While the G-League Ignite, which produced some of the top NBA draft picks over the last few seasons, is now defunct, that hasn’t stopped prospects from going that route. There are two former G-Leaguers in the 2026 NBA draft, one of whom has started making a name for himself late in the draft process.
Malique Lewis Is Starting To Look Like A Potential Late Second Round Draft Pick
Malique Lewis is going through the NBA draft process for the second straight season. Lewis spent the 2023-24 season with the G-League Mexico City Capitanes, where he showed some promise as an 18-year-old. But rather than rejoining the Capitanes, who operate as an unaffiliated member of the NBA’s minor league system, Lewis signed with Australia’s NBL Next program and the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Lewis struggled in his first season in Australia. He went through the draft process after the 2024-25 season and participated in the G League Elite Camp. He ultimately returned to SE Melbourne for the past season.
Lewis showed improvement this past campaign. The 6-8 forward averaged 7.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 21 minutes over 31 appearances with the Phoenix. He also knocked down 1.2 threes and produced one double-double while shooting 45.2/37.5/82.8.
Malique Lewis Making A Name For Himself Late In The Draft Process
Following the season, Lewis was once again scheduled to participate in the G-League Elite camp. However, he wasn’t able to do so due to a pre-existing heart condition that has been known for years.
Malique Lewis, who has since been cleared to play by the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel, made headlines during the 2026 Eurocamp at the beginning of the month. The Trinidad native earned All-EuroCamp honors, averaging 12 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.7 steals over the course of the camp, while shooting 50% from the 3-point line.
Malique Lewis is a long, athletic two-way forward who is known for his versatility, motor, and shooting potential. Lewis is a disciplined defender who can guard both forward spots due to his length — 7-1 wingspan — and athleticism. He rarely bites on fakes and is very active on that end of the court.
Offensively, Lewis is still developing, especially his shot. Lewis also plays hard, hits the glass on both ends, and is an elite cutter who thrives in transition. He is also a connector who demonstrated improvement as a passer this past season.
As with any prospect, it is not all roses for Lewis. The biggest knock on Lewis’s game is his inability to create offense and his overall passivity on that end of the floor. In addition, his engagement isn’t always there on the defensive end.
Before the NBA draft combine, Lewis was rated in the bottom quarter of the top 100 draft prospects by pundits, if at all. Now, he is ranked as the No. 66 prospect by ESPN.
Malique Lewis Is Not the Only Former G-Leaguer in the 2026 Draft
Since his performance at the EuroCamp in Treviso (Italy), Lewis has garnered a handful of individual workouts. According to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, Lewis has his sixth workout scheduled with the Los Angeles Lakers tomorrow. The Lakers don’t have any second-round pick, but they obviously have some interest in the 21-year-old. It is possible that, if all goes well, the Lakers would trade up into the second round or sign him to a two-way contract if he goes undrafted.
Malique Lewis has also worked out with the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and Cleveland Cavaliers over the past week. The Suns (No. 47), the Mavericks (No. 48), the Timberwolves (#59), and the Celtics (No. 40) own second-round selections. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers do not have a second-round pick.
Lewis, one of nine players who are from international teams in the 2026 draft, is not the only former G-Leaguer hoping to land in the NBA. Reynan dos Santos played for Mexico City this past season after spending the previous four seasons playing professionally in his native Brazil.
Dos Santos averaged 10.5 points, 3.25 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 20 appearances for the Capitanes this past season. Dos Santos, who was automatically entered in the draft due to his age, knocked down 1.1 threes with shooting splits of 46.6/37.7/78.6. The 22-year-old guard showed some ability to score, reaching double figures in 10 games and topping the 20-point mark twice. He is expected to go undrafted.
G-Leaguers Who Have Been Drafted
Jalen Green, G-League Ignite, No. 2 in 2021
Jonathan Kuminga, G-League Ignite, No. 7 in 2021
Isaiah Todd, G-League Ignite, No. 31 in 2021
Dyson Daniels, G-League Ignite, No. 8 in 2022
Jaden Hardy, G-League Ignite, No. 37 in 2022
Scoot Henderson, G-League Ignite, No. 3 in 2023
Leonard Miller, G-League Ignite, No. 33 in 2023
Sidy Cissoko, G-League Ignite, No. 44 in 2023
Mojive King, G-League Ignite, No. 47 in 2023
Ron Holland, G-League Ignite, No. 5 in 2024
Matas Buzelis, G-League Ignite, No. 11 in 2024
Tyler Smith, G-League Ignite, No. 33 in 2024
Photo Credit: Mary Holt, USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
