The stigma from the NBA G-league has nearly completely dissipated. Before, the league was thought of as a demotion, and the players in it wore it like a scarlet letter. Now with the incorporation of teams having their own specific relationships with G-League teams, using their own vernacular, it is seen as a proving ground for potential NBA players. In fact, Dennis Smith Jr. actually requested to be sent to the G-League after receiving a paltry amount of playing time during his stint with the New York Knicks.
But there is a new development for those that have played in the formerly named development league. What happens to the players that could be helpful for the NBA team so the team doesn’t feel like it can afford to have them away from the team? What of the players that need time on the court but may be advanced enough that G-league minutes won’t truly develop their game in a meaningful way?
What has this season meant for Bryce McGowens’ development?
Take rookie wingman Bryce McGowens. McGowens played in the Charlotte Hornets’ most recent game against the Indiana Pacers. It was his 11th straight game played for the Hornets, his longest streak of the season. With injuries and end-of-year wrap-up, more minutes have become available for the 6’7 hooper.
McGowens only played four games in the G-league. He was dominant, showing off the scoring prowess that earned him a spot on the All-Freshman team in the Big Ten after his sole year at Nebraska. In his four games with the Swarm, he averaged over 21 points per game. It is likely because McGowens played so well that the Hornets felt comfortable calling him up and keeping him there.
But while the second-round pick clearly has NBA-caliber talent, he still has holes in his game. He needs work on his defense, true of virtually every rookie. He also needs to work on his distance shooting, he shot roughly 30% from behind the arc in his 37 games with the Hornets this season. His three-point shooting was worse in the G-league. A knock on him since his days in college.
In his limited time on the court with the Hornets during the current 11-game playing stint, McGowens hasn’t been his usual aggressive self. He hasn’t attempted more than five field goals in any game he has played.
Has McGowens improved this season? The Hornets have had some success with second-round draft picks like him. Cody Martin and Jalen McDaniels played essential roles for the Hornets in the past, and both had stints in the G-league. In a lost season, one of the only positives can be player development. The fans have seen it with fellow G-league alum Mark Williams.
The last nine games of the season will be important for McGowens and his improvement. The Hornets, who may make offseason moves to free up more time for the young player need to know how best to help mature his game.