BayHawks vs. Ignite: 5 guys who might play for the New Orleans Pelicans

The Erie BayHawks gave the G League Ignite their first loss of the new season, as the New Orleans Pelicans’ affiliate team blew out the prospect-loaded Ignite 87-127.

This year’s G League season is currently being played in a bubble at Disney World, much like how the NBA Playoffs took place in the Lake Buena Vista resort after the 2019-20 season was initially suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The G League is fundamental for many NBA teams despite not usually creating much buzz. This year, there is more public interest in the developmental league because of the Ignite team’s creation. The G League Ignite is the league’s main component of a one-year development program for elite high school prospects.

The creation of this team, which was later coined Ignite, came after the likes of LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton opted to play their pre-draft basketball abroad as opposed to in the United States. Fearing an exodus of top national talent that preferred not to play in college, the NBA leapt into action. Currently, the Ignite roster is composed of six prospects—two which will likely go in the top five and another who might be a first round pick—and eight veterans.

But despite the increased buzz, the overall goal of the G League remains the same. It provides NBA teams with a place for young players who aren’t playing much to get some run. At the same time, veterans or perhaps guys who believe they should be NBA players also seek to join the league and play their way into the association.

The New Orleans Pelicans currently have two players on assignment with the BayHawks in Naji Marshall and Will Magnay. The BayHawks entered the game against the G League Ignite with only one loss, whereas the Ignite were undefeated.

Taking this game, previous history, and the rest of the G League season into account, here are five players that could play for the New Orleans Pelicans in the future.