How the new NBA Rising Stars game format will help the G-League Ignite

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Donta Hall #11 of the G League Ignite reacts to a play during a G-League game against the Westchester Knicks at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on February 18, 2021 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 14: Miles Bridges #0 of the USA slam dunks against the World at United Center on February 14, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois, How the new NBA Rising Stars game format will help the G-League Ignite. (Photo by Ivan Shum – Clicks Images/Getty Images) /

The NBA Rising Stars game will feature a new format

The NBA had long offered high school grads a chance to play in the G-League for a year, but limited earning potential made overseas seem a more appealing destination.

They decided to make a more compelling package by creating the G-League Ignite, a new team rostered with top prospects and established veterans (high-integrity players hand-chosen to help mentor the young guys). The Ignite could also offer contracts up to $1 million.

The Ignite has been an unquestioned triumph so far. Jalen Green was the #1 high school prospect of 2020 and signed with the Ignite. He played for a year, raved about the program, and was drafted #2 overall to the Rockets. Jonathan Kuminga had a similar positive experience and was drafted seventh by the Warriors.

The 2021-2022 Ignite team was still successful in recruiting top prospects, but the increased competition means the Ignite need to step up their recruiting pitch. The G-League has finally decided to weaponize its best asset – exposure.

The NBA Rising Stars Challenge format has changed. It will now feature 12 NBA rookies, 12 second-year players, and four G-League Ignite prospects. They will play a brief four-team tournament, interrupted by a “clutch performance” exhibition in which NBA players and Ignite players will try to recreate “historic playoff shots” under a time limit.

I’ve seen some negative feedback on this change online. People claim that the Igniters won’t be able to compete and will play terribly. To which I say, that’s missing the point!