The road back to the NBA isn’t easy, but for players like Jahlil Okafor, the G-League represents an opportunity to keep the dream alive. Recently, Okafor went viral after a G-League video of him dominating the competition showed he is still working to get back to the league. Seeing him reignited interest in his journey and shed light on other former NBA names chasing a similar goal.
Whether it’s young players trying to rekindle their early promise or veterans aiming for a final chapter, these G-League stars are proving they still have something to offer.
1. Jahlil Okafor
Jahlil Okafor’s NBA journey has been a rollercoaster. Drafted third overall in 2015, he went from being the centerpiece of the 76ers’ rebuild to bouncing between the Nets, Pelicans, and Pistons before falling out of the league by 2021. Now at 28, Okafor is grinding in the G-League with the Indiana Mad Ants, determined to prove he still belongs on an NBA roster.
And he’s backing it up on the court. Through 8 games this season, Okafor is averaging 18.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting a scorching 67.4% from the field. His low-post game is as polished as ever, and he’s added more playmaking to his arsenal, showing he can be more than just a scorer. In his debut, he dropped 21 points, grabbed 9 boards, and dished out 4 assists, instantly reminding everyone of his talent.
What’s making waves, though, is his confidence. In a recent viral video, Okafor boldly declared, “Priority number one is to get back into the NBA… I’m one of the best low post scorers still to this day.” That fire and belief in himself are exactly what you want to see from someone fighting for another shot.
Jahlil Okafor:
“Priority number one is to get back into the NBA… I’m one of the best low post scorers still to this day.”
(via @gtvhoops)pic.twitter.com/tclkbbT7Y7
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 26, 2024
For Okafor, this stint in the G-League isn’t just about numbers—it’s about rewriting his story. If he keeps playing at this level, NBA teams looking for size and scoring in the paint might give him the chance he’s been working so hard to earn.
2. Tony Snell
Tony Snell is still out here grinding, now suiting up for the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the G-League. The former NBA vet, who’s played over 600 games in the league, is trying to prove he’s got plenty left in the tank. After his last NBA stint with the Pelicans in 2022, he’s been staying ready, and this season he’s been showing flashes in the G-League.
Through four games, Snell is averaging 4.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. The numbers don’t jump off the page, but his efficiency does—he’s shooting a wild 66.7% from the field and an even crazier 62.5% from three. It’s classic Tony Snell: low volume, high impact, and quietly doing his job on both ends of the court.
Snell has always been known as a reliable three-and-D guy, and he’s sticking to that script with Sioux Falls. While his role isn’t as big as it was in the NBA, his veteran presence and shooting touch still make him a valuable asset. Whether this leads to another shot in the league remains to be seen, but Snell’s not giving up, and his efficiency might just catch the right team’s eye.
3. Trey Burke
Trey Burke is making noise in the G-League this season, suiting up for the Mexico City Capitanes and reminding everyone of his scoring prowess. Through six games, Burke is averaging 23.8 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. His efficiency has been solid too—shooting 45.7% from the field, 40.1% from deep, and 88.9% from the free-throw line. Those are the kind of numbers that could turn heads in NBA front offices.
Burke has been the go-to guy for the Capitanes, showing the same scoring instincts that made him a lottery pick back in 2013. Whether it’s pulling up from three or attacking the rim, he’s been putting defenders on notice. His ability to create offense for himself and others has been key for the Capitanes as they push to establish themselves as contenders in the G-League.
What stands out most about Burke’s game is his consistency. After a couple of years out of the NBA, he’s proving he can still contribute at a high level. If he keeps this up, it’s hard not to imagine a team in need of scoring punch giving him a call. For now, though, Burke is locked in on dominating the G-League and keeping his NBA dream alive.
4. T.J. Warren
T.J. Warren is on a mission to make his NBA comeback, and he’s making a strong case with the Westchester Knicks in the G-League. After his stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2023-24 season, Warren signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the New York Knicks in October 2024 but was waived before the regular season began. Undeterred, he joined their G-League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, to prove he still has what it takes.
Warren is lighting it up through six games, averaging 26.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He’s shooting 49.2% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc, showing his scoring versatility. His free-throw shooting stands at 76.9%, indicating his reliability at the line.
Warren’s performance isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about leadership and experience. He’s been a steadying force for Westchester, using his NBA experience to mentor younger teammates while showcasing his own skills. His ability to score at all three levels and contribute across the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
At 31, Warren is demonstrating that he still has plenty to offer. His impressive play in the G-League is turning heads, and if he keeps this up, it’s only a matter of time before an NBA team takes notice and gives him the opportunity he’s been working toward.
5. Killian Hayes
Killian Hayes, the 7th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is trying to restart his career with the Long Island Nets in the G-League. After a tough stretch with the Pistons and a brief stint in Brooklyn during the offseason, Hayes is now using the G-League as a platform to showcase his potential and prove he can still be a valuable piece for an NBA team.
Through seven games this season, Hayes is averaging 13.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and an impressive 6.7 assists in 30.5 minutes per game. He’s shooting 45.9% from the field, although his three-point percentage is lagging at 30%. Still, his playmaking remains his standout skill, consistently creating opportunities for teammates while also chipping in on the boards.
The 23-year-old guard is taking full advantage of his time in the G-League to refine his game. His defensive instincts and ability to facilitate make him a valuable floor general, even if his scoring efficiency still needs work. For Hayes, this stint with Long Island is all about finding his rhythm and showing he has what it takes to contribute at the next level.
While his journey hasn’t been easy, Hayes’ performance with the Long Island Nets keeps him on the radar for teams looking for a young guard with room to grow. If he can keep up his strong play and improve his shooting, he might just earn another shot in the NBA.
