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The NBA G League continues to grow each and every year. Since 2014, at least one team has joined the league. As teams join the NBA’s minor league, each team starts to fill out their roster with an expansion draft.
The Erie BayHawks were in the league last season, but the New Orleans Pelicans took over operations of the team after the Atlanta Hawks moved their affiliate to College Park, Georgia. The Expansion Draft is set to take place on Aug. 28, according to 2 Ways & 10 Days.
While many of the players selected in the draft won’t suit up for the team, it will be the team’s first step in building a roster. 14 players will be selected by Erie and no team can lose more than two players.
How does the draft affect the Westchester Knicks?
Just like every team, an organization holds the player rights for two seasons. 2 Ways & 10 Days notes that each team can protect 12 players’ rights, so Westchester will look to protect players the team feels have a chance at returning for the 2019-20 season or 2020-21 season.
Some of the Knicks’ alumni from the past two seasons have signed to play in leagues overseas for next season, but could potentially return to the G League in the next two seasons if they feel like they are in a good position to earn an NBA call-up. There are Westchester alumni who are still free agents and could return to the team this upcoming season.