The NBA G League will be launching a new international draft program, aimed at attracting the most talented overseas basketball prospects to the league, reports Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. This new one-round virtual draft will take place on June 28, 2023.
Under the new program, players between the ages of 18 and 21 from all around the world will be able to enter the G League for player development. This option will be especially attractive to prospects who would rather not join an NCAA men’s basketball program or play for another professional organization for the upcoming 2023-24 season.
The NBA G League draft currently occurs each season and serves as the primary way that teams build their rosters. The 8-round draft uses a serpentine format, and team rosters are made up of returning players, waived NBA players, allocated players, and drafted players.
The addition of an international draft will give G League teams a new opportunity to scout and develop overseas talent. This will help to further diversify the league and provide a platform for talented young players from around the world.
In recent years, the G League has become an increasingly attractive option for players looking to develop their skills before entering the NBA. The league has made significant investments in player development, and its teams are frequently used as a testing ground for new NBA rules and technology.
With the introduction of the international draft, the G League is poised to become an even more competitive and global league, providing young players with a pathway to the NBA that is both accessible and affordable.
