Jaden Akins was always thought to have NBA potential, but his inconsistency at Michigan State really cast some doubt. He was always one of the best players on the Spartans’ roster, as well as one of the most athletic, but his shot wasn’t quite as consistent as NBA scouts would’ve liked, and he didn’t have a ton of experience handling the ball as a point guard.
So when he went undrafted this past summer, it wasn’t much of a surprise.
It was surprising to see how long it took for a Summer League team to pick him up and for him to earn a G-League contract. He got one with the hometown Pistons as a member of the Motor City Cruise.
With the Cruise, Akins has turned a corner as a player, and it looks like his days under Tom Izzo are beginning to pay off as he looks comfortable in the G-League as one of the best players it has to offer as a rookie.
Don’t believe me? All you have to do is look at who made the G-League’s all-star game to realize that Akins is not only playing well for a rookie, but he’s one of the best guards in the entire league.
This week, he earned a spot in the G-League’s Next Up Game.
Jaden Akins: Future NBA guard?
Making the G-League’s version of the All-Star Game is a great start to Akins’ professional basketball career, and I’d be willing to bet that not many rookies usually make this event.
With that said, this should serve as a resume-booster, and NBA teams will be watching closely to see how he operates against some of the best players in the league. Plus, he’s just going to have a ton of eyes on him regardless because the players at this event have to be regarded as NBA prospects.
Although he went undrafted in 2025, Akins has carved out a nice role for himself with the Motor City Cruise, averaging 17.8 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. He’s doing a little of everything at the G-League level for the Cruise.
Get this man to the NBA.