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2010 NBA D-League Showcase: Day One in Review

Well, my first day, I wasn't able to blog like I would've liked, mostly due to the fact that I had to go charge my computer nearly every half because my table didn't have a power strip.  So, if you would've liked to see more of my day one musings, check us out on Twitter @RidiculousUpside. (I've never figured out if that @ can acually mean "at", or do I have to say at @ridiculousupside?  Fill me in)

Anyway, if I were to put together an All-D-League-First-Day team, it'd look like this:

PG - Cheyne Gadson.  He's not NBA talent, unfortunately, but he played well for Dakota as a point guard off the bench.  I've never been impressed by Gadson, but he really played well for the Wizards in just his second game after being claimed off the free agent wire.  With David Bell injured, Gadson came in off the bench and actually took over the game.  21 points, 8 assists and four turnovers on 9-of-21 shooting may not sound great, but his passing acumen was outstanding.  He also, as I tweeted so eloquently, " can shake and bake with the best of them. (Best with Shake n Bake? My mom)".

SG - Carlos Powell.  Powell's been playing a lot at the 2 as of late and playing well.  20 points, 5 boards, 5 assists, 4 steals and shot 8-of-17 from the field.  As the great Rick Kamla might say, he's 6'9", he's left handed, heshshehshehshee needs to play professional basketball in America.  He said that about Sun Yue, and Powell's only 6'7, but the rest is true.  He's call-up worthy.

SF - Morris Almond.  Partially because there wasn't another worthy small forward, partially because he dominates the game of basketball.  If I were in the business of calling players up, I'd have a tough time choosing between Almond and Powell right now.  Powell has a more rounded out game, but Almond's definitely one of the great scorers in the D-League.  Tonight was no exception, as Almond dominated the scoring in the nightcap, finishing with 31 points on 17 shots and contributed eight boards.  Not bad.

PF - Diamon Simpson. I'm trying to talk myself into loving Simpson as an NBA player and I'm almost there.  He's only 6'7" and not exactly beefy, but the guy has the motor to make it.  The problem is, he sometimes seem to forget he's playing basketball.  Still, he'll hustle like crazy, work hard on defense and do the little things that help teams win.  He's not a stud by any means, but his 22 point, 14 board, 4 block performance this afternoon made me think an NBA team would be wise to take a flyer on him later in the year, put him on their Summer League team and run with him next season.

C - Anthony Tolliver.  He's not a center, but the box score says he is and no center was worthy, so I'm rolling with it.  Tolliver is just impossible to be defended by the D-League big men.  He's too quick to be defended on the perimeter by the big guys and can get buckets in the post, once again, because they're a bit too slow.  I don't want to pick on Marcus Campbell or Kentrell Gransberry, but you have to put a quick, legit big man on Tolliver in the D-League.  Unfortunately, quick and legit big men don't exist in the D-League.  Tolliver finished his night with 24 points, shooting 5-of-10 from beyond the arc.  He also grabbed nine boards, but turned it over five times.  He won't be in the D-League long, whether it be the NBA or overseas, because everyone I talk to that hasn't been following the D-League is verry impressed.

6th Man - Maurice Baker.  He just shows up for the D-League Showcase, apparently.  Today, the Wizards needed him to move over to the 2, though he started at point, which isn't his typical position.  He dominated, scoring 29, grabbing 12 boards, swiping three steals and turning the ball over just once.  If scouts were seeing him for the first time (at age 30, that'd be odd, but still) and disappointed he's not a point guard, he is.  But he can score as well.

After the jump, I've included some of my best tweets and other random musings for your enjoyment.  Most aren't about basketball.

Star-divide

  • Rio Grande Valley's chemistry is off. A lot.  I've deducted when Albuquerque traded Will Conroy's right it was addition by subtraction before addition.  I'm sure of you math majors will be able to figure that out.
  • There are a lot of foreign scouts and GM's in attendance.  I'm planning on talking to them to see if they're more scouting for next year or buying them out of their current contracts.
  • Anthony Tolliver is good at shooting.
  • The Idaho Stampede dance team's hot. Might just be the white go-go boots and black booty shorts, but if they wanted to hang at Super 8 tonite..  [after an outfit change] Stampede dancers are decidedly less hot with this new outfit. Shux.
  • Desmon Farmer just yelled the 2nd loudest "F***" of the day. He also had the first.
  • I was told my blogging is too cynical.  I knew that.
  • Sitting up here next to Nancy Lieberman, I think I found out who the D-League Logo is. Her. I came to this conclusion after being reminded of this.
  • With this sweet media credential, I get access to free food.  I like this a lot, because it was actually good. I want to be media when I grow up.
  • I need to shave for tomorrow.  If I'm going to get a job, I should look professional.  Or have a legit beard like Reno's Doug Thomas.  I think those are my only two options.
  • Rod Benson asked if I got my shoes at Bass Pro Shop.  This hurt my feelings.  I'm wearing new shoes tomorrow.
  • Mario West plays the point guard.  If he can do that, that's great.  I'm not convinced he can't.
  • Without the crowd, it's tough to tell good games.  Two games went to overtime, one to double.  I'm convinced D-League teams should travel cheerleaders.
  • There were only six fans here for the night game (Boise State Bowl Game) and one lady awkwardly chanted E-Man a lot.  I don't know what it means.
  • Maine is not owned by the Boston Celtics.

0 recs  |  Comment 23 comments |

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Bowl gAme

Had deffintly affected the attendence tonight. Hopefully tommorow will be bettr, attendence wise at least

by knickknack7450 on Jan 5, 2010 12:33 AM EST via mobile reply actions   0 recs

It won't be.

The home team but doesn’t play at all and the evening game is Dakota at Springfield. Unless the Idaho fans missed former coach Rory White, there’s no reason to watch that game.

by Scott Schroeder on Jan 5, 2010 3:01 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

You bought your shoes at Bass Pro Shop didn't you?

Also, correction: The STATE of Maine is owned by the Boston Celtics. The Red Claws, however, are not.

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Jan 5, 2010 12:44 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Which one are you saying is a fact?

Because my mom got my shoes for me as a late birthday gift. They were probably from some super-cool-trendy store, like the Gap!

by Scott Schroeder on Jan 5, 2010 3:02 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

The Gap doesn't sell shoes that Scott Schroeder would wear.

The Bass Pro Shop and/or Miss Goody Two Shoes would though.

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Jan 5, 2010 8:44 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Ridiculous Scott

I can look for shoes for you that will show BoomTho up! Also I think traveling the dance team would be the most annoying thing ever! All you would hear is them!! One more thing…what kinda food do you get?? Hope you having fun, thanks!

by jo22collins on Jan 5, 2010 10:33 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Wrong, dance teams are highly entertaining

and extrodinarily important to morale.

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Jan 5, 2010 10:36 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Aisander oh how I've missed you!!

But the arena is just way to empty to have them there, it would just be awkward!!!

by jo22collins on Jan 5, 2010 11:54 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Glad you guys are worried bout my kicks

and reuniting. I feel my Air Force Ones will be fine today. I’m a hipster.

by Scott Schroeder on Jan 5, 2010 11:58 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

No. You need something truly hipster. These.

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Jan 5, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

I love those!!

You would be a hit around the arena maybe the Idaho dancers would even notice you!

by jo22collins on Jan 5, 2010 12:10 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

just fact dude, don’t get all European on me brah

by TheArtistFormerlyKnownAsMichaelBourn on Jan 6, 2010 11:03 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

You forgot to mention that Morris Almond has possibly the best nickname in the D-League. Mo Nuts was at the Magic summer camp this year, but was passed over.

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Jan 5, 2010 9:26 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Absolutely the best nickname I have ever heard.

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Jan 5, 2010 9:52 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Coincidentally

That was Aisander D’s nickname in high school.

by Scott Schroeder on Jan 5, 2010 11:59 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

No, mine was Many Nuts.

Blogging at Ridiculous Upside, where my terrible writing meets people's eyes.

by Aisander D on Jan 5, 2010 12:01 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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