Why Publicity Is Key To The Success Of Teams & Players In The NBA D-League

Each and every year, players in the NBA D-League ultimately hope to do all they can, on and off the court, to gain the most exposure. This, of course, not only aids in their efforts to break into The Association or eventually cash in on a more lucrative opportunity, but also build up their respective brands and/or fan bases, too.

As the minor league continues to grow, things are no longer solely about the players these days. The NBA turns to the D-League for the cream of the crop when it comes to coaches, scouts, front office staffers, and others as well. As fate would have it, they need positive press and similar exposure, too. It's important, especially if they're doing positive things, to provide others with a window into their respective worlds as a better way to promote such promising efforts.

This helps such up and coming individuals. On a larger scheme, it's also imperative for teams to open their doors a bit and further hone their presences on social media through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Vine, etc. That list certainly goes on as other platforms continue to see the light of day. Fan interaction and engagement is key to developing a relationship with the local community.

The league as a whole does a tremendous job of promoting its players and recognizing the successful efforts of their most promising and/or talented prospects. Skill, hard work, determination, and good morals are all things that should be recognized and rewarded in a sense. It often is, for such youngsters, as the league is a true advocate for those up and comers.

After all, it would only appear to be in the best interests of all those involved to continue exposing worthy individuals for the better, finding different ways to shed a positive light on them.

With all of this in mind, it makes sense that public relations plays a big role into the success of those in the D-League, as well as what they go on to accomplish and/or obtain in the nearby subsequent future. It could be argued that the success of such PR reps is often measured by the success and/or exposure of those around them as well. Some of the minor league's best representatives in recent years have already moved on to greener pastures in the NBA, and such success can be traced back to the quality individuals around them and the way they helped those others shine bright.

Some of the best out there to have since received promotions include Matt de Nesnera of the Golden State Warriors by way of Santa Cruz, Will McClaran of the Pelicans by way of the Maine Red Claws, Daniel Ramirez of the Lakers by way of the affiliated D-Fenders, and Eli Pearlstein of the Nets by way of the Springfield Armor. While it may be unbecoming to suggest who's at the top of their games these days, it's safe to assume that the teams the aforementioned reps were associated with have gone on to replace them with quality individuals as well.

It shouldn't be lost that D-League teams given such reps a platform to shine because they instill trust and understand the benefits and values of letting others have a peek into their respective environments. If there's something (or someone) to be proud of, they and/or it should be promoted to the fullest. In a league that's all about exposure, actually providing it is key to success.

The teams and individuals that continue to embrace such a concept will ensure that this environment continues to be a rewarding one for players, coaches, and staffers alike. Unfortunately, not every team realizes this. Some go out of their way to avoid contact with the outside world, so to speak. There are strategies practiced in an effort not to provide the curious ones with that aforementioned (but ever the yet crucial for D-League employees of all sorts) window.

Maintaining privacy and attempting to run a business is one thing. Secrets are sometimes required to carry out a certain strategy. That are boundaries that need to be respected by all parties. But in the end, not providing an assist so that the media can do its part and provide exposure is only going to hurt those who teams choose to hide behind closed doors by not accommodating. That aspect is truly unfortunate --- not for the media, but for teams who are failing their players and respective employees by not providing them with the limelight necessary to be seen. In a world full of so many up and coming basketball minds, the media too, is an asset when trusted.

Why wouldn't a D-League team want publicity? It's a strange concept to wrap one's head around, though, we aren't completely unbiased in this regard.

Not embracing the media (not responding to inquiries, not reaching out, engaging, etc.) only causes the teams to provide a disservice to those players and related others who could use an advocate in their corner promoting how they're beginning to find success. After all, during his M.V.P. speech earlier this week, NBA star Stephen Curry individually thanked each of Golden State's representatives.