The 2021-2022 season will likely go down as one of the most memorable years in league history. Due to rosters vulnerable to COVID-19 outbreaks, the G-League has sent up over 114 players to reinforce NBA franchises. With that being said here are five players that have made the most of their newfound opportunity.
1. Garrison Matthews
After putting up a stellar 19.5 points per game for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers earlier this year. The Lipscomb University alum has established himself as a key contributor on the rebuilding Houston Rockets. Earning the nickname “Garry Bird”, the guard has gave the franchise some bright spots as they navigate the year as one of the worst teams in basketball. Since joining the team, Matthews has been averaging 11.6 points while converting on 38% of his three point shots. This production helped Matthews earn a four-year 8.2 million dollar contract last December
2. Kyle Guy
While playing for the Cleveland Charge, Guy put up one of the most intriguing stat lines in the G-League. Despite having a 6’1″ stature, the shooting guard averaged 7.2 rebounds alongside 20 points on a nightly basis. When given a chance with the Miami Heat, he picked up where left off by six of his eight shots for 17 points in his debut. This spectacular production helped earn himself a spot on the Heat roster where he has become yet another addition to their three point arsenal with his 41% percentage from beyond the arc. After playing through two ten-day contracts, he was able to earn a two-way deal for the remainder of this season.
3. Stanley Johnson
It appears the three stints in the G-League for the former 8th overall pick of the 2015 draft has paid dividends in his tenure Los Angeles Lakers. His stellar 3-and-D play earned the respect of Lebron James who said “Obviously, he’s trying to earn a roster spot. You could tell he’s hungry, and it’s been great basketball since the Christmas Day game, the road trip, Houston, Memphis and tonight once again, and hopefully, it continues.” Those words rang truer than ever as the foward inked a two-year deal five days ago for his efforts
The Beat @APU 