While over 80 D-League alum squeezed their way onto opening night rosters of NBA teams, approximately one-third of the near 123 alum were still let go, leaving them to continue their basketball journeys in the NBADL.
And along with that selection of past minor leaguers will come other promising young prospects who will embark on a fresh D-League tour of their own this season while aiming to break back into The Association.
After spending training camp with the Oklahoma City Thunder this fall, former Knicks and Syracuse player Andy Rautins has caught on with the NBA squad's respective D-League affiliate, the Tulsa 66ers.
The Canadian guard spent his rookie year in the NBA with New York during the 2010-11 season. Though he played sparingly, Rautins still managed to develop favor with the Knickerbocker fan base, appearing in a number of web videos with then fellow rookie Landry Fields. The two also went on to star in their own web series, fittingly titled, "The Andy & Landry Show." A couple of his more entertaining appearances (albeit on camera, not on the court), can be found below.
Though he failed to hit the hardwood much for the Kncks that season, the potential surrounding Rautins is still ever present. He has skills worthy of playing both guard positions, able to distribute the ball well and drive to the basket. And while he has characteristics of a floor general, Rautins can still knock down shots from long range.
The guard will turn 26 years of age this Friday (November 2nd), but although he's older than most NBA prospects, Rautins' game is still raw. He needs time on the court to adapt and develop his game to be able to compete on a professional stateside level. In light of last season's NBA lockout, the Syracuse alum took his talents to Spain. Now, he's back closer to home ready to prove he's worth another look.
Among those joining Rautins on the 66ers for the D-League season and/or team training camp will be former NCAA Slam Dunk Champion James Justice, who RidiculousUpisde.com reported earlier had initial plans of being eligible for selection in this Friday's NBADL draft.