All about the D-League

by Fantasy Junkie on Jan 9, 2007 1:40 PM PST in Links

Scott Ostler recently wrote an article about sending Project O'Bryant to the D-League. I think it was a wise choice given the situation. He needs to play to develop and in the NBA, he was not getting that chance. Of course, he won't be playing nearly the same level of competition, but he'll gain some confidence and develop his talent. What's more, he's got Jim Harrick as his coach. That guy can flat out coach. He may be a little shady off the court, but he knows basketball. So, I'm hoping that in POB's time in Bakersfield he can grow and develop to at least be Biedrins' backup next year.

Jam coach Jim Harrick has been urging the Warriors all along to assign O'Bryant to Bakersfield. When Harrick read a newspaper story about Nelson letting O'Bryant decide where he spends his rookie season, Harrick phoned the Warriors' front office and made this point: "Who's the parent?"

"I thought I could learn more by watching (while sitting on the Warriors' bench)," O'Bryant says. "I finally kind of saw the light."

In baseball, there's no stigma to being sent to the minors for more seasoning. But in the NBA, it's a new concept, and not yet wildly popular with the demotees. And O'Bryant is the first NBA lottery pick ever "assigned" to the D-League.

Be sure to check out OaktownFunk's diary, Notorious POB NBDL stat tracker for how POB is playing right now.

The article wasn't all about Project being sent down, it really shed some light on the life of a D-Leaguer and how tough it really is. Salaries top out at $24,000, you're never guaranteed a roster spot so players with injuries when they shouldn't be playing, and hopes of making the NBA are slim to none.

Contracts in the D-League are not guaranteed. Sprain an ankle, pack your bag. The first day of Jam training camp, Harrick told his players, "I'll be frank with you: None of your jobs are safe. None of 'em."

Maybe that's why when Bobbitt twists an ankle Thursday night, writhing in pain, a minute later, he is begging his way back into the game.

Thursday morning, the Jam bring in a new player, Slay. He just walked out of a seven-figure multiyear contact in Greece so he could play here and take a shot at returning to the NBA. To make room, Harrick has to cut a player, telling him gently, "Go get a job, son. You can't play in this league."

Perhaps this is the real beginning of an NBA minor league system. There are lots of young players just sitting on the benches in the NBA not getting a chance to play. Right now, I'm not sure if it's better to sit on the bench and collect DNP-CD's or play 30-35 minutes in the D-League. I think I'd like the NBA to start using the D-League as baseball uses their minor leagues. Basically, let the young guys develop there and then bring them up when they're needed or ready. We need more Kelenna Azubuike's, players who are ready to step in and contribute, and less Patrick O'Bryant's, players with no chance of seeing the court.

What do you expect from Notorious POB next year?

Also see: Patrick O'Bryant aka The Notorious P.O.B. Will Be Jammin' in the D-League

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Comments

i expect

him to be leading the league in rebounding and blocked shots for YOUR Bakersfield Jam!! :)

Let's Go Oakland! Gas, Brake, Dip.

by OaktownFunk on Jan 9, 2007 2:16 PM PST 0 recs

another wasted draft pick..

in an overall horrible draft..neither POB or kosta have any potential to contribute for years...

the crowning achievement of ira newble's illustrious career

by JudBooshlur on Jan 9, 2007 2:35 PM PST 0 recs

What

happened with that gibberish post you made?

by Zorgon on Jan 9, 2007 8:23 PM PST up 0 recs

He'll be Fine

Playing will get him to improve. Maybe make him hungrier. Harrick is a good coach and POB can use good coaching. I've got work down in Bakersfield and now I hope to see POB once or twice.

Nothing better than "The City".

by philsmith75 on Jan 9, 2007 4:43 PM PST 0 recs

i hope you're not a team scout...

cuz even i could tell after watching him in one game that he has two left feet, is mechanical & unathletic. the only thing he's got going for him is length. and the thing he could improve is his robotic offensive game.

frankly, he'd get embarrassed against by pick & roll. plus, his is so slow, he'll constantly find himself in bad position against dribble penetration & pick up fouls.

i cant believe mullin & co. couldnt at least tell this guy has two left feet by watching him run.

by the evil monkey on Jan 9, 2007 6:18 PM PST up 0 recs

Hmmmm.

Sounds a lot like AB in his first year. Plus, both guys have pretty good hands (tho AB has some of the best "big man" hands in the league). Like AB, POB came in as a very young guy. Give him some time. If he works as hard as AB, we'll start seeing a difference -- maybe as early as next year.

by johnl on Jan 10, 2007 11:24 AM PST up 0 recs

quick question

so when it says no contracts are guarenteed, i imagine if the chef were to be hurt he wouldnt be cut right?

imagine a loterry pick being cut from the d-league his rookie year

by badnamedwarriorfan on Jan 9, 2007 5:17 PM PST 0 recs

badnamedwarriorfan - see SFGate for the answer

POB's got an NBA rookie contract that is guaranteed.

The other people on the team are simply free agents and other fringe players trying to land a chance to the NBA. They are ones without guaranteed contracts.

by coach41 on Jan 9, 2007 5:27 PM PST 0 recs