Really, How Good is the Level of Play in the D-League?

SantaMenon · Post #16 » by **SantaMenon** » Wed Jan 9, 2013 12:40 am

The D-League is just a baby in the context of the leagues around the world. The improvements this year compared to past years are clear to see. Youtube games are helping the coverage and exposure of the D-League vastly and teams utilizing the D-League more, like Warriors, OKC, Boston, Spurs, Houston are helping this out more.

I think we will see more nba teams seek their own D League affiliate and a few expansion teams soon. The reason there is such a drop off to the D League when compared to the NBA is because the NBA weren't using it properly. Once more teams follow suit and utilise the D-League in the same way as the aforementioned teams, we will see the level of play blossom and the D-League become much more pivotal in overall NBA franchise futures.

Post #17 » by **Devin 1L** » Wed Jan 9, 2013 4:01 am

SantaMenon wrote:The D-League is just a baby in the context of the leagues around the world.

Agreed.

And one thing that I love that I keep hearing from Dan Reed over and over and over is "sustainable growth." They're doing it right. As cool as it would be to have a 1-to-1 relationship with every team this time next year, it won't like that. I hope they keep adding here and there -- doing their research on the markets, improving the D-League making it more attractive to big league clubs -- slowly and sustainably.

The improvements this year compared to past years are clear to see. Youtube games are helping the coverage and exposure of the D-League vastly and teams utilizing the D-League more, like Warriors, OKC, Boston, Spurs, Houston are helping this out more.

I think we will see more nba teams seek their own D League affiliate and a few expansion teams soon. The reason there is such a drop off to the D League when compared to the NBA is because the NBA weren't using it properly. Once more teams follow suit and utilise the D-League in the same way as the aforementioned teams, we will see the level of play blossom and the D-League become much more pivotal in overall NBA franchise futures.

Agreed again. If I'm an NBA team who is truly interested in winning (not just interested in saying that I own a team or being as cheap as I can to make money,) but truly interested in winning, then I would be ashamed if I didn't have at least a hybrid affiliation with a D-League team.

One of the most shocking to me -- the Heat. You've got a superstar core and a contender for years to come just on them alone, but all you really need to do is consistently put system/role players around those big names who fit. What better way than to either outright own a D-League team nearby or have a hybrid affiliation. Pick up players you like, and have them run exactly what you want them to run so that if/when needed, they're there and they're ready. Relative to the massive amounts you're paying out at the NBA level, the costs at the development level are miniscule, and regardless of how good you are, there are still needs (hence the Heat and recent D-Leaguer Varnado.)

chrbal · Post #18 » by **chrbal** » Thu Apr 25, 2013 11:23 pm

as more and more franchises get their own affiliate, the level of play will continue to grow. Obviously it will never be perfect.

RollingWave · Post #19 » by **RollingWave** » Tue Sep 10, 2013 9:08 am

it's probably better than most people realize in terms of play quality.

most of the average / filler type guys were really really good players in division 1 NCAA, the type who's not athletic / dominant enough to warrant a draft but could certainly stand toe to toe with many of those that were drafted while they were in college.

The difference between marginal NBA player and above average D-league player can be extremely limited at times really. watching those games, most of the better starters on a D-League team could easily be the 10-12 man on a bench on most teams. the reason that they're not is that NBA teams will either go with proven players or guys with (theoretically) higher upsides. while the D-league vets are neither.

One could simply use this example , Danny Green and Jeremy Lin, the two players who's probably the most recent major success story of guys floating on the fringes of the NBA, played a lot in the D-League, then people realize that they completely missed the boat with them and they're actually good players. If you look at what they did in the D-league versus what they did in the NBA, the difference is not entirely clear, Green especially was basically a mirror image. while Lin's play in the NBA so far has seen some pretty dramatic ups and downs that it's hard to get a very clear view , but if you look at his D-league number, they were good, but not really dominant, which seem to be a reasonable estimation of the better end of what Jeremy Lin is probably in the NBA assuming he stabilize a bit going forward.

Another interesting litmus test going forward in the next couple year is Glen Rice Jr. the 2nd rounder spend what was suppose to be his senior year in the D-league due to some ugly off court issues that got him kicked off the team, and he looked like a MUCH better prospect on the Vipers than at Georgia Tech, and he was pretty close to being dominant in the D-League, will this translate? if he translate on the similar level of Lin / Green it means he should be a pretty clear starter provided that he can defend a little and maybe a borderline star, will he be that? we'll se

Damon_3388 · Post #20 » by **Damon_3388** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 9:57 pm

Just thought I'd bump this thread after the dominance of Pierre Jackson. He was a good college player, but nothing like what he's shown in the D-League. He scored 58 in a game a couple of weeks ago (D-League record), and has had six other 40 point games this season. Had an 18 assist game just prior to the 58 point outburst, so he's showing all sides of being a point guard. Averaging 29.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 6.2 apg and 1.9 spg. Stands just 5'9" 1/2 without shoes, has a 5'10" wingspan, weighs 176lbs, but has a massive 42" 1/2 inch vertical leap. He's already feeling like he's gone as far as he can go in that setting, and is looking for opportunities overseas now, mainly due to money rather than playing time.

Post #21 » by **Devin 1L** » Sat Feb 15, 2014 10:41 pm

I hope the Pelicans either sign him or trade his rights to a team that will. I'd hate to see him ultimately go overseas, and while it's an atypical situation that he's in, I think it would nevertheless seem to set a bad precedent.

scwarrior+zenit · Post #22 » by **scwarrior+zenit** » Sat Jan 10, 2015 2:59 am

A lot of these posts are from quite a while ago - check out the D-League again if you went away. There are a lot of very talented players. Not that I am biased or anything... but the Santa Cruz Warriors' Aaron Craft was stellar tonight!!! Career high 22 points - he's a fantastic all-around player, both defensively and offensively. He's also a real leader on the court. And there are plenty more double-digit scorers on the team. Sure, the European League salaries are luring players abroad, but here, they are a phone call, a car ride, a quick flight from 'the show' - and we are going to see more guys go there. Hooray for the D-League. Here comes the Showcase and go, go, go Santa Cruz Warriors!!!

Post #23 » by **jman3134** » Sun Jan 11, 2015 8:05 pm

Last year was likely a peak for the D League and it is similarly good this year. I have watched the Westchester Knicks a few times this season and like the level of play. It is above college competition, but clearly below Euroleague. I assume it is comparable to some of the Domestic League teams in Italy/bottom teams in Spain A/bottom teams in France A. The thing about those teams, though, is that they keep guys together for longer periods of time so there is likely more continuity. Tough to really compare, but I think there is enough talent in the D League.

scwarrior+zenit · Post #24 » by **scwarrior+zenit** » Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:16 pm

Are you folks catching any of the Showcase games? They are great! I was at the Arena yesterday and am on my way back soon for the rest of today's games. Very exciting for Santa Cruz and our wonderful

Warriors. First time 'big event' - Kudos to all the SC Warriors staff. Superior teamwork was the hallmark of Santa Cruz's victory last night. Tomorrow will be great with two semi-finals and one consolation round. All teams have players that shine. Hooray for the 2015 NBA D-League Showcase!

Post #25 » by **jman3134** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 1:16 am

Yes, saw Willie Reed play some solid defense on JaMychal Green. Green still managed to light it up and Bryce Cotton was on fire. They still lost by a lot.

In other news, did you see the minor league fantasy thread? Interested?

scwarrior+zenit · Post #26 » by **scwarrior+zenit** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 8:46 am

Caught two games today at the Showcase: Iowa Energy v. Delaware 87ers and Reno Bighorns v. Westchester Knicks.

First match-up included an intense, fast high-powered 1st period; Iowa's teamwork really shone. Diante Garrett, Kalin Lucas, Damien Wilkins were among their great players. Garrett was very strong both offensively and defensively. Lucas was unstoppable. A 3-pointer from Delaware's Melvin Johnson III elicited a "Wow" from the crowd, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson 'floated' above other players and Victor Rudd and Drew Gordon also contributed 3-pointers. Both teams had fans in the stands - perhaps they too, traveled a long way...

The Reno-Westchester game was amazing. Very fast, intense play from both teams. Reno combined outstanding teamwork with incredible individual skill. Brady Heslip just "couldn't miss" many 3-pointers. He was dangerous :-)

from outside. Quincy Miller had plenty of 3s and was there to tip in shots from teammates. Fun and effective back 'n forth between 5'7" Tajuan Porter and 7'5" Sim Bhullar. More than 10 times we saw an interesting strategy: the entire squad replaced by a different set of five players. Kept things lively. Westchester's Orlando Sanchez was a high scorer; Darnell Jackson, Ron Anderson, Jr. and Andre Barrett were also strong. Markeith Cummings' one-handed dunk was poetry. The score was neck-and-neck for much of the game; very exciting.

Tomorrow, Saturday's Showcase will also be great: two semi-final match-ups (Bakersfield v. Sioux Falls and Grand Rapids v.

Santa Cruz

, a consolation round (Austin v. Canton) and the day opens with Oklahoma City v. Idaho. Close to 12 hours of hoops. Everyone is having a great time - fans and scouts are seeing exciting basketball and the Midwesterners and East Coast folks especially are enjoying the balmy 'winter' weather in Santa Cruz.

scwarrior+zenit · Post #27 » by **scwarrior+zenit** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 8:53 am

jman3134: I can't seem to reply to your message to me re minor league fantasy thread. Please provide more info as I've never participated before. Perhaps we can say hello 'in corporeal form,' rather than just cyber-space at the Showcase if you like. I'll be there most of the day.

scwarrior+zenit · Post #28 » by **scwarrior+zenit** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 9:18 pm

Look for the Zenit St. Petersburg basketball scarf.... They won today in Kazhakstan.

Post #29 » by **jman3134** » Sat Jan 17, 2015 11:11 pm

I am not at the event - I watched via NBA TV.

As for the info for fantasy, please see below:
viewtopic.php?f=41&p=42302570#p42302570

scwarrior+zenit · Post #30 » by **scwarrior+zenit** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 10:47 pm

Seth Curry is shining during this afternoon's match-up w/ Iowa. He and Drew Crawford are really on their games. The only challenge for the Curry family this afternoon is his brother having to 'catch' Seth's adorable toddler niece who wants to go on the court and see her Uncle Seth :-)

. Dominant Bayhawks are pulling ahead... Diante Garrett, Kalin Lewis and Damien Wilkins of Iowa, however, are ensuring the game stays fast and exciting.

Damon_3388 · Post #31 » by **Damon_3388** » Sun Jan 18, 2015 11:26 pm

jman3134 wrote:It is above college competition

Considering the dominating numbers some guys put up going from college straight to the D League, I wouldn't be so sure.

Post #32 » by **jman3134** » Mon Jan 19, 2015 12:36 am

You mean they didn't put up big numbers in college but did in the D League? A lot of times that is due to player development.

Post #33 » by **jman3134** » Mon Jan 19, 2015 12:38 am

Taking a look at the DFenders vs. Delaware....I really like DJ Seeley. I would be surprised if he isn't a rotation player at some point. He's a big point guard who makes a lot of the right plays.

Cunningham has been solid as well.

scwarrior+zenit · Post #34 » by **scwarrior+zenit** » Mon Jan 19, 2015 12:50 am

Seeley has been very solid during the first half - individually and sweet teamwork, too, with Tiny, etc. But watch out for Vander Blue; he is very driven. here we go....

basketballbeans · Post #35 » by **basketballbeans** » Sat Feb 7, 2015 5:56 pm

Damon_3388 wrote:
jman3134 wrote:It is above college competition

Considering the dominating numbers some guys put up going from college straight to the D League, I wouldn't be so sure.

You need context here. NBADL games are
(a) longer. NCAA = 40 minutes, NBADL = 48 minutes.
(b) clock stops more often in the NBADL, in the NCAA, it only stops in the last minute of each half (and OT), NBADL is stop unless the ball is actually in play
(c) a much shorter shot clock - 24 seconds (DL) compared to 35 seconds (NCAA).

Anyway, with those 3 factors, average scores in DL-games is much higher then NCAA-D1 games. Last year, NCAA game averaged about 68 points a game (per team), in the D-League, that number is about 109 points a game
* http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaab/2013/01/14/college-basketball-scoring-on-pace-to-be-lowest-in-60-years/1834109/
* http://stats.nbadleague.com/leagueTeamGeneral.html?pageNo=1&rowsPerPage=18&Season=2013-14

Not to mention, look at how most players from NCAA don't dominate in the D-League... currently, into the 2014-15 seasons as of Feb-07-2015, there are only 20 players who average more then 18 points a game. (who are qualified, ie: didn't only play 3 games and then got sent back to the NBA, I mean consistent D-League players) Also look at how much NCAA players aren't good enough to play in the D-League.
* http://stats.nbadleague.com/leadersGrid.html?PerMode=PerGame&sortField=PTS&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&Scope=S&Season=2014-15&StatCategory=PTS&pageNo=1&rowsPerPage=25

There is context that needs to be noticed. Saying NCAA-D1 is better then NBADL is ridiculous. The majority of NBADL players were stars in NCAA-D1 or solid players on very good teams in which many play in the NBA.