Fansided

5 reasons why the NBA needs a complete minor league

By DJoumbarey A. Moreau

Mar 28, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) backs down on Milwaukee Bucks forward Marquis Daniels (6) during the third quarter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) backs down on Milwaukee Bucks forward Marquis Daniels (6) during the third quarter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Mar 1, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings (7) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings (7) brings the ball up the court during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Players would play in the US

Brandon Jennings, Emmanuel Mudiay, Jeremy Tyler. These are all players who elected to play basketball overseas instead of going the traditional route of going to high school, college, then the pros. What if these players were drafted out of high school and sent straight to the D-League?

Having Jennings and Mudiay face next level competition in the states would help their games tremendously. They would be facing a hungry group of talented individuals who are also waiting to get an opportunity to play in the NBA, rather than playing abroad and going through horrible experiences.

They would still have to wait three years to play, but they could take care of their families financially and not be exploited by the NCAA (more on them later).

It also helps with the development of international players. Guys like Serge Ibaka, Nikola Pekovic, Ricky Rubio, and Nikola Mirotic could develop in the D-League after being drafted.

Instead of going abroad and playing against lesser competition, international players would get the chance to adjust to the United States. It would help them not only to play basketball but the little things such as learning the language and culture of the States.

(2:30 3:28)

Players like Bruno Caboclo (the Brazilian KD) who are “two years away from being two years away” could develop within the United States and get accustomed to the tempo and speed of the game.

Home/NBA