The G League Grind: More Than Just a Stepping Stone

Remember when the G League, or D-League as it was, felt like basketball purgatory? A place where careers went to die, or at best, fizzle out. Not anymore. The NBA's developmental league has become a legitimate proving ground, a big pipeline for talent. We're seeing more and more guys climb the ladder, from Exhibit 10 deals to two-way contracts, and finally, full-blown NBA rotation spots. It's a grueling path, but the rewards are clear: roster spots and real minutes.

Here’s how it usually shakes out. An Exhibit 10 deal is essentially a training camp invite, often with a bonus of up to $75,000 if the player gets waived and signs with the team's G League affiliate. It’s low risk for the NBA team, high reward for the player trying to catch an eye. If they impress, they might land a two-way contract, which allows them to split time between the NBA club and its G League affiliate, earning a prorated portion of the NBA rookie minimum. Each team can have two such contracts. The real prize, though, is a standard NBA contract – a call-up – and the chance to stick.

Let's look at some guys who made that leap, not just getting a cup of coffee, but earning legitimate rotation minutes in the 2025-26 season.

**From the Minor League to Major Impact**

First up, **Tyrese Martin**. The former Georgia Tech wing, drafted 51st overall in 2022, spent most of his rookie year with the Agua Caliente Clippers, averaging 15.6 points and 4.9 rebounds in 28 games. He flashed real potential, particularly his athleticism and developing jump shot. In 2025-26, after a strong preseason with the Pistons, Martin started 35 games for Detroit, averaging 11.2 points and 4.1 boards, often guarding the opponent's best perimeter player. He shot 37.8% from three on 4 attempts per game, a massive jump from his 29.5% in the G League.

Then there’s **Trevor Keels**. A second-round pick by the Knicks in 2022, Keels spent two full seasons mostly with the Westchester Knicks, averaging 14.3 points and 4.8 assists in 2023-24. His defense was always there, but his shot selection and efficiency needed work. By 2025-26, after signing a standard deal the previous summer, Keels became a key defensive stopper and secondary playmaker for the Toronto Raptors, playing 22 minutes a night in 68 games. He posted 7.8 points, 3.2 assists, and shot a respectable 45.1% from the field, significantly better than his G League 39.8%.

My hot take? The Lakers *really* messed up by letting **Cole Swider** walk after his two-way in 2022-23. The sharpshooter from Syracuse was electric in the G League with the South Bay Lakers, hitting 42.1% of his threes on 8.5 attempts per game in 2022-23, averaging 17.1 points. He got limited NBA minutes back then. Fast forward to 2025-26, Swider is a legitimate floor spacer for the Orlando Magic, starting 15 games and appearing in 70. He averaged 9.5 points in 20 minutes, draining 2.5 threes per contest at a 40.2% clip. His ability to space the floor completely changed the Magic’s offensive flow.

Don't forget **Luka Garza**. He was a beast in college at Iowa, then struggled to find a consistent NBA role, bouncing between Minnesota and their G League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves. In 2023-24 with the Wolves, Garza put up monster numbers: 24.8 points and 10.5 rebounds in 30 games. His post-game was undeniable. In 2025-26, after signing a multi-year deal with the Hornets, Garza became their primary backup center, playing 18 minutes a game in 72 appearances. He delivered 8.7 points and 5.3 rebounds, providing consistent interior scoring and effort, something Charlotte desperately needed. His free throw shooting at 79% was also a huge asset for a big man.

Lastly, **Javon Freeman-Liberty**. This undrafted guard out of DePaul absolutely torched the G League in 2023-24 for the Windy City Bulls, averaging 20.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He was a dynamic scorer and playmaker. After a brief stint with the Raptors on a two-way, he signed a full deal with the Grizzlies in the 2024 offseason. In 2025-26, Freeman-Liberty emerged as a high-energy, two-way guard off Memphis’s bench. He played 25 minutes in 75 games, averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. His 36.5% shooting from deep on 5 attempts per game made him a real threat, proving his G League numbers were no fluke.

The G League is no longer a footnote. It's where NBA careers are being forged. We're going to see even more G League success stories in the next few seasons. My bold prediction: by 2027, at least one G League MVP will transition directly into an NBA All-Star selection within two years.