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 /
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Apr 4, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) works against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) works against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Franchises can run their system through their minor league team

Here is an example for fictional purposes.

Lets say that the NBA age limit does get raised to three years out of high school. Lets say that in 2019 Uncle Drew (got to love him) was the number one prospect. Instead of Drew signing a letter of intent to play at Duke, he enters into the 2019 NBA Minor League Draft. Uncle Drew then gets drafted first overall to the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

The Lakers would own the rights to Uncle Drew when he is ready to come up to the NBA. This would mean that every NBA team would finally have their own D-League affiliate.

Since Drew is not eligible yet, he would play in the D-League. What is the best way to have Drew ready to play for the Lakers in three years?

Have him run their system. 

The Lakers could have their minor league coach teach and play the same defensive schemes, and offensive plays and sets to prepare Drew for the grand stage of the NBA. Players would be a lot more seasoned and instead of sitting on the bench and being out of the fold of game action, they would grow and understand the terminology, spacing and sets of their franchise’s NBA team. When it would be time to get called up, the players would have the knowledge because of the preparation they experienced in the D-League.

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