Report: G League 'Emerging' as Path to NBA over CBB; Jalen Green Linked to Move

If NBA teams want to get an in-depth look at elite high school prospects, they may soon be able to scout the G League.  

Per 247Sports' Evan Daniels, the G League is "becoming more intriguing and potentially more lucrative to high school prospects" instead of going to college or playing overseas. 

In October 2018, ESPN's Jonathan Givony reported the G League developed a "professional path" for prospects who are 18 years old but aren't eligible for the NBA draft to receive select contracts worth $125,000. 

Daniels wrote that sources indicated the G League is "now willing to pay more for the right prospects."

Some of the top high-school prospects last year bypassed college to play overseas. RJ Hampton, LaMelo Ball and Terry Armstrong were all among 247Sports' top 100 recruits in 2019 and opted to turn pro. 

Isaiah Todd, the No. 13 player in the 2020 recruiting class, decommitted from Michigan on Wednesday. His mother told ESPN's Jeff Borzello that the family was "exploring pro routes," including playing overseas or possibly in the G League.

Daniels noted multiple industry sources believe Jalen Green, the No. 3 recruit in 2020, will go to the G League when he announces his decision on Thursday at 1 p.m. ET. 

The NBA founded the G League in 2001 with eight teams. The league's expansion to 15 teams in 2005 allowed it to serve as a minor-league feeder system for NBA teams. 

As of the 2019-20 season, there are 28 G League teams. The league will add two more teams within the next two years in Birmingham (2020) and Mexico City (2022).