The G-League Invitational is comprised of a large variety of players, from Division II standouts, guys who have been stuck playing overseas, mid-major prospects, and guys like Nick Ward, who is currently competing in the event. Nick Ward played well for the Atlanta Hawks in Summer League and earned an invitation to the event while his fellow Spartans Kenny Goins and Matt McQuaid head to Europe.
Before the invitational started, it was cool to see Dakota Schmidt of SB Nation’s Ridiculous Upside (a website devoted to the NBA’s G-League) call Nick Ward one of the most intriguing players at the event.
Here is what Schmidt said about Ward:
“Due to his extended run as one of the Big Ten’s better front-court players, Michigan State alum Nick Ward might be the most recognizable prospect that will be competing at the G League Player Invitational. During his three-year college career, he was able to stand out through an imposing inside presence that can use a strong 6’9, 245 pound frame and nice hops to get whatever he wanted inside. While a lot of that came through him working roll man or big target for facilitators, the Michigan State alum was also able to stand out as one of the Big 10’s best offensive rebounders. That fact is exemplified by him averaging 2.4 offensive rebounds in only 20 minutes per game during the span of his three-year college career. That premier inside presence was enough for Ward to be named as a member of the All-Big Ten Third Team by the media in both 2017-18 and 2018-19.”
