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

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

The Ignite can now sell a unique experience to potential players that will allow them to mingle with some of the NBA’s brightest young stars, several of whom might be ex-Igniters (despite some early struggles, Green is a lock to make the game as a rookie this year). The Rising Stars game isn’t particularly intense, and the relaxed atmosphere should make it easier for an Igniter to make a play or two.

The NBA Rising Stars game will also help get a big-name prospect some national exposure. One downside to the G-League compared to college is that the games rarely draw a national audience, although the mid-winter G-Leauge Showcase has helped in that regard.

The NBA Rising Stars game is the kickoff event for the NBA’s All-Star Weekend and typically draws a lot of curious eyeballs from fans and NBA vets alike.

Many spectators will be introduced to the Igniters for the first time, and fellow NBA players, coaches, scouts, and executives will get to see them play up-close.

Being able to rub shoulders with Steph Curry or Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a huge draw for potential prospects that no other post-high-school path can offer. Imagine asking LeBron for mentorship in person or tapping Durant’s shoulder for shooting advice.

Yes, the G-Leaguers may not look impressive in-game. But every prospect is a king in their world, and they are unlikely to let previous players’ on-court failures bother them. It’s also a very low-pressure environment; nobody will revise their scouting reports because a guy goes 0-3 in ten minutes of an exhibition game.

The battle for top high school prospects gets tougher every year. But the G-League Ignite has unveiled its ultimate weapon – giving players a taste of the real NBA. That’s one heck of a selling point.