The Top 10 Greatest G-League Players of All Time

By Jordan Samar September 02, 2024 08:17

The NBA G League, or simply the G League, is the official minor league basketball organization owned and operated by the National Basketball Association. A key to the basketball ecosystem, it has allowed players to transform themselves while shining in front of scouts and earning their way to the league. For years, the G-League has acted as a breeding ground for potential NBA talent and an opportunity to get players back on track. Such needs to be considered as we select and rank the top 10 greatest players in NBA G-League history.

Criteria for Selection

The following players cut this list of bullshit based on several qualifying factors:

Career Accolades
Impact on the League
Impact on Basketball

Player Profiles

1. Renaldo Major

The G-League's all-time leading scorer, 5,058 points in his career. He played for the Dakota Wizards and Bakersfield Jam during his time in the league, which illustrates his reliability.

Impact on the G-League:

Major's scoring and on-court leadership solidified a standard for future generations. His commitment to the league increased its profile as a minor-league producer of professional talent.

Notable Achievements:

The G-League's all-time leading scorer.
Over 400 games played, averaging a score of 12.6 points per game.

2. Vander Blue

Vander Blue ranks second all-time in the G-League with 4,845 points scored. Scoring 30 points was common during his stint with clubs like the Los Angeles D-Fenders and South Bay Lakers.

Impact on the G-League:

Blue is one of the marquee players in the league, as his scoring and clutch moments jump off the page. Young players aspiring to hit the league have based their game on their performances in the G-League.

Notable Achievements:

20.3 points per game over 239 games
Known and loved by fans for being clutch and for his leadership.

3. Andre Ingram

He tallied 4,536 points in various seasons as a pro and was beloved by fans for his remarkable rise to the NBA.

Impact on the G-League:

His dedication to the league has highlighted the G-League as another way into the NBA.

Notable Achievements:

The holder of the record for most games played in G-League history.
He is renowned for his awesome expertise and accuracy from downtown.

4. Elijah Millsap

Elijah Millsap is fourth in G-League points all-time (4392). His combination of a forward's size and killer guard instincts made him an attractive player for teams such as the Tulsa 66ers and Los Angeles D-Fenders.

Impact on the G-League:

The fact that Millsap can play center nearly as well is a testament to how versatile he has become in the league, which has been crucial in key competitive games.

Notable Achievements:

Scored 17.4 ppg in all of the combined 253 games
Defensive stopper with a scoring touch

5. Ron Howard

Ron Howard scored 4,325 points in his G League career. He mostly played for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, who see him as a small-town folk hero.

Impact on the G-League:

With his leadership and scoring ability, Howard has already emerged as a difference-maker in the league. His presence has helped raise the level of talent in the G-League.

Notable Achievements:

He was instrumental in bringing the Fort Wayne Mad Ants to a title.
Recognized for his consistency and knowledge on the court.

6. Blake Ahearn

Blake Ahearn is best known for his shooting. His 3,889 points scored are good for eighth all-time, and he played with teams like the Dakota Wizards and the Austin Toros.

Impact on the G-League:

The league has seldom seen such pinpoint shooting. The work Blake puts into his game has inspired a generation.

Notable Achievements:

Second-highest free-throw percent in G-League history.
Scoring and leadership

7. Justin Dentmon

A big-time scoring point guard who has turned in some memorable games, he is ranked 6th on UW's all-time scorer list with 3,839 points. He has played for the Texas Legends and Austin Toros.

Impact on the G-League:

Being able to control the game and score at a will has become part of what makes Dentmon one of those notable players in the league.

Notable Achievements:

21.8 points per game in 176 games

8. Xavier Munford

Munford's 3759 G-League career points rank him third all-time in the league. A combo guard, Munford played for the Bakersfield Jam and Wisconsin Herd.

Impact on the G-League:

Munford is a relevant figure in the league due to his versatility and scoring. His contributions have been crucial in competitive games.

Notable Achievements:

18.0 points per game in 209 games

9. Desmon Farmer

He is fairly accurate with his jump shooting. He played in the NBA D-League for teams such as the Tulsa 66ers and Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Impact on the G-League:

His scoring ability and poise on the floor have been a standard for players to live up to moving forward. His loyalty to the league has grown the sport.

Notable Achievements:

19.7 points per game in 191 games

10. Morris Almond

Morris Almond has 3,750 career points in G-League. He was a great player for Utah Flash, with his remarkable shooting accuracy.

Impact on the G-League:

Almond's shooting and ability to put the ball in the basket are unmatched league-wide.

Notable Achievements:

Scoring in bunches and leadership
Went out and raised the status of the G-League through his play.

With the success of some big names coming through the G-League, it has become a crucial part of basketball's ecosystem, providing players with an avenue to grow their games further or even just show they can play. Not only have the top 10 greatest G-League players achieved excellence in their careers to become marquee names, but they also worked hard off the court to help grow and improve that league. As the G-League grows, it's an important avenue for players looking to make it in the NBA. Regardless, the future is bright for the G-League, where more and more notable players are set to pass through its ranks as they climb into hoops immortality.