Jaden Akins Is Making Noise in the G League - And NBA Teams Are Starting to Listen
Jaden Akins came into the college game with NBA buzz, but his time at Michigan State left scouts with more questions than answers. The athleticism was never in doubt - he was one of the most explosive players on Tom Izzo’s roster - but the inconsistencies in his shooting and limited reps as a primary ball-handler made it tough for teams to project his role at the next level.
So when his name wasn’t called in the 2025 NBA Draft, it wasn’t exactly a shock.
What was surprising, though, was how long it took for a Summer League team to give him a shot. Eventually, he landed with the Detroit Pistons’ G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise - a hometown fit that’s starting to look like the perfect situation for his development.
And now? Akins is turning heads.
He’s not just surviving in the G League - he’s thriving. The former Spartan has grown into one of the Cruise’s most reliable contributors, and his all-around production has earned him a spot in the G League’s Next Up Game - the league’s version of an All-Star showcase. That’s a big deal, especially for a rookie.
Let’s be clear: not many first-year players make it to this stage. The Next Up Game is where NBA scouts and execs lock in on emerging talent, and Akins just put himself squarely on their radar.
Through his rookie campaign, Akins is averaging 17.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game - a well-rounded stat line that shows he’s doing a bit of everything for the Cruise. He’s scoring at all three levels, showing improved decision-making as a secondary playmaker, and defending with the kind of intensity Izzo-coached players are known for.
More importantly, he looks comfortable. That wasn’t always the case in East Lansing, where his role fluctuated and his offensive rhythm came and went.
But in Detroit, he’s playing with confidence, attacking off the dribble, and knocking down shots with consistency. The game has slowed down for him - and it’s showing in the results.
Akins may not have had the cleanest path to professional basketball, but he’s making the most of his opportunity. The Next Up Game isn’t just a pat on the back - it’s a platform. And if he continues to build on this momentum, it’s only a matter of time before an NBA team gives him a real shot.
He’s already proven he belongs in the conversation. Now, the next step is proving he belongs on an NBA roster. And based on what we’ve seen so far in the G League, don’t be surprised if that call comes sooner rather than later.