Not sure how the teams that don't have a d league affiliate will use the d league now.
Nets one of the teams without an affiliate. I remember reading that they were supposed to be looking at having a 1:1 relationship with a d league team and were possibly going to have a team in Brooklyn.
NBA needs to push the envelope on the D League a bit more. It's still not quite the minor league system that it could be. Seems like they could make the flow between the to leagues much more comprehensive and less punitive than they currently have it. More flexibility with NBA rosters would be better IMO.
nixluva wrote:NBA needs to push the envelope on the D League a bit more. It's still not quite the minor league system that it could be. Seems like they could make the flow between the to leagues much more comprehensive and less punitive than they currently have it. More flexibility with NBA rosters would be better IMO.
i agree 100% and ive been saying this for yrs. the D league should be like a minor league system for each team. they should retain rights to that player and shuttle him to the big leagues if need be.
some more changes i would make
- give kids the option: go pro "D League" or stay in college 2 yrs.
- allow kids to go pro from HS. but the "pros" would be the minor leagues making $60,000. that way they stay humble, learn the system and wont cry about the not having the right to earn a living
- once a rookie goes pro, hes only allowed to be called up AFTER the trade deadline in feb. that would make for some more excitement at the trade deadline (anticipation of these rookies)or kids would stay in college more because they dont want to be stuck in Iowa
- this would create excitement and $$$ revenue for the D league teams in Westchester, NY or Tuscaloosa, AL just to watch prospects
- of course the D League would have to be MORE WATCHABLE - as in believe in the concept of playing defense
- by doing this, it increases the QUALITY of the rookie which helps the NBA. Either getting a more seasoned rookie from 2 yrs of college or acquiring a kid who has learned the system in the minors and has played against DLeague/Summer League talent. (far too often, most rookies are "redshirted" and waist a NBA roster spot learning the game or gaining weight to play the game).
ALL OF THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN THOUGH BECAUSE THE NBA HAS THE NCAA FOR FREE ADVERTISING OF THEIR YOUNG STARS
