Deng Adel attempting to return to the NBA via the G-League

Deng Adel is no certainty to make an appearance on an NBA floor this season, however, as we’ve seen in the past he has the work ethic and drive to get there. His return is set to hinge on how he performs in the NBA G-League.

What now for Adel?

After working his way onto Cleveland’s roster last season and playing 19 games, Adel was signed by the Brooklyn Nets in the off-season. Sadly though, he was waived in mid-October, meaning he will most likely have to play through the G League to make an NBA roster.

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It’s not something Adel is new to, having signed a two-way contract with the Cavaliers last season and plying his trade for the Canton Charge in the G League.

Brooklyn’s G League affiliate is the Long Island Nets, and they are no strangers to Australians, with Mitch Creek playing their last season under now Sydney Kings coach Will Weaver. They have retained the G League rights to Adel, and if he impresses there, he could earn himself a contract with Brooklyn at some point during the season.

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What he brings to the table

At 6’7” with great athleticism and length, Adel has a body that is suited to the modern-day NBA. Throw in his ability to shoot the deep ball and his court vision and you can clearly see why he has NBA potential.

Obviously Adel still has things to work on, but if he can continue to improve he would be a handy asset for an NBA side. If his performances for Houston in the Summer League are anything to go by, his three-point shooting is improving and he looks destined to be a great ‘three and D’ option.

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The G-League is a grind but Adel has demonstrated that he has the work ethic and persistence to embrace a challenge as he showed last year. That’s something that NBA front offices will no doubt respect, especially if you’re thriving and showing improvement.

The future

At just 22-years-old, Adel has a bright future ahead of him and returning to the NBA is once again the goal for him in 2019/20.

This season it looks as though he will push his way through the G League, but if it doesn’t work out, he may benefit from a stint in Europe before attempting to return to the NBA.

Either way, Aussie fans are hoping he can find his way back onto an NBA floor this season and continue to improve as he could be playing a vital role for the Boomers in Tokyo next year.