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NBA Hang Time

Shareef Abdur-Rahim | President, NBA G League

·25 min·2 clips
Top high school All-Americans Jalen Green and Isaiah Todd are skipping college to join the G League, a move that could reshape basketball.
The episode begins with host Sekou Smith introducing the topic of the G League's new program for high school players. He welcomes Shareef Abdur-Rahim, president of the G League and former NBA All-Star. Smith immediately brings up the recent announcements of top high school All-Americans Jalen Green and Isaiah Todd choosing the G League over college. Abdur-Rahim explains that the program aims to create an environment conducive to growth and learning for young players. He emphasizes that while these players have NBA-level talent, they often need extra time to mature before making the jump. The discussion covers how NBA teams have become more sophisticated, with 26 teams owning their G League affiliates. Smith asks about the gamble for players, noting that not every top high school prospect becomes an NBA star. Abdur-Rahim acknowledges this but stresses the league's responsibility to provide backstops. The conversation shifts to how this affects college basketball, with Abdur-Rahim mentioning concerns from coaches about losing talent. Smith inquires about international prospects, and Abdur-Rahim confirms the program is open to elite high schoolers worldwide, including those from NBA academies. They discuss the program's development timeline, starting in 2018 after NCAA investigations. Abdur-Rahim shares that initial plans involve four to five players per season. Smith asks about staff composition, and Abdur-Rahim describes building a team focused on NBA preparation. The episode concludes with reflections on how this program provides guardrails for young players transitioning to professional life.

As heard by us

A measured episode on the G League's developing path for young players and the questions still around it.

Hangtime Podcast shifts its attention to the G League through Sharif Abdul-Rahim's view of a still-forming path for young players. What stands out is the restraint in his answer.

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Why you'd press play

You want the G League's new route for young players, college worries, and international possibilities in one conversation.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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