The G-League (formerly the NBA Development League), has always been a testing ground for the NBA. Not only is it used as a sort of incubator for NBA prospects, it’s a place where the league can conduct field experiments for new rules and initiatives that might eventually find their way into the NBA.
They’ve expanded their two-way contracts in recent years, and scores of players who have spent time developing their game there are now contributing members of NBA teams. There’s also an initiative to pay players who join out of high school rather than join the NCAA and play college ball.
Now, it appears new G-League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim has big plans for expansion. There are currently only three NBA teams that do not have G-League affiliates, and Abdur-Rahim wants to rectify that by 2022.
Via Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated:
The G League currently has 27 teams affiliated with its 30 NBA clubs. Its annual G League Showcase, in which every team plays two games on two closed courts, began Wednesday and ends Saturday. Abdur-Rahim hopes that every NBA team will have its own affiliate by 2022. He also expects the G League to continue to be an open-minded experimental league under his leadership.
“I’ve seen the evolution of the league and the great work that Malcolm and has group has done,” Abdur-Rahim said. “To see where we are sitting now. … Going towards 30 teams, the professional path, the rebranding, it’s such a great situation with so many opportunities. You’re positioned really with a great team around it. There is so much opportunity to help craft with folks, craft a vision, craft ideas, move forward.
Abdur-Rahim, who is currently NBA Vice President of Basketball Operations, will take over at his new position on January 11 for Malcolm Turner, who is leaving to take a job as athletic director at Vanderbilt.
Abdur-Rahim was the No. 3 overall pick in 1996 and was a 12-year veteran of the NBA. It seems inevitable that the G League becomes a full-fledged minor league of sorts for NBA teams. Rehab stints and development of overall talent has been a big boost to some teams over the years. Now, a target date has been set.
