Top Performers At The 2022 NBA G League Winter Showcase
Terry Taylor, Brandon Boston Jr., and Chasson Randle were among some of the top performers at the 2022 NBA G League Winter Showcase in Las Vegas.
Earlier this week, Jordan Poole scored 43 points, leading the Warriors to a much needed victory over Toronto. Just a few days later, Raptors star Pascal Siakam helped his team bounce back by exploding for 52 points, putting a stop to the Knicks’ eight-game winning streak. During such a streak, New York received strong play off the bench from Isaiah Hartenstein, who awed the national broadcast crew over at TNT by heaving a handful of cross-court passes to help teammates cash in on easy buckets. Such precision even helped the big man garner the title (albeit it, perhaps a light-hearted one) of “Nikola Jokić of the East” from Reggie Miller and Co.
What do Poole, Siakam, and Hartenstein all have in common? Among other things, they all happen to be NBA G League alums.
There’s a bevy of budding talent in the minor league, sharpening their skills so that they too, can shine under the brightest lights one day. What’s more, there’s no doubt that such up and comers can get a taste of it at the NBA G League Winter Showcase in Las Vegas.
The annual event returned to Sin City this week, where the only true sin is not taking advantage of a golden opportunity. NBA executives, scouts, and other important basketball decision-makers from across the globe came to town hoping to uncover that coveted hidden gem.
Interestingly enough this year, finding that coveted gem might not have meant uncovering something (or someone) the league has never seen before. There were a handful of veterans, familiar faces, and returning athletes who all hoped to prove that they had improved in recent months or years, perhaps showing that whatever held them back previously is no longer a factor. Of course, challenges were present in the form of younger players, all hungry to put themselves on the map as well. Contributing to winning basketball (a la the Showcase Cup) matters, but with so many moving parts and other contributing factors to minor league roster construction, the fact remains: if you can play, you can play. The league put players in a bonafide pressure-cooker, complete with unique rules and instituting end-of-game scoring targets, guaranteeing stakes were heigh and heroes would emerge with game-winning daggers.
With all in that mind, here’s a look at some players who proved to be up to the challenge.
Terry Taylor (NBA assignee), Fort Wayne Mad Ants / Pacers
Is there anyone more ready for primetime than this man? The minutes haven’t exactly been there for Taylor with Indiana, but when it came time for him to strut his stuff at the NBA G League Winter Showcase, he took it in stride. Listed at 6’4” and 230 pounds, it’s actually insane for Taylor to do the things he does. On one hand, he has the ability to put the ball on the floor and get inside with relative ease. On the other hand, his physicality makes him on a monster on the glass, evidenced by his activity, cashing in on second chance points. He capped off the final day of action with a league-wide Showcase high of 46 points, with the exclamation point being a game-winner to lift the Mad Ants over the Blue. Taylor leaves Las Vegas with Showcase averages of 37 points on 76% from the field and 67% from deep, to go with with 10.5 boards. It’d be worth the Pacers’ while to give him some extended minutes again, to see how he can continue muscling up to increased competition.
Brandon Boston Jr. (NBA assignee), Ontario Clippers / LA Clippers
Another fellow big league assignee, Boston Jr. was a man on a mission in Sin City. Though he’s tasked with playing a certain role in Los Angeles, he was given the undeniable green light to let it fly for Ontario, and boy, did he ever. The 21 year old was nearly unstoppable, hitting shots from all over the court. Opposing defenses had trouble containing him because there are so many ways he can react, pivot, and ultimately put the ball in the basket regardless. His fadeaway shot was ruthless. There may still be concerns about his defensive fundamentals, but this was a chance for Boston to perform under increased pressure and he didn’t disappoint. Help his team win the Winter Showcase Cup and go home $100,000 richer? Check. Secure Showcase Cup MVP honors? Check. The young gun goes home with a smile on his face after averaging 29 points on 59% shooting, 3 assists, and 1.7 blocks through three contests.
JD Davidson (Two-Way Player), Maine Celtics / Boston Celtics
With Boston fighting for the top spot of the NBA’s Eastern Conference and boasting impressive guard depth to boot, Davidson’s proper time at the next level might not exactly be right around the corner. Still, all that means is he can focus on his development and honing the skills that will make him reliable and instill staying power in the NBA once that door opens. All season long, Davidson’s been masterful at controlling the tempo and that’s a big reason why Maine amassed a second-place finish of 11-7 through Showcase Cup standings/play this season. He’s calm, unselfish, and has a very high basketball IQ. There’s not much more you can ask for in a young floor general waiting in the wings. What he’s been able to do, at just 20 years old, is impressive. Davidson has been flirting with triple-doubles all season long and his display in Las Vegas was no different, except for the fact that he finally achieved the feat under his brightest lights yet. He averaged 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assist on the week for Maine.
Isaiah Mobley (Two-Way Player), Cleveland Charge / Cavaliers
Don’t let the name fool you: this big man is indeed the older brother of budding NBA star Evan Mobley, but there’s no doubt he’s using his time with the Charge to forge his own identity. One of the more skilled post players in Las Vegas this week, Mobley wasn’t overly physical down low. Instead, there’s a certain finesse to his touch when adapting to the defense and putting the ball in the basket. One of the biggest things for him (which was absolutely on display this week) is understanding when to make the extra pass. He’s a talented player who is going to continue garnering attention, so it’s up to him to make defenses pay by finding the open man, rather than forcing it. The 23 year old impressed with averages of 27 points, 9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 3 blocks while competing in Las Vegas.
Chasson Randle, Grand Rapids Gold
Calling all NBA teams: Chasson Randle is available, eager, and able to provide you with a much needed spark. A veteran of the NBA, overseas play, many training camps, and of course, the minor league grind, Randle is still *just* 29 years old. He exhibits maturity on the court and oozes pure poise when it comes to scoring the basketball. What’s more, he pours in the points while coming off the bench for Grand Rapids — the proof is in the pudding when pondering how he can help an NBA team or if his skills will translate. The role he’s playing successfully now is exactly the kind he could handle at the next level. The vet averaged 29.5 points on an eye-popping 78% from the field (connecting on 11 of 14 long range bombs in the process) all in just 24 minutes per contest this week. Talk about someone who can heat up in a hurry.