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The Texas Legends selected Christian Eyenga with the 8th overall selection in this year's NBA D-League draft. But with the dominant play of Chris Douglas-Roberts for the Legends, Eyenga seemed to struggle initially in finding a role with the team. His offensive numbers in particular were down to start the season. Now, with the exit of Douglas-Roberts, look for Eyenga to carry the team both defensively and offensively.
In the Texas Legends' first game of the post-CDR era, Eyenga led the team in scoring with 22 points as the Legends took down the Iowa Energy 92-85. Texas will take on Fort Wayne this upcoming Friday night. Will Eyenga become a more involved and prevalent scorer for Texas going forward?
Before Eyenga's 22 point showing against Iowa, the former Cleveland Cavaliers first round draft pick (30th overall) had only eclipsed the 20-point mark twice in the first 12 games of this season.
The swingman has been known more for his defense rather than his offensive skills during his career, as he is averaging an NBA D-League career best 2.6 blocks per game this season. Eyenga has a nose for the ball defensively, and can be in line for a couple of steals on any given night.
Since being drafted by the Cavs in the 2009 NBA draft, Eyenga has been assigned to the D-League five times, and been apart of four different NBA D-League teams. Last season, Eyenga played for both the Los Angeles D-Fenders and Canton Charge. In order for him to finally stick with an NBA team and receive a Call-Up ala his former teammate Chris Douglas-Roberts, he will need to show teams that he can contribute on the offensive end as well as the defensive end.
Even while CDR was apart of the Legends' roster, Eyenga still enjoyed a solid amount of minutes. On the season, he is averaging 30.8 minutes, but his efficiency during those minutes will likely increase as he becomes more of a focal point offensively. This season, Eyenga is averaging 15.2 points per contest, his highest total in his NBA D-League career.
Eyenga undoubtedly has his sights set at a return to the NBA. If he can bump up his scoring average while also playing with his usual athletic and high energy, the combo guard could see a return to the top of the prospect list in the NBA D-League, and the possibility of another shot in The Association.