts per game from deep during the Tip-Off Tournament period, well beyond the number of looks he attempted in college. Considering he’s made them at a 33% clip, it’s fair to assume this could be part of Watson’s game moving forward, which bodes well for his professional prospects.
The Celtics organization has built a championship culture around simple principles: everyone rebounds, defends, and shoots. While Watson isn’t as dynamic off the dribble against professional athletes, he’s proven so far that he can check those other boxes—barring the jump shot holds. Given Boston could use another body at the forward spot, that’s reason enough to take a look at Watson should that roster spot not get filled by a buyout vet or additional trade piece.
Cleveland Cavaliers - Luke Travers, Forward, Cleveland Charge
21.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 6.0 APG, 2.2 SPG, 2.8 TOV
57.1/25.0/75.0 Shooting Splits
By way of Australia, Luke Travers has finally joined the Cleveland Cavaliers system full-time on a Two-Way deal. After having played in Summer League for multiple runs, Travers is stateside looking for his chance to break through on a standard contract.
In terms of how he fits in the NBA game, Travers does a number of things you’d want to see from a 6’7” forward hybrid. Not quite big enough to play the power forward spot full-time, Travers has the size of a modern wing who can do a little bit of everything. Travers excelled at rebounding in the G League during the Tip-Off Tournament period, and made plays for others in five games for the Cleveland Charge.
While Travers didn’t shoot the ball up to his standards from distance, he still took a healthy amount of threes and has performed well in that area in other leagues of competition. The Cavaliers already employ a player of a similar ilk in Dean Wade, who carries more size compared to Travers, who projects more as a wing in terms of ball-handling skill.
Defensive concerns aside, Travers has the ingredients to put more together as he gets opportunities in the NBA. Getting him on a standard contract might not be an idea that’s too far away for the Cavaliers to consider, but it’s important to note that Cleveland’s last roster spot could be utilized to bring in another vet, given the team’s contender status in the Eastern Conference.
Detroit Pistons - Cole Swider, Wing, Motor City Cruise
21.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 TOV
48.2/44.3/100 Shooting Splits
Cole Swider has had a number of NBA opportunities already as a bonafide shooting specialist, but he has spent more time in the G League due to deficiencies in other areas of his game, particularly on defense.
Swider doesn’t move his feet incredibly well on the perimeter and is a bit undersized compared to the average NBA forward. That positional conundrum has kept a number of talented players from breaking out in an NBA rotation, but still the Detroit Pistons have to consider any option that brings shooting the way Swider can.
Across three G League seasons, Swider has consistently shot above 42% from three-point range on anywhere between 7-10 attempts a night. That’s the mark of a true specialist from distance, and the Pistons could always use more spacing around talented playmakers and athletes such as Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and recent draft picks Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland.
Again, a team like Detroit may feel like it’s seen this movie before with Swider, but any player who rates in the 97th percentile offensively per Synergy Sports in the G League is as good of a candidate for a roster spot as any, even if that diet consists primarily of off-ball catch-and-shoot looks.
Golden State Warriors - Quinten Post, Center, Santa Cruz Warriors
17.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 2.0 TOV
48.3/28.8/76.2 Shooting Splits
Quinten Post was a deep-cut favorite amongst draft scouts last cycle after a great collegiate career at Boston College in which he made a name for himself as a true stretch center.
Standing at 7’ tall, Post has legitimate size as a big man to battle in the post and box out for rebounding opportunities on the defensive end. While not an “excellent” shot blocker, Post is strong at nearly 240 pounds and doesn’t get easily pushed around on the low block.
Offensively, his calling card has been a combination of post-up scoring and spot-up jumpers from distance; however, the outside shot hasn’t come to fruition through the Tip-Off Tournament period in the G League. Only converting on 25% of his triples, Post didn’t put up the results some may have expected as a guy who could bring other bigs out to the perimeter.
Still, the results from three years of success from deep in the ACC suggest that Post’s shot will eventually become viable again at the professional level. Given that healthy assumption, Post should have the attention of the Golden State Warriors front office given the fact the team doesn’t have another option down low who also poses as much of a threat from above the break like he does.
Houston Rockets - N’Faly Dante, Center, Rio Grande Valley Vipers
12.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 0.9 APG, 2.2 BPG, 1.0 TOV
71.2/0.0/62.5 Shooting Splits
Given the challenge of finding productive size in the G League, there’s a strong case that the Houston Rockets should really consider signing N’Faly Dante to a standard contract barring any other trades or buyout signings on the table.
While I’d love to make a case for Nate Williams, one of the better multi-tooled wings in the G League for a number of seasons, Dante is 7’2” with legitimate size and length on the interior. A 70-plus percent finisher, Dante can operate as a roller and post-up scorer while also chipping in rebounds on both ends of the floor. An effective shot blocker in drop coverage, Dante also hasn’t been shy about switching onto guards and holding his own in space. I wouldn’t project that as a strength in the NBA against quicker, craftier opponents, but there’s decent tape to look through of Dante operating in different pick-and-roll coverages.
Currently, the Rockets have a number of bigs contracted, but depending on what happens with the likes of Steven Adams and Jock Landale, there could be room for Dante as a backup center who fits in with a lot of what Houston looks to do. Dante has years of experience playing through injuries at Oregon, and he has the type of motor that can set the tone for a team. His efforts and work ethic at his size are worth a look by Houston for a roster spot.
Miami Heat - Josh Christopher, Guard, Sioux Falls Skyforce
26.4 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 2.2 SPG, 2.9 TOV
47.0/32.9/81.4 Shooting Splits
Josh Christopher’s NBA career hasn’t started the way many could’ve expected it given the number of scouts who believed in his game before the 2021 draft.
Now spending time in the G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Christopher has made a name for himself as a consistent offensive presence and clutch bucket-getter. Christopher performed very well for the Miami Heat’s most recent Summer League squad, and he has carried over that level of play to the Skyforce.
Sioux Falls nearly won the Winter Showcase Championship, and they wouldn’t have gotten that far without the help of Christopher in the backcourt.
Christopher’s shot diet has blended well both inside and outside the arc, and he’s found his teammates for good looks while keeping his turnover rates lower than when he started his professional career.
He won’t ever be a bonafide stopper on defense, but Christopher plays with energy and effort on defense while having all the tools of a modern combo guard. The Miami Heat have utilized Dru Smith’s allotment of NBA games well as a backup guard, but Christopher has earned a shot for an extended run with the Heat to possibly earn that last roster spot the team has up for grabs.
New Orleans Pelicans - Brandon Boston, Wing, Birmingham Squadron
(2024-25 NBA Stats)
11.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.4 TOV
44.2/34.9/80.3 Shooting Splits
This selection is technically cheating, as Brandon Boston hasn’t played with the Birmingham Squadron due to the numerous injuries rampant throughout the New Orleans Pelicans organization. However, the fact that Boston has spent the entire duration of his Two-Way stint so far up with the Pelicans suggests how valuable of a player he would be in Birmingham’s G League ranks.
Once a top recruit out of Kentucky, Boston’s NBA career is another that hasn’t panned out the way many thought. A scoring wing primarily best as a spot-up shooter with a thin frame and little in the way of shifty handle, Boston’s development has been a pleasant surprise to monitor.
He’s become more reliable with the ball in his hands and holds a near 2:1 assist-to-turnover rate in the NBA so far this season while shooting effectively from deep and from the charity stripe.
Outside of improved effort on defense, Boston’s best development in my eyes this year would be his efficiency from inside the arc. Boston is shooting a career-best 49.7% on two-point looks, and it’s crucial for wings nowadays to be able to score when run out of the corners or off the wings.
Improved efficiency and decision-making have Boston well in the conversation for a standard NBA contract. It’s only a matter of time before the Pelicans convert him to a new deal, given the unlikeliness of that roster spot being filled by a vet due to the team’s poor record so far.
New York Knicks - Jacob Toppin, Forward, Westchester Knicks
21.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.5 SPG and BPG, 1.8 TOV
50.0/34.6/90.0 Shooting Splits
Jacob Toppin’s game has rapidly improved at the G League level across the board, apart from a negative assist-to-turnover ratio.
While that’s certainly a concern and not a mark of players who have risen out of a Two-Way spot in the past and found NBA success, Toppin’s role on the floor isn’t solely reliant on having the ball in his hands.
Toppin is on the court as an athletic finisher, rebounder, and defensive playmaker in the mold of what Kenyon Martin Jr. has done so far this year for the Philadelphia 76ers. And to Toppin’s credit, he’s even added in a reliable jump shot for the Westchester Knicks in the G League.
Size, length, vertical athleticism, and motor always get chances to earn an NBA roster spot should there be a requisite supporting skill. If Toppin’s jump shooting is a reliable tool for him moving forward, then there’s little reason why he shouldn’t be in consideration for a roster spot in New York.
Yes, the New York Knicks are a legitimate contender and could look for help on the buyout market, but if there aren’t many good options available, Toppin could be an interesting flier down the bench, given the NBA’s need for two-way forwards.
Philadelphia 76ers - Justin Edwards, Wing, Delaware Blue Coats
17.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.4 TOV
47.7/38.4/90.5 Shooting Splits
Has anyone noticed just how good Justin Edwards has been for the Delaware Blue Coats so far?
Yes, the Philadelphia 76ers are likely to carry that last roster spot beyond the trade deadline in search of a buyout player, but Edwards may be ahead of schedule in his development as a scoring wing.
Edwards has shot the cover off the ball through the Tip-Off Tournament Period from everywhere on the floor while also converting a healthy number of triples per game. Once a preseason candidate for the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Edwards didn’t have the collegiate season many expected at Kentucky. Still, Edwards pursued a professional career and bet on himself as a Two-Way signee with the 76ers.
That bet seems to have paid off, as he’s well outperformed any expectations left from evaluators who graded his performances in Lexington. Edwards is still very young, and his defense may not be up to the consistent level of NBA wings, particularly away from the ball. But Edwards’ offense is exactly what Philadelphia needs more of, especially with another young stud in Jared McCain going down for the season.
I’ve long said the 76ers should’ve looked at another forward with a Two-Way deal and possibly for the last roster spot. Pete Nance is the most recent Two-Way signing for the Blue Coats, but he doesn’t possess the same upside as Edwards. The 76ers might be smart to just lock him up on a cheap multi-year contract to ensure his talents stay in the City of Brotherly Love.
Phoenix Suns - Jalen Bridges, Wing, Valley Suns
16.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.3 TOV
41.1/39.0/81.8 Shooting Splits
Clearly, I valued Jalen Bridges more than NBA front offices did, as he was a potential first round pick on my 2024 draft board, yet he ultimately went undrafted and signed a Two-Way deal with the Phoenix Suns. Since he’s gotten plenty of playing time with the Valley Suns, Bridges has solidified his development as a spot-up shooting wing.
Boasting legitimate wing size at 6’8” and 225 pounds, Bridges has the physical makeup of someone who can guard other threes and fours while also serving as a deep shot-maker on the offensive side of the ball.
During the Tip-Off Tournament period of the G League schedule, Bridges shot 39% from three on over EIGHT attempts per game, certainly a healthy volume for any wing. His at-rim finishing and playmaking numbers leave a bit to be desired, but getting Bridges on a standard deal isn’t asking him to step in and act as a secondary or tertiary option for the Phoenix Suns.
This organization has high-usage scorers and faciliators already in Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. All the Suns need is more guys who can hold their own defensively, rebound, and hit threes. Bridges fits that mold well, and if there aren’t other options at the wing position available in the buyout market, look for the Suns to think long and hard about giving that roster spot to Bridges as another young piece alongside Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro.
Recent G League Signings
Elijah Harkless, Guard, Salt Lake City Stars (Two-Way Contract)
16.4 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2.4 SPG, 2.1 TOV
42.0/33.3/78.6 Shooting Splits
From a collegiate profile standpoint, Elijah Harkless didn’t jump off the page as someone who would be on an NBA radar. An inefficient guard without “plus” positional size, Harkless was competitive for sure, but the bar for succeeding in the NBA stands tall.
Fast forward to this season in the G League, and Harkless has started to prove some evaluators wrong (myself included).
Still not shooting above average from the perimeter, Harkless has maintained his scoring efficiency inside the arc while mitigating his turnovers as a lead ball handler. His assist-to-turnover ratio sits closer to 2:1, and per Synergy Sports, Harkless sits in the 80th percentile in pick-and-rolls including passes.
Where Harkless truly brings a punch, though, is on the defensive end as a steals artist. Harkless has averaged over two steals a contest for the San Diego Clippers as a fiesty point-of-attack defender with quick hands and feet. Harkless stands 6’3” tall, but he’s built well for a guard and matches the average physical stature of an NBA guard.
The Utah Jazz have picked up Harkless on a Two-Way deal, and it’s a solid bet to make given the lack of defensive guard play in the organization. Guys like Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson are all excellent shooters and scorers in their own right, but none of them are the types of playmakers on that side of the ball that Harkless is.
I’m not saying he’s going to earn a major rotational role in Utah, and could very well see most of his minutes still spent with the Salt Lake City Stars. But if there was going to be a guard who earned the opportunity to stand out in a backcourt group, Harkless has a chance to make a name for himself on his way to future opportunities.
Emanuel Miller, Wing, Windy City Bulls (Two-Way Contract)
17.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.1 TOV
48.5/37.2/75.0 Shooting Splits
Before Emanuel Miller was signed to a Two-Way deal, I had planned to pen his name as someone deserving of such a contract. Given his recent promotion, I still felt it was fitting to cover him here and provide context as to why the Chicago Bulls got him in the door.
As a 6’7” wing, Miller made the most of his time with the Texas Legends during the Tip-Off Tournament period. Miller effectively put the ball in the basket, proved more capable off the bounce making reads as a tertiary creator, and played with active hands defensively in forcing turnovers to get out in transition offense.
There are more opportunities for rebounds in the G League, given increased three-point volume and long misses, but hitting the glass for 8.2 rebounds a contest is also an indicator of a hustle player willing to do what it takes for his team to win games.
Positional size, efficiency, and enough feel on both ends of the floor: Miller checks those boxes just as he did for TCU during his last few seasons in college. It wouldn’t surprise me if Miller finds himself on a standard contract at some point for the Bulls or any other NBA team beyond this season.
Keshad Johnson, Wing, Sioux Falls Skyforce (Miami Heat NBA Standard Contract)
20.2 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 1.8 TOV
54.9/39.6/79.5 Shooting Splits
Man, do I love watching Keshad Johnson play basketball. A No Ceilings favorite in the second round during this past draft cycle, Johnson ultimately went undrafted and signed a Two-Way contract for the team anyone who knows the NBA could’ve predicted for his services: the Miami Heat.
“Heat Culture” has been branded as both a style of play and developmental structure within the Miami Heat. Johnson embodies those characteristics and then some, as his motor NEVER stops running. Always moving and looking to cut and roll on offense, Johnson matches that effort with even more intensity on defense using his length and active hands to make plays on the ball.
Johnson had some moments during multiple G League games this year where my jaw dropped, whether it’s how he skys for blocks or rebounds off two feet, or how much ground he can cover to play a passing lane to get out in transition. Johnson is an NBA-level athlete through and through.
Perhaps where he surprised most during his G League run was with his three-point shot, converting a healthy percentage of looks on decent volume. If Johnson can hit threes on top of everything else he does on the floor defensively, that’s an NBA player no doubt about it.
Well deserving of an NBA standard deal, Johnson was also someone I had planned to mention in this column. I’m sure he’ll find minutes with the Heat on a consistent basis sooner rather than later.
Tosan Evbuomwan, Forward, Long Island Nets (Two-Way Contract)
19.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.8 TOV
51.9/33.9/72.2 Shooting Splits
The most recent signing of this group having taken place on New Year’s Day, Tosan Evbuomwan was long due a Two-Way deal for a team that could use some enforcement on the frontline.
Evbuomwan is the size of a modern wing, yet he plays well as a power forward who can box out opponents and make plays on the backline as a help defender.
Tosan broke out onto the basketball scene a few seasons ago after helping Princeton get into the NCAA Tournament, and has since found himself bouncing around a bit on different G League deals.
In terms of the effort he plays with, along with his passing ability, Evbuomwan checks a lot of boxes for a forward prospect providing he’s shooting the basketball.
Shooting is paramount in today’s NBA, as the added floor spacing does so much for drivers and creators. Evbuomwan has ticked up his percentage by close to four points over last year’s Tip-Off Tournament period, and he has done so while averaging more looks per contest.
As long as he’s able to space the floor, he has a home on a professional court, given how disruptive he can be at times on the glass and on defense. On a high note, Evbuomwan scored 20-plus points in six out of the last 10 San Diego Clippers games duing the Tip-Off Tournament through the Winter Showcase. He’s been on a heater from all over the floor and is carrying that momentum on another Two-Way contract, this time with the Brooklyn Nets.
BONUS: 2025 NBA Draft G League Prospect
Dink Pate, Wing, Mexico City Capitanes
11.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.1 TOV
42.8/40.4/72.7 Shooting Splits
It wasn’t an excellent start to the season for Dink Pate, but through more minutes and different opportunities, he found his footing as an offensive-minded wing prospect for the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.
I say that to emphasize the positional context when it comes to evaluating Pate. Before this draft cycle going back to last season’s time with the Ignite program, Pate was categorized as a jumbo initiator at 6’8” who could spend most of his time as a point guard.
That experiment hasn’t bore itself out well on tape, as he gets a little jumpy when there are too many decisions open for him above the break. The passing talent is real as a secondary or tertiary creator, and he has the athletic profile to get a step on defenders and rise over them for pull-up jumpers. That being said, he’s not a proficient pick-and-roll operator and has a high turnover rate as a lead playmaker.
When his game is stripped down, however, he becomes an appealing prospect as someone who can defend multiple positions on the wing, score out of spot-up situations, and move the ball as more of a connective passer rather than a full-on higher usage table setter.
In that type of role on the wing, Pate had one of the best games for a prospect I’ve evaluated in the Winter Showcases in Florida, as he shot the cover off the ball and excelled when able to work off others. If that is the player we’re going to see for the remainder of the G League year, then Pate has a strong case to go in the first round of the 2025 draft.
Great column! Most people don’t talk about the g league so I’m glad to see the guys I watch get some credit, especially guys like swider and Christopher
Miles Norris! Memphis deserves a lot of credit for how well they utilize the Hustle.