G League Players Most Ready For NBA Call-Ups

On Friday, NBA teams can begin signing players to 10-day contracts. Provided the franchise has the roster space, this may be the best way to get a closer look at the best available G League prospects.

The G League, now at 31 teams (with the Phoenix Suns expected to make it 32 next year with a new affiliate), has some of the top non-NBA talent in the world. The time nears for players to get a brief opportunity at the next level, hoping that one or two 10-day contracts will lead to a full commitment for the remainder of the season.

But which players are most likely to get the call-up?

Mac McClung, who won the NBA's dunk contest in 2023, averaged 25.2 points per game through 14 showcase appearances with the Osceola Magic. But is McClung, a 6'2" scorer, the kind of player NBA teams typically seek out of the G League?

Role players are often brought in to help a team defend and rebound, with offensive production a bonus. Competent ball-handlers may be at a premium—which can help McClung's case (though it would be much easier to make if he were a stronger defender). The G League's most productive point guards are often undersized (by NBA standards), like 5'11" Jordan Walker of the Texas Legends.

With the deadline to sign players to two-way contracts looming (January 15), a quick 10-day deal may help teams make final decisions. Otherwise, teams will use 10-day contracts (paying roughly $64,000 to $184,000, depending on years of experience) to fill gaps left by injured players or rosters thinned by trade.

Some may go to veteran players in the G League, like Terence Davis II, Derrick Favors, Justise Winslow, Stanley Johnson, Hamidou Diallo, Dewayne Dedmon, Wenyen Gabriel, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Jackson, Maurice Harkless, Keifer Sykes, Patrick McCaw, Chris Silva, Shaq Harrison, Jordan Bell, Michael Carter-Williams and Elfrid Payton.

The focus here will be on prospects still trying to establish a foothold in the NBA (not in any particular order).

Mac McClung

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ORLANDO, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 02: Mac McClung #10 of the Orlando Magic poses for a portrait during the 2023-2024 Orlando Magic Media Day at AdventHealth Training Center on October 02, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. 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. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Team: Osceola Magic
Position: Guard
Size: 6'2", 185 lbs
Age: 24
Showcase Stats: 25.2 points, 6.3 assists, 35.7 percent from three in 14 games

Mac McClung wowed the NBA with his spectacular dunks last year, but beyond the showmanship, he's a bucket at the G League level. McClung is effortless as a scorer, finishing second to Cam Whitmore's 26.2 point per game (on assignment from the Houston Rockets).

He struggles most on the defensive end, where he doesn't do much to stop fellow G Leaguers (let alone NBA talent). An NBA team could give him a look as a second-unit scorer. McClung may get an opportunity before the season's end.

Mouhamadou Gueye

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TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 02: Mohamadou Gueye #15 of the Toronto Raptors poses for a portrait during NBA Media Day on October 02, 2023 at the Hilton Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images)

Team: Raptors 905
Position: Forward
Size: 6'9", 210 lbs
Age: 25
Showcase Stats: 15.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.1 blocks in 13 games

While Mouhamadou Gueye isn't nearly as flashy as McClung, he may have a greater chance for a call-up as an athletic, defensive-minded forward. Gueye was third in the G League Showcase in blocks per game. With his long arms, he has great potential as a disruptive player.

Gueye slightly reminds of Chris Boucher or Wenyen Gabriel, and while he isn't as prolific a scorer as Boucher (who was a force in the G League before joining the Toronto Raptors full-time), Gueye is worth a look at the next level.

Scotty Pippen Jr.

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PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 17: Scotty Pippen Jr. #2 of the South Bay Lakers drives the ball against Jarrey Foster #99 of the Rip City Remix on November 17, 2023 in Portland, Oregon at the Chiles Center at the University of Portland. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Alika Jenner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Team: South Bay Lakers
Position: Point guard
Size: 6'1", 170 lbs
Age: 23
Showcase Stats: 21.0 points, 6.0 assists, 38.8 percent from three in 12 games

Scotty Pippen Jr., son of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, isn't near his father's 6'8" height. Still, he's a high-level lead guard capable of getting to his spots on the floor while creating for others. He wasn't healthy for the tournament portion of the G League Showcase in Orlando, and the Lakers missed his leadership.

Pippen is a solid call-up candidate for a team lacking ball-handling and organizational skills on the floor.

Justin Champagnie

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SIOUX FALLS, SD - January 2: Justin Champagnie #11 of the Sioux Falls Skyforce shoots a free throw during the game against the G League Ignite on January 2, 2024 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Dave Eggen/NBAE via Getty Images)

Team: Sioux Falls Skyforce
Position: Guard/forward
Size: 6'6", 206 lbs
Age: 22
Showcase Stats: 21.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 49.2 percent from the field in 15 games

Justin Champagnie rebounds the ball very well for his size. He's a talented scorer at the G League level, but he doesn't shoot consistently well from three-point range (26.9 percent on 5.2 attempts).

But players are more than their three-point percentage, and Champagnie—like his twin brother Julian Champagnie of the San Antonio Spurs—has NBA-level talent.

Miye Oni

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WHITE PLAINS, NY - DECEMBER 30: Miye Oni #33 of the Osceola Magic shoots the ball against the Westchester Knicks on December 30, 2023 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Evan Yu/NBAE via Getty Images)

Team: Osceola Magic
Position: Guard/forward
Size: 6'5" 206 lbs
Age: 26
Showcase Stats: 8.6 points, 4.1 assists, 44.4 percent from three in 16 games

Miye Oni isn't a dominant scorer in the G League, but he is lighting it up from behind the arc. If Champagnie may get a call-up for his scoring without the three—Oni's is the opposite case. While he isn't a point guard, his 4.1 assists per game show he can do more than just catch and shoot.

Oni also has three years of experience with the Utah Jazz, and while the shooting didn't initially translate, he deserves another look.

Jordan Walker

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FRISCO, TX - DECEMBER 9: Jordan Walker #3 of the Texas Legends drives to the basket against the Austin Spurs on December 9, 2023 at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)

Team: Texas Legends
Position: Point guard
Size: 5'11", 170 lbs
Age: 24
Showcase Stats: 18.3 points, 5.9 assists, 41.1 percent from three in 16 games

Sticking with shooting, Jordan Walker isn't hitting at quite the same elite rate as Oni, but the Texas Legend is taking four more attempts per game (9.1 to Oni's 5.1). Additionally, he's more comfortable as a team's lead guard.

The apparent issue is height. Can he get his shot off at the NBA level, and, more importantly, will he be a liability on defense? The upside is worth exploring.

Jaylen Nowell

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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 08: Jaylen Nowell #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum on December 08, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Team: Stockton Kings
Position: Shooting guard
Size: 6'4", 201 lbs
Age: 24
Showcase Stats: 13.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 steals in three games

Jaylen Nowell's G League stats may not be significant, as he spent time with the Memphis Grizzlies on a hardship call-up, where he played nine games (17.3 minutes on average). Nowell's stats don't jump out, and he doesn't reliably shoot the three, but he's a solid, young vet who knows the NBA game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves originally drafted him in 2019 (No. 43), but he wasn't retained. The Grizzlies didn't have the roster space to retain him, but Nowell may not be in the G League long.

Darius Bazley

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WILMINGTON, DE - DECEMBER16: Darius Bazley #13 of the Delaware Blue Coats warms up before the game against the Long Island Nets on December 16, 2023 at Chase Field House in Wilmington, Delaware. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Denis Kennedy/NBAE via Getty Images)

Team: Delaware Blue Coats
Position: Forward
Size: 6'9", 216 lbs
Age: 23
Showcase Stats: 22.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 blocks in six games

Darius Bazley was initially drafted No. 23 in 2019 by the Utah Jazz (on behalf of the Oklahoma City Thunder). In his fourth year, Bazley was traded to the Suns but didn't stick. Despite his experience, he's still young and putting up numbers in an attempt to make his way back into the league.

He'll get there with defense and rebounding, and some scoring. Bazley is a bit of a tweener, but he can help a team that doesn't need shooting from a backup at the 4 or 5.

Jahmi'us Ramsey

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ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 20: Jahmi'us Ramsey #7 of the Oklahoma City Blue drives to the basket during the game against the Wisconsin Herd during the 2023 G League Winter Showcase on December 20, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Phelan M. Ebenhack/NBAE via Getty Images)

Team: Oklahoma City Blue
Position: Guard
Size: 6'3", 190 lbs
Age: 22
Showcase Stats: 18.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 39.1 percent from three in 12 games

While Jahmi'us Ramsey doesn't have tremendous height, he's a willing, dynamic defender. Ramsey is also a talented downhill scorer with two years experience with the Sacramento Kings, who drafted him in 2020 at No. 43.

That he's also grown into a consistent three-point shooter (on 5.8 attempts) should get him called up to the NBA in the coming weeks.

Javonte Smart

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WILMINGTON, DE - NOVEMBER 22: Javonte Smart #39 of the Delaware Blue Coats looks on before a game against College Park Skyhawks on November 22, 2023 at Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Mary Kate Ridgway/NBAE via Getty Images)

Team: Delaware Blue Coats
Position: Guard
Size: 6'4", 205 lbs
Age: 24
Showcase Stats: 20.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 42.4 percent from three in 16 games

The knock on Javonte Smart has been his outside shot, but that may now be a strength. Shooting that percentage at that volume (8.3 attempts) over 16 games may be his ticket back to the NBA.

Smart spent some time with the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat on two-way contracts. He was with the Philadelphia 76ers for most of the season but was recently let go for Kenneth Lofton Jr. (recently waived by the Grizzlies), who replaced him as a two-way. That may be nothing more than a brief setback for Smart.

Honorable Mentions

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HENDERSON, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 08: Matas Buzelis #13 and Ron Holland #0 of G League Ignite and Alex Sarr #20 of the Perth Wildcats stand on the court during a break in the second half of an NBA G League Fall Invitational game on September 08, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. The Wildcats defeated Ignite 127-112. 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. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

If the NBA has almost 450 players plus 90 two-ways, the G League probably rounds out the rest of the top 1,000 players in the world. There are far more than 10 NBA-ready players in the G.

Some honorable mentions include Maozinha Pereira of the Mexico City Capitanes, who was fourth in rebounding through the showcase (11.3 per game). Dylan Windler, recently cut by the New York Knicks and a 2019 No. 26 pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is still on the NBA radar.

DJ Steward has been a steady leader for the Maine Celtics. Kevin Obanor was a standout in the Orlando tournament for the Raptors 905. Keaton Wallace has helped the College Park Skyhawks, Kennedy Chandler the Long Island Nets and Sharife Cooper the Cleveland Charge.

Also, some G League prospects need to wait until June's NBA draft to be eligible—including Matas Buzelis (19 years old), Tyler Smith (19), Ron Holland (18) and Izan Almansa (18)—may all hear their name called in the first (or second) rounds. The Capitanes also have a solid draft prospect in Malique Lewis (19), as do the Skyforce with Bryson Warren (19).