Early Possible NBA Call-Ups

It’s been about a week since the 2019-20 G League season kicked off, and there have been some solid performances thus far.

10-day contract time isn’t usually until January, and there’s sure to be some more standout performances as the season progresses. But there are few players who have stood out early and figure to continue to be key players in their team’s rotations.

If they keep up their play, these players could have an inside track to earning an NBA call-up once 10-day contract time rolls around. Here’s a look at a couple of players who could be some of the next G League players to don an NBA uniform.

1. Donte Grantham – Agua Caliente Clippers

Photo by Carrie Giordano/NBAE via Getty Images

Donte Grantham is in his second season in the G League after having spent last season on a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. This season, he’s playing with the Los Angeles Clippers affiliate. He’s an athletic wing who can do a little bit of everything on the court. He has a solid off the dribble game and can make plays for himself or his teammates. Can drive and kick to open shooters or find cutters. Strong finisher at the rim and he can shoot from three-point range.

2. Andrew White III – Westchester Knicks

Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

The Westchester Knicks have had a solid track record of getting players to the NBA, and White could potentially be one of the next. White has also had a prior NBA stint when he signed a two-way contract last season with the Atlanta Hawks. He’s been on fire to start this season. He has a combined 71 points in his first two games. He’s a very good outside shooter who spots up well. He also has a decent pull-up jumper. Could be an NBA 3&D guy.

3. Kevin Hervey – Oklahoma City Blue

Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

Kevin Hervey was actually drafted in the by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2018 NBA draft, but he never ended up signing with the team. He’s in the mold of a modern big man in today’s game. He can run the floor well in transition and finish strong at the rim. He’s a great rebounder who constantly crashes the offensive boards for second shot opportunities. He’s also able to step out and shoot from three-point range. Can handle the ball at times and lead the fast break.

4. DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell – Oklahoma City Blue

Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell also has some prior NBA experience. He had a brief stint last season with the Denver Nuggets on a two-way contract. He’s a scoring guard who has had a couple standout performances off the bench. That’s likely his niche in the NBA, instant offense with the second unit. He is a good spot up shooter with a solid outside shot. He has a decent off the dribble game with a pull-up jumper.

5. James Palmer Jr. – Agua Caliente Clippers

Photo by Dave Eggen/NBAE via Getty Images

James Palmer went undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, but he signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the LA Clippers. He didn’t make the team, but joined their G League affiliate. He is another scoring guard who could provide an NBA team with bench scoring. He’s a strong finisher at the rim and can absorb contact and still finish the play. He’s solid in transition and sprints out ahead of the defense on the break. He can handle the ball and go coast to coast to the rim. He’s also a pretty solid shooter from the mid-range and he has a solid pull-up jumper.