After practicing with the Oklahoma City Thunder G League team for over two months, LiAngelo Ball is set to take the next step and sign a G League contract.
On Tuesday, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Ball had been offered a contract by the G League. Ball began practicing with the Oklahoma City Blue at the end of December and has been with the Thunder’s affiliate in the two months since.
While it is unclear if Ball will continue with the Blue, it is certain that he will get his best chance at auditioning for NBA teams. The G League season runs through the end of March meaning Ball will have the better part of a month to prove he belongs in the G League.
This also opens the door for Ball to be able to sign with a Summer League team to compete in Las Vegas in July. By getting his foot in the door, especially the manner in which he did it, Ball will draw some interest from teams eager to see him compete at higher and higher levels.
Credit goes to Ball for earning his contract as well. By joining on with a practice squad and earning his way into a contract, Ball has proven something even if it is just that he belongs in the G League for now. For someone who has had his injury problems and missteps along the way, it’s a positive sign to see him latch on with a G League side.
