A year earlier, Michigan State’s stacked roster, which included players like Tyson Walker, AJ Hoggard, and Malik Hall at the top, helped them start the season in the top five.
The season, regrettably, did not turn out as the Spartans had hoped.
Hoggard and Mady Sissoko, for example, dropped out of the program to use the transfer portal, whereas Hall and Walker graduated and pursued careers. Both are attempting to capitalize on the opportunities they have had in the G-League, despite the fact that neither was selected in the draft. Hall made his initial move on Friday when he was acquired by the Motor City Cruise, a Detroit Pistons G-League club, while Walker was with the Suns as an undrafted free agent. Hall ultimately ended up with the Hornets.
For Hall, who will rejoin the team in the state where he played collegiate ball, this is a significant move. Many Cruise fans will probably be cheering him on, and it might be his chance to make a splash and be noticed by the NBA. Although the Pistons are now doing very well, he might land a two-way contract if he shows himself with the Cruise.
What was Hall’s performance with the Greensboro Storm this season? Despite playing in just nine games, he shot 56% from the field and averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per contest. He shot only 53 percent from the free throw line and failed to make a single three-pointer. After graduating from Michigan State, Malik Hall probably believed his playing days in Michigan were over. The Spartan basketball player’s goal was to become a professional player.
Indeed, like fellow Spartan Miles Bridges, Hall found himself in the Hornets’ organization. Hall was in the NBA G-League draft class after failing to immediately make the Hornets’ roster at the beginning of the NBA season. He was chosen by the Greensboro Swarm, the Hornets’ G-League affiliate, thus it turned out to be a fantastic chance. He was indeed selected by the squad in the first round of that particular draft.
Hall was selected highly, but he only played in a few games. He will now have the opportunity to return to Michigan, where he flourished while attending MSU. His adaptability was crucial to Tom Izzo’s success from 2019 to 2024. Hall’s rights were officially acquired by the Detroit Pistons’ G-league franchise through a trade with Greensboro. Malik should be able to get more playing time with Motor City, hopefully. It’s wonderful to see him back in the state, that much is certain. He has the ability to influence the Cruise and has been a pleasure to watch over the years.
Hall will represent the team with the number 33. He will also have the opportunity to play alongside many other former Big Ten players, since the Cruise also includes guys like Ron Harper Jr. of Rutgers and Lamar Stevens of Penn State. Kalin Lucas played for the Grand Rapids Gold when they were still a part of Detroit as the Drive, so this isn’t the first time a former Spartan has been a member of the Pistons’ G-League affiliate. I sincerely hope that this provides Hall the chance to eventually receive a shot in the NBA, regardless of what happens to him. Malik, welcome home.
