G League Ignite’s Thierry Darlan Presents Interesting 2024 NBA Draft Case
For as talented as the players have been that the Ignite have sent to the NBA — Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Dyson Daniels, Scoot Henderson and more — this year’s team might just be their most talented class ever.
Headlined by top high school players Ron Holland and Matas Buzelis, each of which impressed in their debuts versus the Perth Wildcats, they should field multiple top-five draftees in the the 2024 NBA Draft. And Izan Almansa, a talented and versatile big with connective attributes, has plenty of accolades via past FIBA tournaments that make him a potential lottery selection too.
But perhaps their most intriguing offseason addition was Thierry Darlan, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard who might have a hard time impressing on such a talented team this season, but offers an exceptionally interesting skillset that could allow him to thrive regardless.
Darlan was a standout from NBA Academy Africa, and one of the last major prospects to sign to the G League squad. He’s a talented offensive prospect with a knack for perimeter shooting and generally poised shot-making.
With a lean frame, he has snappy movement with some quick change-of-direction when darting around the court. He utilizes it well, finding open space and firing shots off with his smooth, fluid release. He has good athleticism and should have no problem fitting in with other professionals in that sense.
Offensively, Darlan will need a bit more polish overall, but has the maneuverability and shot-making skills to become a talented off-ball wing. Which is exactly how he could thrive on the current iteration of the Ignite.
Defensively, that very same movement carries over, making him a handful at the point-of-attack and even off-ball.
There might not be a concrete way Darlan can showcase his skills with the current talent on the Ignite. But if his talent can manage to seep through the cracks, even if just for fleeting moments, NBA teams will likely take no issue in spending a draft pick on his potential.
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