Dakota Schmidt And Santa Cruz Play By Play Man Kevin Danna Select Their G League All-Star Teams

Over the last two weeks, we’ve worked our way through a 3-point series dedicated to selecting a hypothetical G League All-Star team. This journey began on January 25th by selecting the five starters for both the Eastern and Western Conference. That was followed by picking the seven reserves for each conference on January 28th.

With those twenty four players selected, I thought it was only right to call up legendary Santa Cruz Warriors play-by-play man Kevin Danna to do a G League All-Star draft. Due to being magnanimous, the voice of the Sea Dubs was awarded the 1st overall pick in this back-and-forth draft. In addition to naming the picks, both Kevin and I will give a brief blurb about the reasoning behind the selection.

Kevin Danna - Justin Anderson (Raptors 905/Long Island Nets) - 21.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1 steal on 48% from the field and 35% from 3 on 8.3 attempts per game He’s had the single most dominant performance in a G League game this year that I’ve seen when he dropped 40 as a member of Raptors 905 in December against Long Island (who he now plays for). He doesn’t belong in the G League. I love how he interacts with his teammates too.

Dakota Schmidt - Tremont Waters (Maine Red Claws) - 19.2 points, 7.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 steals on 44% from the field and 35% from 3 on 7.2 attempts per game

I’m going to go backcourt and select Tremont Waters. Honestly think he’s been the best all-around guard in the G League through being an efficient perimeter shooter, tremendous passer and great defender.

KD - Johnathan Motley (AC Clippers) - 23.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and a block on 52% from the field and 34% from 3 on 2.2 attempts per game

Has dominated the G for a couple of years now. I love his length and athleticism, and now he’s shooting 34 percent from 3. He’s always been willing to shoot it, now it’s going in at a higher clip.

DS - Josh Jackson (Memphis Hustle) - 20.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks on 45% from the field and 38% from 3 on 6.5 attempts per game

Before getting called back up by the Grizzlies, he showcased himself as the real deal with the Hustle. Showed improvements as a facilitator and shooter while being the all-around leader for a fantastic Memphis squad.

KD - Josh Magette (Lakeland Magic) - 20.4 points, 9.7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.2 steals on 42% from the field and 42% from 3 on 7.7 attempts per game

Proven winner and clutch-shot-maker in the G. I’d get frustrated with him when he was on South Bay/Los Angeles and torching Santa Cruz, but now that he’s in the Eastern Conference, he doesn’t cause me nearly as much heartache. Awesome guy.

DS - BJ Johnson (Lakeland Magic) - 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.1 steals on 45% from the field and 43% from 3 on 5.7 attempts per game

Perhaps the premier 3-and-D wing in the G League, Johnson has made strides as an all-around scorer after a great rookie season. Should definitely start getting consistent playing time with Orlando.

KD - Marial Shayok (Delaware Blue Coats) - 23.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a steal on 46% from the field and 37% from 3 on 7.3 attempts per game

Great scorer in the G League; smooth looking jimmy.

DS - Devontae Cacok (South Bay Lakers) - 19 points, 11.7 rebounds and a steal per game on 68% from the field in 23 minutes per game

After using my first few picks to select perimeter threats, I thought it would be best to select arguably the best rebounder in the G League. In addition to that, he can create a lot of havoc working pick-and-rolls with Waters.

KD - Dakota Mathias (Texas Legends)- 18.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal on 42% from the field and 39% from 3 on 8.9 attempts per game

SHOOTER. Can make really tough shots. He’s got a chance for a 10-day from somebody.

DS - Dusty Hannahs (Memphis Hustle) - 21.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2 assists on 48% from the field and 47% from 3 on 7.1 attempts per game

Along with being the lone shooter in the G League endorsed by Tony Allen, Hannahs has developed into a well-rounded scoring threat that can do magic around the rim with layups and floaters.

KD - Isaiah Canaan (Stockton Kings) - 22.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals on 44% from the field and 43% from 3 on 9 attempts per game

Another one of those “too good for the G League” kinda players. Can get what he wants whenever he wants it. I’ll never get over seeing him and Robert Covington sit in middle seats on a plane as we were flying from the Bay to Texas for Game 2 of 2014 G League semifinals when they were on assignment from Houston. I can’t remember if they were exit row or not — I hope they were, especially for Covington’s sake

DS - Brandon Goodwin (College Park Skyhawks) - 19.1 points, 7.5 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.9 steals on 44% from the field and 40% from 3 on 6.5 attempts per game

Before becoming part of the Atlanta Hawks’ rotation, Goodwin stood out as one of the best all-around guards in the G League. Although I selected him later in the draft, Goodwin is definitely someone that I can slot in the starting lineup as a point or shooting guard.

KD - Jalen Jones (Capital City Go-Go) - 19.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals on 48% from the field and 37% from 3 on 4.3 attempts per game

Always been a fan of his. Love his length and ability to shoot it, and my sources tell me he is a great communicator on the defensive end.

DS - Jarrell Brantley (Salt Lake City Stars) - 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals on 52% from the field and 31% from 3 on 4.9 attempts per game

One of the more well-rounded rookies in the league, Brantley has been a big part behind why the Stars stand as one of the best teams in the G League.

KD - Mfiondu Kabengele (AC Clippers as an assignee) - 19.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.3 assists on 48% from the field and 31% from 3 on 6.2 attempts per game

Wanted another big; might was well team him up with his LA and Agua Caliente teammate in Motley. He’s a rim disruptor and has some nice offensive tools. Pretty fluid dude. The 3 doesn’t always go in but it can

DS - Jarrod Uthoff (Memphis Hustle) - 18.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals, and a block on 49% from the field and 36% from 3 on 5.5 attempts per game

To finish my trifecta of Hustle men, I’m going with a player that has stood as one of the most well-rounded forwards in the G League. Along with being a great offensive weapon, he’s a solid defender that could close out games.

KD - PJ Dozier (Windy City Bulls) - 21.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.6 steals on 43% from the field and 33% from 3 on 5.2 attempts per game

Just goes about his business and gets it done. Has perimeter length for days and has this league figured out it seems. Haven’t seen him as much this year but still a fan.

DS - Vic Law (Lakeland Magic) - 19.3 points, 8 rebounds, 2.7 assists on 49% from the field and 39% from 3 on 5.6 attempts per game

As the Falcon to BJ Johnson’s Captain America, Law has excelled as an excellent 3-and-D wing during his rookie year with Lakeland.

KD - Jaylen Adams (Wisconsin Herd) - 22 points, 5.5 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 steals on 49% from the field and 40% from 3 on 6.7 attempts per game

DS - Frank Mason (Wisconsin Herd) - 23.6 points, 4.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds and a steal on 47% from the field and 43% from 3 on 8.3 attempts per game

Three years after being the Naismith College Player of the Year for his performance with the Kansas Jayhawks, Mason has excelled as a phenomenal perimeter weapon for the Wisconsin Herd.

KD - Jaylen Nowell (Iowa Wolves as an assignee for Minnesota)- 21 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 49% from the field and 44% from 3 on 6.9 attempts per game

I need a Pac-12 guy. Athletic dude and is shooting it very well

DS - Gabe Vincent (Sioux Falls Skyforce as a two-way for Miami) - 22 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.2 steals on 47% from the field and 42% from 3 on 10 attempts per game

With my final pick in the draft, I’m going with a player that’s been a fantastic perimeter threat no matter if he’s with the Stockton Kings and Sioux Falls Skyforce. He’s a high quality bucket getter that can really change the course of a game in a matter of moments.

KD- Josh Gray (Erie BayHawks as a two-way with New Orleans) - 23.1 points, 7.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals on 44% from the field and 33% from 3 on 6.1 attempts per game

I have loved him as a player for a long time. Super pumped he is on an NBA contract. I love his story. Anyone who can score 26 wearing an ankle bracelet in a high school state playoff game can play for me. And don’t let his mistakes in high school skew your perception of him — he’s a really good dude from whenever I’ve been able to interact with him.

DS - Jared Harper (Northern Arizona Suns as two-way with Phoenix) - 21.1 points, 5.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals on 41% from the field and 36% from 3 on 7.6 attempts per game

As one of the bright spots on a lackluster Suns squad, Harper has excelled during his rookie season through standing as an elite scoring threat and solid facilitator.

Dakota’s Team

Starters

Guard: Tremont Waters

Guard: Dusty Hannahs

Forward: BJ Johnson

Forward: Josh Jackson

Forward: Devontae Cacok

Reserves

Guard: Brandon Goodwin

Guard: Frank Mason

Forward: Vic Law

Forward: Jarrod Uthoff

Forward: Jarrell Brantley

Guard: Gabe Vincent

Guard: Jared Harper

Kevin’s Team

Starters

Guard: Josh Magette

Guard: Marial Shayok

Forward: Dakota Mathias

Forward: Justin Anderson

Forward: Johnathan Motley

Reserves:

Guard: Jaylen Adams

Guard: Jaylen Nowell

Forward: PJ Dozier

Forward: Jalen Jones

Forward: Mfiondu Kabengele

Guard; Josh Gray

Guard: Isaiah Canaan