Predicting Every NBA Team's Best G League Prospect
Every NBA team now has a G League affiliate and at least one prospect with a pathway to a standard NBA contract and role.
Many of the following players are just waiting for a door to open. Some on two-way contracts have already made regular NBA appearances this season.
We identified each G League team's prospect most likely to eventually emerge as an NBA rotation piece, whether it's because of a speciality skill or enough overall development.
Atlanta Hawks: Jacob Toppin, College Park Skyhawks, G
1 of 30
In 65 career G League games, Jacob Toppin has delivered enough production and signs of development to put him on track for an eventual NBA role.
He's gradually morphed into a more skilled scorer and shotmaker from just a high-flying energy forward. Toppin, who put up over 30 points six times last year between his time with the Westchester Knicks and Skyhawks, also shot 37.1 percent on 5.7 three-point attempts per game.
On a two-way with Atlanta, Toppin should get his chance to bring some bounce, firepower and defensive activity off the Hawks' bench.
Boston Celtics: Amari Williams, Maine Celtics, PF
2 of 30
Amari Williams can give the Boston Celtics' frontcourt a different look with open-floor ball-handling and passing that separate him from other 7-footers. He averaged 3.2 assists for Kentucky, occasionally acting as a playmaking hub in half-court sets.
Williams' lack of self-creation and shooting will limit his scoring ability, but between his tools, athleticism and IQ, the play-finishing, defense and passing should warrant a real look by the Celtics.
Brooklyn Nets: Grant Nelson, Long Island Nets, PF
3 of 30
A lack of shooting improvement prevented Grant Nelson from climbing draft boards. He still may be the Long Island Nets' best bet to offer Brooklyn's rotation value.
Nelson plays with tons of athleticism and energy, which translates to easy baskets and putbacks. And he does manage to score in other ways without a reliable shot, either by attacking closeouts, rolling off screens or playing from the post.
He'll have a chance to carve out a energizer specialist role for a lineup that could use some athletic pop.
Charlotte Hornets: KJ Simpson, Greensboro Swarm, G
4 of 30
KJ Simpson wasn't very convincing during his 34 games with the Charlotte Hornets last year. But for much of his rookie season he was surrounded by fringe rotation players with key starters injured and the team's eye on the lottery.
Simpson averaged 19.6 points and 4.1 assists with the Greensboro Swarm, looking more like the ball-handler and shotmaker who was in control at Colorado.
He should have a better chance to thrive in Charlotte playing a bench-spark role, rather than operating as a makeshift lineup's primary initiator. Simpson brings creativity, shooting versatility, touch and instincts around the paint.
Chicago Bulls: Noa Essengue, Windy City Bulls, PF
5 of 30
With the Chicago Bulls off to a hot start and getting solid contributions from their veteran forwards, Noa Essengue, the NBA's second-youngest player, could spend much of the year in the G League.
Chicago took Essengue in the lottery after a productive season in Germany, where he helped Ulm reach the finals.
Though clearly raw, at baseline, the 18-year-old forward managed to consistently produce by optimizing every inch of size and length for finishing, scoring in transition and putting back misses. But at his age, it was the uptick in flashes of shotmaking and self-creation that suggest his long-term offensive ceiling appears higher.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Nae'Qwan Tomlin, Canton Charge, PF
6 of 30
A massive summer league raised the bar for Nae'Qwan Tomlin. Aside from the coveted archetype, being a big with an interior presence and three-point range, it's the consistent improvement that's so encouraging.
A late-bloomer who didn't even play high school basketball, Tomlin has quickly gone from junior college to an NCAA power conference to now competing for a spot with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Whether it's in Cleveland or elsewhere, there will be a demand for a power forward that can stretch the floor, finish and play with motor. But there is still more scoring potential to unlock based on the flashes of agility and footwork when he puts the ball down.
Dallas Mavericks: Ryan Nembhard, Texas Legends, PG
7 of 30
College basketball's assist leader in 2024-25, Ryan Nembhard should have a chance to earn an NBA role with his playmaking and decision-making. His IQ and unteachable feel pop like his brother Andrew's in Indiana.
Ryan lacks Andrew's size, but he's similarly effective in the mid-range and efficient behind the arc, where he shot 40.4 percent on limited volume at Gonzaga. Ryan's ability to run offense, set the table and pose enough threat with his pull-up should lead to NBA opportunities.
Denver Nuggets: DaRon Holmes II, Grand Rapids Gold, F
8 of 30
Last year's ACL injury just set DaRon Holmes II's timeline back. He'll wind up spending much of his second year (since being drafted) in the G League getting consistent reps to continue building on the ball-handling and shooting development we saw at Dayton.
Most dangerous around the basket thanks to his explosive leaping at 6'9", Holmes also shot 38.6 percent from three as a college junior and 11-of-22 in summer league.
Detroit Pistons: Brice Williams, Motor City Cruise, F
9 of 30
Though not a two-way contract player for the Detroit Pistons, Brice Williams has the type of scoring instincts and shotmaking ability that could carry him to and in the pros.
Williams, who averaged 20.4 points at Nebraska and measured over 6'5" in socks with a 6'11" wingspan, has NBA wing size and a coveted skill with a lengthy track record. He shot 42.3 percent from three from 2020-25 between Charlotte and Nebraska. While he'd be used more as an off-ball floor spacer in the NBA, he was ultra efficient and even more productive pulling up into self-created and ball-screen jumpers.
Golden State Warriors: Alex Toohey, Santa Cruz Warriors, SF
10 of 30
Though it's difficult to identify pathways to upside for Alex Toohey, it's reasonable to project his 6'8" size, shooting potential and open-floor finishing to an off-ball wing position.
Toohey was already an efficient double-digit scorer against pros in the NBL, and he has the right tools, skill set and mentality to contribute in a similar role with the Warriors or another team down the road.
He'll first have to get past a knee injury that's kept him sidelined since the start of the season.
Houston Rockets: Isaiah Crawford, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, SF
11 of 30
Isaiah Crawford's wing tools, shooting and defensive metrics led to visions of an NBA three-and-D wing out of Louisiana Tech.
He wound up hitting 39.9 percent of his threes in 37 games last year with the Stockton Kings. From summer league to NBA preseason, he's shot well in every setting. And at 6'6", 220 pounds with positive passing feel, Crawford shows both physical driving ability and enough sound decision-making to contribute offensively in a role-player capacity.
Indiana Pacers: Taelon Peter, Noblesville Boom, PG/SG
12 of 30
The Indiana Pacers drafted Taelon Peter for his shooting after he shot 45.3 percent on 170 three-point attempts at Liberty.
Per Synergy Sports, he grade in the 99th percentile as a spot-up scorer and 44.1 percent running off screens.
Peter has an elite skill that may be strong enough to carry him to a specialist role in Indiana or elsewhere.
Los Angeles Clippers: Kobe Sanders, San Diego Clippers, SF/PF
13 of 30
Kobe Sanders was hiding in plain sight at Nevada, where he averaged 15.6 points and 4.5 assists as a 6'8" No. 1 option.
Scouts didn't sound prepared to project a draft option until after the Portsmouth Invitational. He was a standout there, bringing necessary attention to his positional size, three-level scoring skills and secondary playmaking.
NBA coaches aren't likely to trust his defense yet, but they'll eventually want to look at his offensive versatility from both forward positions.
Los Angeles Lakers: Nick Smith Jr., South Bay Lakers, PG/SG
14 of 30
It didn't work out for Nick Smith Jr. in Charlotte, but injuries to Lakers' starters recently opened a door for the 21-year-old in Los Angeles. He put up 25 points in his third game, showing coaches his potential to serve as a useful scoring spark off the bench.
He's always operated with a noticeable level of confidence, which translates to tough shotmaking and points in bunches. While coaches can forget about the idea of Smith the point guard, his self-creation and shotmaking should be dangerous enough to warrant minutes for a second unit looking for a scoring punch.
Memphis Grizzlies: Javon Small, Memphis Hustle, PG
15 of 30
Javon Small graded as one of the draft's most efficient on-ball creators with his ball-screen and isolation play at Oklahoma State.
An NBA team could see his handle, downhill game and confidence around the perimeter working for a bench-spark role.
With questions circling around Ja Morant and both Ty Jerome and Scottie Pippen Jr. out with injuries, the Grizzlies could feel obligated to give Small an early audition.
Miami Heat: Vladislav Goldin, Sioux Falls Skyforce, C
16 of 30
There isn't obvious upside to develop from Miami's G League affiliate. Vladislav Goldin may have the best chance to carve out an NBA role if the team needs extra big-man depth or more physicality in the paint.
His calling card will be play-finishing, rebounding and earning low-post offense, which his 255-pound frame and short touch suggest he can continue providing as an NBA backup.
Goldin's value and NBA chances rise dramatically if he's ever to become a spot-up shooting threat, something he showed signs of with 11 three-point makes last year at Michigan.
Milwaukee Bucks: Mark Sears, Wisconsin Herd, PG
17 of 30
An NCAA star at Alabama, Mark Sears will eventually get a chance to show the NBA's skeptics that his scoring and playmaking can translate, even at 6'0". It means understanding his role and limitations, but an injury could sway Milwaukee to look into Sears' creativity and confident shotmaking.
At 185 pounds, he's strong for his size while being the type of streak scorer who seems unbothered by tough defense when he's in one of his offensive zones. Sears should have a chance for the right team that could use extra ball-handling and instant offense off its bench.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Rocco Zikarsky, Iowa Wolves, C
18 of 30
Scouts have had Rocco Zikarsky on their radars since 16 years old. While he struggled to carve out a consistent role in the NBL the past two years, the 7'3", 227-pound center could have a better chance in the NBA with good health and the right fit.
At his size, he offers unique finishing and shot-blocking tools. While he looked vulnerable guarding in space last year, and he hasn't shown much progress with his half court skill set, a rotation wanting more size and rim protection should want to give Zikarsky a shot.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Alexander, Birmingham Squadron, SF
19 of 30
Having already averaged 25.8 points and 5.4 assists on 39.7 percent shooting from three for the Grand Rapids Gold, Trey Alexander should be knocking at door for another NBA opportunity.
Now on a two-way with the New Orleans Pelicans, Alexander offers versatility with his three-level scoring and improved playmaking that could give him a chance to play both backcourt spots.
Athletic limitations have always held Alexander back in the eyes of scouts. But at 6'5", he's long, a skilled creator and diverse shotmaker who's gotten better at making reads.
New York Knicks: Kevin McCullar Jr., Westchester Knicks, SG/SF
20 of 30
Injuries have cost Kevin McCullar Jr. money in the draft and potential minutes with the Knicks. There is a NBA connector role that values his wing size, shotmaking, playmaking and defensive IQ. McCullar averaged 4.1 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 39.3 percent from three with the Westchester Knicks. He scored 30 points in his second summer league game this past July.
McCullar's versatility (at both ends) should already look appealing to the Knicks and other teams. And he's shown enough physicality, three-point growth and mature reads to think he can execute at an efficient/strong level for an NBA reserve.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Brooks Barnhizer, Oklahoma City Blue, F
21 of 30
The Oklahoma City Thunder have already trusted Brooks Barnhizer enough to give him early minutes. He'll likely wind back up in the G League at some point after Jalen Williams returns. But Barnhizer figures to be a real part of the franchise's future. It specifically targeted him in the draft, taking him at No. 44 despite Barnhizer not receiving an invite to the NBA combine.
At 6'6", 230 pounds, his versatility is a draw, having averaged 8.8 boards, 4.2 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks at Northwestern. But it's likely the toughness and competitiveness that sold Oklahoma City on Barnhizer eventually executing that versatility, maxing out his potential and injecting the rotation with a different set of intangibles.
He should have a great chance to stick if he can shoot league average from behind the arc.
Orlando Magic: Colin Castleton, Osceola Magic, C
22 of 30
Colin Castleton averaged a double-double for the Magic in the G League last year. There isn't anything flashy about his game or exciting about his upside, but at 6'10", 250 pounds, size, interior skill, physicality and touch should be enough for Castleton to compete for a backup center minutes.
The odds improve if he's able to become a more threatening shooter. Regardless, Castleton could look like an appealing option for depth with his ability to hold ground in the paint, score around the basket and make good decisions.
Philadelphia 76ers: Hunter Sallis, Delaware Blue Coats, G
23 of 30
The Philadelphia 76ers' backcourt remains loaded, which could make it difficult for Hunter Sallis to see many opportunities. But his three-level scoring ability feels sharp enough to earn an NBA opportunity at some point.
Sallis can operate on and off the ball with how he's able to create drives and pull-ups, make spot-up threes and run off screens and dribble-handoffs. He's a confident shotmaker from three levels with a 6'10" wingspan that should help defensively.
Phoenix Suns: Koby Brea, Valley Suns, SF
24 of 30
Few prospects enter a draft with Koby Brea's level of three-point efficiency. He also has enough size (6'5", 215 lbs), shotmaking versatility and convincing mechanics to think the elite shooting can translate from the NCAA to the NBA.
The lack of athleticism, playmaking and defensive tools will likely force Brea into a specialist role. The numbers suggest he's in the premier tier of college shooters, and the footwork, balance and release all ace the eye test.
Portland Trail Blazers: Dillon Jones, Rip City Remix, PF
25 of 30
Dillon Jones never had a chance with the NBA champions last year. He should earn an opportunity in Washington.
Jones' versatility carried over to the G League as a rookie, when he averaged 13.5 points, 7.4 boards and 5.6 assists for the OKC Blue. He's out of the box at 6'5", 235 pounds without reliable shooting range. However, Jones has some rare playmaking feel for a player with his build, which he also uses to score off his own dribble and miscellaneous plays in the paint.
Jones is clearly a competent shooter in the mid-range, but he'll want to develop more off-ball skills to improve his fit for an NBA lineup.
Sacramento Kings: Dylan Cardwell, Stockton Kings, C
26 of 30
The Sacramento Kings have already given Dylan Cardwell a look for his defense. He registered a career 8.9 block percentage through five years and 166 games at Auburn. He had the highest defensive box plus-minus for the Tigers in each of his last two years.
There won't be any mystery around Cardwell's role, capabilities and limitations. The Kings will call on him to provide rim protection, rebounding and finishing while giving the lineup an added element of toughness and hustle.
San Antonio Spurs: Riley Minix, Austin Spurs, SF
27 of 30
Athletic limitations and unconventional scoring methods for a wing kept NBA scouts from buying Riley Minix at Morehead State. At some point, he's going to get his chance, assuming he continues to build on the rookie G League numbers of 19.3 points on 68.8 percent true shooting.
At 6'7", Minix is a pro-level shotmaker from the post out to the arc. At first, the eye test might not buy his unusual release or movement for creating separation. But Minix just makes it work with his ability to hit tough jumpers and use nifty footwork, deceleration and timing/instincts.
Toronto Raptors: Alijah Martin, Raptors 905, SG
28 of 30
History would say to bet against 6'2" off-guards. Alijah Martin may have a chance, however, thanks to a powerful 210-pound frame, explosiveness, a plus-5.5-inch wingspan and tough shotmaking skills.
He could likely guard up/bigger in certain matchups, which could be very meaningful for his chances at earning NBA minutes. Martin will have a clear role, knocking down spot-up threes, stepping into pull-ups, picking up easy transition baskets and adding toughness to a lineup.
Utah Jazz: Elijah Harkless, Salt Lake City Stars, SG
29 of 30
On a two-way contract with the Jazz, Elijah Harkless has already made a handful of appearances for Utah this season.
The G League's Most Improved Player last year, he's made significant strides with his three-point shooting, a key development for a player who'll earn playing time mostly due to his defense.
While no offense is going to run through Harkless at the NBA level, coaches are going to value his toughness for certain lineups or spots in a game. He'll stick if he's able to knock down open shots at a sufficient rate.
Washington Wizards: Tristan Vukčević, Capital City Go-Go, PF
30 of 30
Tristan Vukčević spent time with the Serbian national team at EuroBasket this summer. He produced in the limited preseason minutes he got for the Washington Wizards as well. But he's still waiting for a more reasonable chance to earn a rotational spot. And after the team added five first-round picks over the past two drafts, Vukčević may wind up playing more time in the G League, where the 7-footer shot 40.9 percent from three in nine games last year.
Offense and scoring versatility are what separates Vukčević at the position. He's a skilled big with a blossoming perimeter game predicated on shooting touch, footwork and passing.
