The NBA announced it would end G League Ignite at the end of the season, just four years after its creation, which included Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga playing in the first game.
The program was implemented to allow young players to take an alternative path to the NBA, giving them the opportunity to face experienced opposition while earning a paycheck rather than the traditional college path. .
Kuminga was one of the first high-end young players to join the Ignite, and is an athletic forward who averaged 15.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1 steal in 33 minutes in the team's 13 games.
Kuminga's talent was evident as the Warriors selected him seventh overall in the 2021 NBA Draft despite shooting just 38.7% from the floor and 24.6% from 3-point range. Ta.
Kuminga was one of three players drafted by Ignite's first team, with Jalen Green being taken second overall by the Houston Rockets and Isaiah Todd being taken 31st overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kuminga's development in his third season with the Warriors suggests he may be on track to become the Ignite program's best and most notable player. Other top-10 picks from the team include Dyson Daniels in 2022 and Scoot Henderson in 2023. Kuminga is also the only Ignite player to win an NBA championship.
In a statement Thursday, NBA G League President Shareef Abdulrahim said it was the right time for the Ignite to end the program after a disastrous fourth season in which they finished with a league-worst 2-28 record. Ta.
“Four years ago, we started Ignite to fill a void in the basketball world, and we are proud to contribute to that ecosystem.With the changing landscape across youth and college basketball, now is the right time. Now is the time. Please take this step.”
– Shareef Abdul Rahim
Kuminga has become one of the most improved players in the NBA this season, averaging 16.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 26 minutes per game, shooting 53.4 percent from the field.
