2024 NBA Draft: G League Ignite Figuring Things Out
Ignite has noticeably had their struggles this season as they suffered their biggest defeat in program history this season while their defense has been far below average, even for G League standards.
Here lately, they have proven that they are capable of competing in the G League against pros and grown men as they have won three of their last four games. With Matas Buzelis returning to action, who's been quite productive and has really boosted their defense while giving some offensive versatility that they needed.
In Ignite’s game versus the Rip City Remix, Buzelis hit a game winning jumper which proved he’s not afraid of the moment.
Buzelis is a projected top ten pick in the 2024 NBA Draft due to his extremely high ceiling at 6-foot-10. He possesses guard-like skills at that size, while being a versatile defender with scoring chops. If the Ignite star is able to continue to improve as the season moves along then there’s real reason to believe that he has a case to be the number one overall pick in this year’s draft.
On the other hand is Ron Holland, who was the preseason favorite to be the number one overall pick. He had his struggles at the start of the season, but in his last five games is averaging 26.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 52.6% from the field. He’s still very much in number one pick conversations, and if he’s able to keep this play up in the G League then there’s no doubt in my mind that Holland will end up running away as the heavy favorite to go number one overall in this year’s draft.
What makes Holland so likable is his elite defensive versatility and intensity he brings on that end of the floor. The two-way forward is one of the best defensive prospects in the entire draft and he has been scoring with ease as of recent. Another candidate that has been a major shocker to some fans is Tyler Smith who has looked extremely impressive on the offensive end. The 6-foot-10 forward is creeping up into lottery conversions due to his high level talent, shooting ability and mobility he possesses.
Smith still has ways to go as a defender but the tools to be a successful NBA player are very clearly there. This Ignite team is getting close to being fully healthy and the chemistry will only continue to get better as the season moves along. If some of the players continue their high level of play while getting even better than this squad has a shot at making the G League playoffs and competing for a championship.
Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.