Jaden Akins Is Turning Heads in the G-League - And an NBA Opportunity Might Not Be Far Behind
Jaden Akins’ basketball journey has been anything but ordinary - but it’s exactly the kind of story that reminds you why patience, perseverance, and trust in the process still matter in today’s game.
Akins arrived at Michigan State with plenty of buzz. A dynamic guard with a high ceiling, he came in with expectations and potential - and over four years under Tom Izzo, he turned that potential into production.
He didn’t chase the transfer portal for more touches or a bigger spotlight. Instead, he stayed locked in, earned his minutes, and grew into a key piece on a Michigan State team that made a deep run to the Elite Eight in 2024-25.
But when the NBA Draft came around, teams didn’t bite. The knock?
Inconsistency on the offensive end. Despite his defensive chops and athleticism, Akins didn’t hear his name called.
Now, halfway through his rookie season with the Motor City Cruise - the G-League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons - Akins is making a strong case that he belongs on an NBA roster. He’s not just surviving in the G-League; he’s thriving.
Through the first half of the season, he’s averaging 19.5 points, 5.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. He’s shooting an efficient 46% from the field and knocking down nearly 40% of his threes - numbers that demand attention.
And it’s not just the stats. Akins is playing with an edge.
He’s flying around on both ends, creating plays off the dribble, and defending like every possession matters - because for him, it does. Every game is a chance to show he’s more than just a G-League standout.
He’s playing like a guy who knows what it takes to earn a roster spot and is doing everything in his power to get there.
His effort hasn’t gone unnoticed. Akins is firmly in the conversation for a G-League All-Star nod - and deservedly so.
While there are several players in the league putting up 20+ points a night, few are doing it with the same combination of athleticism, defensive intensity, and team-first mentality that Akins brings. He’s not just filling up the box score - he’s impacting games.
And here’s the thing: this isn’t some flash-in-the-pan run. This is the culmination of years of development, discipline, and belief.
Akins could’ve taken shortcuts. He didn’t.
He stuck with the grind, trusted Izzo’s system, and now, he’s putting it all together at the pro level.
While some of his G-League peers are weighing college eligibility or bouncing between systems, Akins is locked in on one goal: earning a shot in the NBA. And based on what we’re seeing this season, that shot might be coming sooner rather than later.
From East Lansing to the G-League hardwood, Jaden Akins is proving he’s ready for the next step. A G-League All-Star selection would be a fitting milestone - but don’t be surprised if it’s just the beginning.