Two-Way Deal Dynamics: How Young Pros Like Riley Minix Fit in the NBA’s Developmental System

When it comes to the NBA, there are never enough good players to watch in the most anticipated matches. The more players there are, the more exciting the games become. Nowadays, the NBA’s developmental system takes advantage of the NBA G League in order to reshape careers and teams.

Young pros like Riley Minix fit perfectly into the system thanks to two-way deals, which help develop talent, prepare for the future, and innovate. The modern G League prepares teams from pure potential to NBA-ready. This gives opportunities to more players and makes fans more excited to keep an eye on the biggest events, where the thrill often comes from following the action closely and exploring different ways to engage, such as placing Internet bets alongside friends or fellow supporters.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Developing Players and Teams

The NBA was in need of a proper minor league system for a while. Unlike other sports, such as football, which have their own programs for recruiting new talent, basketball has been struggling. However, thanks to the G League, things look promising.

The modern G League has 30 teams, with most of them being directly affiliated with NBA franchises. Through this league, players don’t need to spend their time on the end of the bench. Instead, they have the opportunity to participate in a team’s system. Thus, they will be able to evolve by following the same principles and using the same strategies as the main club.

It’s a system that allows players to be ready for the big games when the time comes. Point guards can become familiar with a group’s pace in the G League before being thrown into the biggest arenas. Similarly, players can perfect their defense and be ready for the NBA when called, and so on.

It’s a tactic that gives basketball players the chance to grow and teaches them the right way to improve within the organization they’ll be part of.

Smooth Transitions Through Two-Way Contracts

Two-way contracts have become an essential aspect in the NBA. Teams are able to keep prospects in-house while giving them some NBA time when necessary. As such, rosters can be built more efficiently. For instance, when any team member gets injured, a G League starter can be a replacement through a two-way deal.

The gap between the G League and NBA is smaller than ever. The positive results of this process were already obvious in 2023-24, when over 50% of NBA players already possessed G League experience.

Riley Minix Agreed to a Two-Way Contract with the Spurs

Riley Minix is a young pro player who is a good example of what two-way contracts can achieve. The 24-year-old went undrafted in 2024 before spending time with the Austin Spurs, the G League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs. Not long ago, the Spurs re-signed Minix on a two-way NBA contract.

Minix only appeared in one NBA game for the team. However, this was enough for him to make a positive impression. Minix is originally from Morehead State. He transferred to Southeastern University and enjoyed quick progress through the NAIA ranks.

Eventually, he joined the NBA pipeline. Minix is 6.7, and he has a great work ethic and amazing shooting skills. As such, even though he has been undrafted, he was able to make a name for himself.

Now that he has entered a two-way contract, he can be part of both the G League and NBA in 2025-26. He will contribute to the Spurs’ efforts while developing his skills and becoming a better player himself.

Ulrich Chomche – Great Progress Obvious at Summer League

Another young player who proves just how beneficial two-way deals are for the NBA’s system is Ulrich Chomche. The player plays for Raptors 905 in the G League and for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA.

While he isn’t expected to become a consistent player in the NBA this season, his progress has been nothing short of extraordinary.

His game has become more relaxed and fluid in Las Vegas. He is using his instincts more, and he doesn’t feel overwhelmed, but rather looks more confident in what he does.

“His development’s been, honestly, amazing,” said teammate A.J. Lawson. “He’s been really into the defensive level, being there defensively for us, being our anchor right there. Blocking shots, talking to us on defence, calling out the pick-and-rolls and stuff.”

Lawson mentioned how there’s still a lot of work to be done, but for now, the difference from where Chomche was a year ago to where he is now is massive. Everything he was missing a year ago is being fixed.

Last season, Chomche suffered a knee injury, which delayed his efforts. However, it was still a lesson for the young player. It allowed him to sit and watch from the side, which was also a way for him to learn and improve himself.

With the two-way deal dynamics, the NBA is starting to see the benefits. Players like Chomche and Minix are living proof that things are working out within the developing NBA system and that we can expect to see more exciting stuff moving forward.

The G League has improved a lot, and it’s a key aspect of the NBA ecosystem today. New stars are born, and teams are getting better. Not only does the investment increase, but so does the talent pool and the fan interest.