NBADL Head Coach Mike Peck Seizes Opportunity To Coach With Portland Trail Blazers Staff At NBA Summer League

There are plenty of advantages in having a direct 'One-to-One' setup with an NBA D-League affiliate, one of them is the ability to implement your coaching philosophy upon the NBADL coaching staff, in hopes of generating an easier transition for assignment players.

Idaho Stampede head coach Mike Peck has had the opportunity to coach alongside the Portland Trail Blazers staff at NBA Summer League, and soaked up every minute, as he further expands his understanding of Portland head coach Terry Stotts' system. The close relationship that Peck has been able to establish with Portland, will surely help his coaching career in the long run, as he prepares himself for his second season coaching in the NBA D-League.

Peck spoke with RidiculousUpside.com about his time at NBA Summer League, and how the process will ultimately benefit him in the long run. "It's been great being with the Trail Blazers. Perhaps the best part of it all was my week up in Portland prior to Summer League, practicing and preparing with the team and the staff. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team. The staff is a great group of experienced coaches and quality individuals that I am fortunate to work with, and be around. I look forward to working with them in training camp this fall." Peck said.

Obviously, Portland found the right guy in Peck when they hired him prior to last season. Peck is well spoken, and eager to learn, perfect for what Portland is wanting to do moving forward. It also helps that Peck had an extremely well-versed background in player development prior to this arrival in Idaho, and he has been able to see some familiar faces in Las Vegas as a result of that.

"It's been great to see not only former players of mine, but players that I competed against, and players that I coached in some capacity at various summer camps and academies across the country during my time at Findlay." Peck added.

Peck is just one of the many coaches in Las Vegas with NBA D-League ties, in fact NBA Development League President Dan Reed, touched on the amount of coaches connected to the NBADL in a recent conversation with RidiculousUpside.com. "Our reputation has grown to the point now that if you're an aspiring NBA coach, you realize the D-League, just like playing in the NBADL, is the fastest way to get to the NBA." Reed commented.

Along with player development, coaching development is also a tremendous aspect of the NBA D-League and it's connection with the NBA. As the league shoots for a 30-to-30 setup, coaches may be the ultimate beneficiaries when everything is said and done. Peck likely projected opportunities such as Summer League when he left Findlay in favor of the NBADL, and is now enjoying the rewards of his decision.

The Portland Summer League squad is comprised of a few players that Peck saw in Idaho last season as assignment players, and perhaps will see again this upcoming year. As a whole, the Las Vegas local has been impressed with what he saw at Summer League. "The talent is as good as advertised and expected. What Warren LeGarie and his staff have done with Summer League is not only amazing, but deserves much praise." Peck concluded.

Peck is right, the event as a whole is structured incredibly well, and is inviting to players, coaches, fans, and media. As NBA Summer League continues to grow, the impact on coaches similar to Peck and his situation, will increase as well. It is a perfect setting for NBADL coaches to further grasp the nuances of the NBA game, and help them with their duties as coaches in the NBA Development League.