NBA D-League Draft Order Announced

by Scott Schroeder on Oct 11, 2025 10:49 PM EDT in NBA Draft 2011

As it stands, Curtis Sumpter ranks as the top player signed for the D-League Draft.

The NBA Development League is still in the local tryouts stage of the offseason. The next step was decided on Tuesday night at the D-League coaches meetings in Denver, Colo. when the 2011 D-League Draft order was determined (by random drawing) for the annual conference call scheduled to take place on Nov. 3.

In a bit of irony, Los Angeles D-Fenders coach Eric Musselman will have the first overall pick in the 2011 D-League Draft for the second season in a row after selecting Nick Fazekas with his first pick as head coach of the Reno Bighorns last season. It's an interesting twist considering Coach Musselman traded away the Bighorns' first round pick in this year's draft -- Reno ended up with the 13th overall pick -- in order to improve last season by picking up Patrick O'Bryant.

The draft order isn't necessarily as important in the D-League as it would be in most leagues, though, as it operates in the serpentine format seen in most fantasy sports drafts. For example, the Springfield Armor will pick last in the first round, but the New Jersey Nets owned team also has the first pick (17th overall) in the second round.

The order of the first round will be:
1. Los Angeles D-Fenders
2. Austin Toros
3. Maine Red Claws
4. Sioux Falls Skyforce
5. Texas Legends
6. Iowa Energy (to Bakersfield)
7. Erie BayHawks
8. Bakersfield Jam
9. Idaho Stampede (to Erie)
10. Fort Wayne Mad Ants

11. Tulsa 66ers

12. Dakota Wizards

13. Reno Bighorns (to Bakersfield)
14. Rio Grande Valley Vipers
15. Canton
16. Springfield Armor (to Tulsa)

Hopefully the NBA lockout ends in time, but if not, the D-League is the next best option for those of us stateside interested in watching professional basketball this season.

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Comments

I'm back again..

So does this mean the Armor have the #1 waiver priority?

And if so does this mean that they could hypothetically use it to sign MarShon Brooks a la the way the Thunder did with Ryan Reid last year?

*Note: For other reasons, I doubt the signing would occur but based off your other article:

https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2011/7/1/2253805/nba-lockout-2011-news-update-rookies#storyjump

It is posisble right?

by NetsForce on Oct 12, 2025 8:12 PM EDT reply actions

They will have top waiver priority

But I’ve been told that first round picks are considered part of the NBPA for all intents and purposes relating to this rule. Jordan Williams might be worth it, though, if there’s not a roster spot for him in New Jersey.

(And thanks for reading/paying attention!)

I write about basketball players with Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Oct 13, 2025 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Aw man...

That’s a shame… As for Jordan Williams It’s likely the Nets will have room and want to sign him whenever the new CBA is agreed upon, but if he were to pull a Ryan Reid would his draft rights be affected in any way?

by NetsForce on Oct 13, 2025 1:51 AM EDT reply actions

Nope

It’d be just like Ryan Reid. Until he signs with the Nets and they release him, the Nets hold his rights … it’d be the same as if he went overseas, except he’d be in a system the Nets have instilled in Springfield rather than across the ocean.

I write about basketball players with Ridiculous Upside. I know you'll love it.

by Scott Schroeder on Oct 13, 2025 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions