NBA D-League Receiving Boosts From Returning Players and Other Recent Acquisitions

Towards the end of last month, NBA executives scrambled to make deals in an attempt to find the perfect fit and/or ideal complements to their squads as the trading season came to a close.

As it so happens, the D-League's respective deadline will pass later this week, on Friday, March 7th. Of course, these teams will also explore potential additions who help provide their respective rosters with an injection of life in hopes of a playoff push. Even so, the minor league happens to have a larger pool (literally) of players to choose from, when looking to make a key acquisition or two.

As many international seasons come to a close, familiar "veteran" players will likely be returning to the D-League in the days to come. We've seen a handful of young guns do so already.

This past fall, Timberwolves' Summer League standout Brandon Paul spoke to RidiculousUpside.com about his decision to venture out to Russia and play overseas, despite receiving NBA training camp invites (and likely D-League gigs to follow). Following his season abroad, the talented former Illinois stud was recently picked up via the Player Pool by the Canton Charge.

Despite being one of the most well-known D-League veterans of all time, Moe Baker was waived by the Santa Cruz Warriors earlier this season. In the last ten days or so, the team has had a few roster spots open up, and brought one of their key leaders right back into the fold. There were arguably more talented options available, but Baker's past experience and guidance for some of the team's youngsters make him a perfect fit for the team, and also vital to their success.

Also previously let go by Santa Cruz this season, Orion Outerbridge is now poised to join the Sioux Falls Skyforce. The freakishly athletic wing is physical down low, but can also take a step back and help his team spread the floor. He should be a nice complement to his new squad's bench.

NBA and D-League veteran Walker Russell has also returned to the D-League, in this instance, following time overseas. A longtime member of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the guard finished last season with the Bighorns. He comes back to Reno, not only providing the team with a bit more notoriety on its roster, but also a fundamentally sound floor general to help connect the dots on offense.

Each of these players are expected to help their teams in what's sure to be in a key stretch over the next few weeks.