Since the NBA established its “one-and-done” rule in 2005, elite players have explored alternative options to a year in NCAA basketball — particularly ones that would actually pay them salaries.

Since 2020, six players have been selected in NBA drafts from the G League Ignite program. Four of the six, led by 2021 No. 2 pick Jalen Green, went in the first round. Two additional players have signed NBA contracts despite not being drafted.

That trend will continue this year: Consensus top-three 2023 NBA Draft pick Scoot Henderson spent two years playing for the program. Leonard Miller is projected to go in the top 20. Sidy Cissoko, a French prospect and Ignite player, is on the cusp of earning a draft contract.

But what exactly is the pseudo-minor league program churning out NBA prospects?