:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47472942/20121204_kkt_ap3_789.0.0.0.jpg)
The NBA D-League Draft often provides the game's up and comers (and sometimes the downright unknown) with an opportunity to strut their stuff, be seen, and hopefully allow basketball's key decision-makers to discover them for the first time. First impressions are often key to eventual success.
If such players are lucky enough, their efforts will leave somewhat of a lasting impression, even if they fail to stick (at the D-League or NBA level, for that matter) initially. Thus, the draft can sometimes be a platform for second chances as well.
With that in mind, there are sure to be more than a handful of familiar faces in this year's player pool. RidiculousUpside.com has learned that former Canton Charge and Fort Wayne Mad Ants guard Kyle Randall will be among those young guns hoping for a D-League return. He's, once again, in the player pool, and eligible for draft selection.
Randall appeared in 28 games as a minor league rookie with both teams during the 2013-14 season. He spent last season with Rochester RazorSharks. While playing professionally over the last two years, the 6'1", 175 pound point guard has demonstrated flashes of being a good floor general. The Central Michigan product is a smart player with a relatively high (and arguably still developing) basketball IQ for a 24 year old. His instincts suggest he could make an impact as he continues to grow and mature into a fully confident ball player. While his playmaking abilities have some promise, Randall could add some versatility to his game if he improved his ability to be aggressive and finish at the rim. Confidence is key.
Though Randall played in Rochester last season, he hasn't completely been removed from the NBA / D-League space. Much like in the summer of 2013, Randall had a second NBA Summer League stint in Las Vegas with the Sacramento Kings this past July.
The young gun can obviously be drafted by any D-League team, but could some added familiarity with the Kings' system make him a likely candidate to head to Reno and play for the Bighorns? The organization holds the answer to that question, so it remains to be seen.