G League Standouts Positioning for NBA Promotions
g-league-standouts-positioning-for-nba-promotions
NBA teams are expected to accelerate roster moves this week as key contract deadlines approach. Beginning January 5, franchises may issue standard 10-day contracts, and January 7 is the last day to waive players on non-guaranteed or two-way deals before those salaries become locked in.
With that calendar in mind, Spotrac analyst Keith Smith identified 23 G League players who, according to his film study and conversations with league executives, scouts, and agents, are drawing serious interest for NBA call-ups. The group is split into seven ball-handlers, 10 wings, and six big men.
One name on Smith’s list has already moved: guard Tristen Newton signed a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets earlier this week.
Veterans With NBA Experience
The majority of Smith’s candidates have previously appeared in the NBA, including Kobe Bufkin, Killian Hayes, Dalano Banton, Kevin Knox II, Jalen Slawson, Charles Bassey, Moses Brown, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. Bufkin, Bassey, and Robinson-Earl logged minutes with NBA clubs during the 2025-26 campaign.
Smith singled out Slawson, a 6’7″ forward chosen 54th overall in the 2023 draft, as the most complete performer in the G League so far. Playing for the Noblesville Boom, the Indiana Pacers’ affiliate, Slawson is averaging 21.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.0 blocks across 10 games (34.2 minutes per outing).
Hunting First Call-Ups
Several players on the watch list have yet to taste NBA action. Guard Darius Brown II (Cleveland Charge), wing Teddy Allen (Rio Grande Valley Vipers), and forward Matthew Cleveland (Texas Legends) are among those still awaiting a first call-up. Smith notes that Cleveland, an undrafted rookie out of Miami suiting up for the Dallas Mavericks’ affiliate, has been one of the G League’s top first-year performers.
With transaction windows now open and roster guarantees looming, league executives are expected to monitor these prospects closely over the coming days.
Source: Hoops Rumors
