With the conclusion of the NBA G League Elite Camp, we have a clearer view of potential NBA players who may be late-round draft picks, undrafted free agents, or return to college. In collaboration with AI, I’ve identified six players from the 45 invitees who I believe have the potential to become rotation players in the league. This shortlist is based on their performance in both college and at the Elite Camp.

AI was also given the opportunity to add one player I may have overlooked, resulting in a list of seven. The G League emphasizes development, and these are players with high floors who I believe can contribute effectively with an opportunity. 

How it works: 

Before the Elite camp…

•  I selected two prospects that I liked. 
• AI shortlisted 15 players it projected to perform well at the Elite Camp and solidify their case for future NBA careers.
  • AI’s Pre-Elite Camp Shortlist (Alphabetical Order)

1. Brooks Barnhizer (Northwestern)
2. R.J. Davis (North Carolina)
3. Keshon Gilbert(Iowa State):
4. Chase Hunter (Clemson) 
5. Kobe Johnson (UCLA)
6. Arthur Kaluma(Texas)
7. Caleb Love(Arizona)
8. Mackenzie Mgbako (Indiana)
9. Norchad Omier(Baylor)
10. Sean Pedulla (Ole Miss)
11. Payton Sandfort (Iowa)
12. Nate Santos(Dayton)
13. Brandon Stroud(South Florida)
14. Wade Taylor IV (Texas A&M): 
15. Amari Williams (Kentucky)

After the Elite Camp…

• I wrote six brief scouting reports (including college and elite camp performances) of players who performed well.

MY PRE-ELITE CAMP SHORTLIST:

Ryan Nembhard

• Pro Comp: Tyus Jones

Ryan Nembhard hushed any concern of his ability to play at the next level by earning an invite to the NBA Combine. He was the best passer in college basketball this past season, and his poise, decision-making, and IQ were on full display during the Elite Camp.

After dishing out nine assists with zero turnovers in game one, and contributing 11 points with six assists in game two, Nembhard showcased the importance of solid point guard play and was easily the top point guard in attendance, and arguably the best point guard playing at the combine.

While Ryan made the combine and has performed well in drills and scrimmages, it remains uncertain if this will be enough to secure a second-round draft pick. He flashed potential as a capable defender at the next level, and if he can improve in this area, he will quickly find himself in a backup point guard role.

Though his size will be a common concern early in his career, we consistently see the value of a steady, pure point guard for successful teams, and Nembhard will be that, at minimum.

John Poulakidas

• Pro Comp: AJ Green

John Poulakidas was my other pre-Elite Camp shortlist inclusion, and his performance further reinforced my belief in his NBA potential. In college, he averaged 19 points per game while shooting 40% from three-point range on eight attempts per game.

Although his shot wasn’t falling in his first scrimmage, it was evident why he had the green light to attempt 11 threes, even while missing 10. In his second scrimmage, he demonstrated why shooters shoot, scoring 16 points and shooting 57% from beyond the arc.

Despite playing in the Ivy League, John possesses an NBA-ready physique at 6’6 and has shown consistent scoring against high-major Division I teams, including 23 points against Texas A&M and 28 points against Auburn.

What makes John such an intriguing prospect is his diverse shooting ability. Players who can shoot at a high clip on the move, off the catch, or off the dribble tend to secure a role on NBA teams.

MY POST-ELITE CAMP SHORTLIST (Not Originally Included by AI):

Reuben Chinyelu

• Pro Comp: Thomas Bryant

Reuben Chinyelu is a player who requires time to develop into a larger role, but he genuinely impressed me at the Elite Camp. Coming off a national championship run, Reuben showcased the importance of an impactful big man, putting his defensive prowess, positioning, and passing ability on full display.

Finishing with a plus-20 rating in his second game, Reuben proved both on tape and on the stat sheet that he can make an impact without scoring or even rebounding (though I believe there’s potential there).

While he isn’t ready to be an NBA big just yet, Reuben’s verticality and IQ lead me to believe he could become a backup big man one day. As a freshman at Washington State, he averaged over one block in just 14 minutes per night.

He is not only a potential lob threat and defensive impact player as a shot-blocker, but his passing ability and IQ displayed at the Elite Camp truly stood out as an element that could separate him.

My Post-Elite Camp Shortlist (Originally Included by AI):

Kobe Johnson

• Pro Comp: Alex Caruso

Kobe Johnson is a player with NBA potential, but he still has a lot of work to do. That said, he looked somewhat comfortable on both ends of the court, even though his team struggled. He is someone who can put the ball on the floor but struggled with three-point shooting both at the camp and in college.

What makes Kobe stand out is his defensive versatility. He possessed quick feet and defended with the same confidence he showed in college, a skill he has been known for since his USC days.

Many players have entered the NBA as below-average three-point shooters and later developed into respectable ones. Johnson’s defensive ability and 6’6″ frame are too promising not to try and develop.

Kobe has the potential to be an elite defensive player who becomes known for making the right play on both ends of the floor. Moreover, he has shown potential at both the three-point line and the free-throw line, so I have no doubt he can become an All-Defensive Team player in the years to come.

Mackenzie Mgbako

• Pro Comp: Jaden McDaniels

Mckenzie Mgbako was arguably the best player at the Elite Camp, and his play at the combine may have solidified his chances of being a future NBA player. Scoring 19 and 22 points respectively across two games, Mackenzie demonstrated his comfort in getting to his preferred shots on the court.

Most notably, the former Hoosier showcased his ability to shoot the three. In two games, he shot 60% and 50% from deep, which was instrumental in opening up the game for both him and his teammates.

Despite college efficiency numbers that don’t jump off the page, Mackenzie has captured even more scout attention with his potential 3-and-D build. With his 6’8″, 220-pound frame, Mackenzie has everything on paper to be a building block for a team with championship aspirations.

Both in college and at the Elite Camp, Mackenzie showed that he doesn’t need the ball to be an impactful player. If Mgbako decides to attend Texas A&M next year, he is definitely someone to keep an eye on.

Norchard Omier

• Pro Comp: Isaiah Stewart

Norchard Omier was a player AI brought to my attention pre-Elite Camp, and for good reason. The fifth-year senior dominated the boards during the Elite Camp, finishing with 27 total rebounds through his two scrimmages.

Norchard also displayed the same efficiency he had throughout his career at Baylor, averaging approximately 55% from the field in college and 70% at the Elite Camp. Consistent with his Baylor identity, Norchard showed significant promise on the defensive end, demonstrating strong potential with his quick hands and defensive anticipation.

As the NBA begins to shift back to a double-big look, I can envision Norchard sliding into the power forward position or potentially even a small-ball center, which is more aligned with his natural position. Standing at approximately 6’6″ and 260 lbs, Norchard is a big body who is comfortable attacking the switch, and again, his potential rebounding prowess could bring significant value as a future backup in the league.

While his three-point shooting would be a concern, with more stretch bigs in the league, it may not be as urgent a fix as it would have been in the past.