Blake Hinson
Getty
Blake Hinson during a game at the 2025 Summer League with the Golden State Warriors
Former Golden State Warriors forward Blake Hinson is forcing NBA teams to take notice, emerging as one of the most productive scorers in the G League and firmly placing himself on the radar for a potential call-up.
After spending last season with the Warriors’ G League affiliate in Santa Cruz, Hinson has taken another step forward this year with the Rip City Remix, the affiliate of the Portland Trail Blazers.
With expanded responsibility and consistent minutes, the 6-foot-8 forward has turned opportunity into sustained production.
Long-regarded as a legitimate perimeter shooter dating back to his college days at Ole Miss and Pittsburgh, Hinson is reminding NBA front offices why floor spacing remains one of the league’s most valuable skills. His size, confidence, and shooting volume make him a plug-and-play option capable of contributing immediately.
Crucially, Hinson is not currently tied to an NBA contract. Portland has yet to secure him on either a two-way or standard deal, meaning any team can step-in and sign him without compensation.
Given his form, there is little doubt that interest is building across the league.
Former Warriors Sharpshooter Rebuilding Momentum
Hinson’s rise comes after a winding early professional path. Undrafted in 2024, he initially signed a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers before later joining the Golden State Warriors on an Exhibit-10 contract.
While neither stint led to a permanent roster spot, both provided valuable exposure and kept him firmly within NBA circles.
Now in his second professional season, Hinson has maximized the freedom and rhythm that the G League can offer. Through 17 games, he is averaging 24.5 points per contest while shooting 49.2% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range on more than 10 attempts per game.
His production has been consistent rather than sporadic. Hinson posted two 39-point outings in early December against Salt Lake City and San Diego, knocking down 11 three-pointers across those wins.
Overall, he already has seven games of 30 points or more this season, reinforcing that his scoring is part of a sustained trend.
Beyond scoring, he has rounded out his profile by averaging 4.5 rebounds, including 1.4 on the offensive glass, along with 2.3 assists per game. Those complementary contributions strengthen his case as more than a one dimensional shooter.
Why NBA Teams Are Paying Attention
While high-scoring guards dominate much of the G League landscape, Hinson’s production stands out because of his size and positional versatility. At 6-foot-8, he fits the modern wing archetype teams covet, offering shooting, spacing, and line-up flexibility.
At 26-years-old, Hinson may not be viewed as a long-term developmental project, but that can work in his favor.
Teams seeking immediate help value players who understand their role and can contribute without heavy usage. His continued eligibility for a two-way contract also provides organizations with a low-risk pathway to evaluate his NBA readiness.
Similar situations have played out before. In 2024, the Memphis Grizzlies capitalized when the Los Angeles Lakers failed to lock in Scotty Pippen Jr., turning a G League opportunity into a reliable NBA contributor.
More recently, the Houston Rockets moved quickly to sign Tristen Newton after the Timberwolves did not secure him beyond a standard G League deal.
As injuries mount and roster flexibility becomes increasingly important, teams are turning to the G League for ready made solutions. With ten-day contracts opening outside of hardship exceptions and deals becoming fully guaranteed on January 7, roster movement is expected to accelerate.
Given his current form and contract status, Hinson appears well positioned to be among the next wave of G League players to earn an NBA opportunity.