NBA to shut down G League Ignite after this season
By Shams Charania | March 21, 2024
https://theathletic.com/5359987/2024/03/21/g-league-ignite-shut-down-nba/?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=twhq&source=twitterhq&redirected=1&access_token=5923576
Since 2020, the Ignite has produced more than 10 draft selections, including four top-10 picks. G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim oversaw the Ignite’s roster and coaching staff, hiring respected former NBA players and coaches in Brian Shaw and Jason Hart as the program’s head coaches over four years.
The Ignite has struggled this season with a 6-40 record, although prospects Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland are projected to be lottery picks in June’s draft. Ignite’s last game is scheduled for March 28.
“Four years ago, we started Ignite to fill a void in the basketball landscape, and I’m proud of the contributions we were able to make to that ecosystem,” Abdur-Rahim said in a statement. “With the changing environment across youth and collegiate basketball, now is the right time to take this step. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to general manager Anthony McClish, head coach Jason Hart and their staff and to each player who wore an Ignite jersey. As ever, the G League’s commitment to developing top NBA talent and helping players achieve their NBA dreams is unwavering.”