Watch out for these 3 G-League prospects heading into the 2024 NBA Draft

The G-League was once thought of as a game-changing way for basketball prospects to get a taste of NBA life. Matas Buzelis, Ronald Holland and Tyler Smith opted for this path in their basketball journey, and we’ll take a closer look at each of their profiles and skill sets heading into the 2024 NBA Draft. Statistics are sourced from Basketball Reference.

In nine G-League games, Buzelis averaged 11.8 points, 5 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He also recorded averages of 1.1 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.

Buzelis’ name might lead fans to think that he spent his childhood outside of the United States. However, the Lithuanian-American was born and raised in Chicago.

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Bleacher Report believes that Buzelis is best in transition, when he can get to the basket and finish strong. They also laud his ability to get into the paint in a half-court set.

ESPN noted that Buzelis missed the first three months of the G-League season with an ankle injury, but came on strong down the stretch. They noted that he set himself apart as a passer, and this left NBA executives impressed.

Bleacher Report opined that Buzelis’ game most resembles that of Franz Wagner, Lamar Odom, Hedo Turkoglu or Toni Kukoc.

In 15 G-League tilts, Holland averaged 18.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He also posted 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.

Holland grew up in Duncanville, Texas. He was going to play college basketball for the University of Texas before he withdrew his commitment and elected to play in the G-League, instead.

HoopsHype had some intriguing quotes evaluating Holland’s game. Many scouts talked about his high motor and desire to get to his spot on offense and defense. One NBA exeuctive said, “Holland is… a guy you want in a foxhole next to you.”

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An SB Nation story about Holland in December 2023 stated that he wants to be this era’s Kevin Garnett. “I come from a competitive family,” Holland told SB Nation. “And losing was never an option.”

Bleacher Report likens him to Cam Whitmore and R.J. Barrett, wing players who can attack the rim off the dribble.

In 16 G-League contests, Smith averaged 14.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists. He also averaged 1 steal per game and 0.8 blocks.

Smith had to deal with some adversity as a youngster. According to Sports Illustrated, he was born in New Orleans, but his family had to move to Houston after the destruction Hurricane Katrina caused in 2005.

Sports Illustrated believes that Smith’s best attribute is his ability to fit into the modern game. He brings switch ability on defense, being able to stay in front of smaller players, as well as knock down shots from the outside.

NBA Draft Room loved the confidence Smith played with at the G-League level. They also like his athletic makeup, which includes the ability to play above the rim.

Bleacher Report believes that Smith’s game resembles that of Channing Frye, a floor-spacing big man who played 13 seasons in the NBA.

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