Rich Paul has built a reputation as one of the most powerful voices in basketball, representing stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. But when he talks to young players, his message often cuts through the hype and social media noise: making it to the NBA is not just hard, it’s nearly impossible.
In a recent conversation with a young player, Paul explained the reality many don’t want to hear. The player complained about not starting overseas and insisted his talent and social media following should open doors. Paul didn’t sugarcoat his response.
“No, man,” Paul said. “The G League is full of guys that were once the best player in their state. You know how hard it is to get to the NBA? See, that’s why these highlights… it’s so hard to get here. Damn near impossible, I’m just being honest.”
The young player pushed back, pointing out his million followers, his handle, his jumper, and his dunks. Paul shut it down quickly: “Nah, man, no. No.”
Paul’s point is simple but profound. Social media might create buzz, but it doesn’t guarantee a roster spot. The G League, often overlooked by casual fans, is filled with players who dominated at lower levels. The last man on a G League bench was once a state champion, an All-American, or the best player on a major college team.
That reality is often ignored when players assume they’re just one viral clip away from the NBA. In truth, every roster spot in the G League is a grind, and only a handful of those guys ever make it to the NBA. Even then, staying in the league is an even tougher challenge.
Paul knows this firsthand through his own clients. He represents several players who fought through the G League before becoming household names. Fred VanVleet went undrafted, sharpened his game in the G, and eventually became an NBA champion and All-Star.
Talen Horton-Tucker, Derrick Jones Jr., and Brandon Boston Jr. all spent time in the developmental league before finding their roles in the NBA. Even Scoot Henderson, a recent top draft pick, came up through the G League Ignite program, which has become a direct pipeline to the NBA.
Others, like Bronny James, Noah Clowney, and Ulrich Chomche, are now part of the ecosystem where the G League isn’t just a fallback option but a necessary step in proving yourself. For every superstar in the NBA, there are hundreds of players grinding daily in the G, chasing that same dream.
Paul’s message is a wake-up call for young athletes who think talent alone is enough. Being able to dribble, shoot, and dunk might have made you a legend in high school, but in the pros, everyone can do that. The difference comes down to consistency, work ethic, and resilience.
In other words, the G League isn’t just a “minor league.” It’s a proving ground full of killers who were once the best of the best. As Paul made clear, the NBA is another level entirely, and the politics or followers won’t save you.
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