By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Jalen Green, one of the top prospects in the 2020 high school class and a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has signed to play in the NBA G-League next season, bypassing college, as announced by league President Shareef Abdur-Rahim Thursday.
The NBA G League approved new Select Contracts in 2018 that would allow recruits to make $125,000 in a five-month season starting in 2019-20, though according to reports by ESPN, the sum can rise to $500,000 or more per season. The contract will also provide a one-year development program outside of the minor league’s traditional team structure.
Green’s decision could pave the way for more elite prospects. NBA commissioner Adam Silver and G League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim have been working to increase players’ interest in college basketball with a salary increase and a structure that doesn’t include playing full-time in the G League.