Ridiculous Upside - Ridiculous Upside's 2016-17 NBA D-League Season PreviewWhere Potential Is Way Cooler Than Realityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/4212/upside-fave.gif2016-11-11T15:02:10-05:00http://www.ridiculousupside.com/rss/stream/132923472016-11-11T15:02:10-05:002016-11-11T15:02:10-05:002016-17 NBADL Team Preview: Reno Bighorns
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<figcaption>Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Editor Dakota Schmidt continues our 2016-17 NBA D-League season preview by taking a look at the Reno Bighorns</p> <h2 id="5WMhz0">Projected Opening Day Starting Five:</h2>
<p id="kwP2qS">Point Guard: Isaiah Cousins</p>
<p id="HxeBPN">Shooting Guard: Lamar Patterson</p>
<p id="Theks3">Small Forward: Chane Behanan</p>
<p id="MEkyHu">Power Forward: Kadeem Jack</p>
<p id="GRcFQR">Center: Will Davis</p>
<h2 id="M5DnxP">How Did They Do Last Year?</h2>
<p id="ELtDUc">Last season, the Reno Bighorns had one of their best seasons in franchise history, as they finished with the 2015-16 season with a great 33-17 record. The Bighorns success was primarily due to their offensive prowess as they stood as the best team in the NBADL, finishing with a league-best 123.4 points per game. That phenomenal offense was led by the trio of Erick Green, Vince Hunter and Ricky Ledo. Green was the leader of that talented core, as he averaged 25.7 points, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game on an incredibly efficient 51% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc. </p>
<p id="09UgTZ">On the other end of the spectrum, the 6’10 Vince Hunter arguably stood as the best front-court player in the D-League due to his sheer domination on the offensive and defensive glass. That was seen by him averaging 21.8 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, which including him collecting 4.3 offensive boards per game during the prior season. </p>
<p id="CRSlCi">Last but certainty not least, Ricky Ledo stood as the Bighorns 3rd All-Star player as he stood as a tenacious and versatile offensive weapon. Those labels are backed up by him averaging 21.3 points, 2.8 assists and 6.1 rebounds on 44% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. </p>
<h2 id="IcjYus">How Will They Do This Year?</h2>
<p id="YMJB4l">Although I like to stand as a huge optimist in these pieces, I believe that the Bighorns are going to have a little bit of a down season in 2016-17. That’s mainly due to the team not having the level of talent that they had in the prior season. That’s most evident in the front-court as it doesn’t seem that the Bighorns has a big at the level of Vnce Hunter. At this point, it seems that the team will open the season with the duo of Kadeem Jack and Will Davis. </p>
<p id="8nySgt">Jack is 6’9 forward that spent the prior season with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants and Reno Bighorns. Jack had the most success with the Bighorns, where he averaged 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game on 61% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Davis is a 6’8 UC-Irvine alum that’s bound to put on a plethora of jaw-dropping athletic performances in the upcoming season. </p>
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<p id="mrEBrL">Transitioning into the back-court where the team might have its most success in the upcoming season, where it’s led by Lamar Patterson and Isaiah Cousins. Cousins is the headline act of that duo as he’s a 6’5 combo guard that excels as both a perimeter shooter (shot 41% from beyond the arc as a senior at Oklahoma) and facilitator (averaged 4.45 assists per game and maintained a 1.91 Ast/TO ratio. His backcourt partner, Lamar Patterson, spent the prior season transitioning between the Atlanta Hawks and multiple D-League stints. With the Austin Spurs and Canton Charge, Patterson put up 12.8 points and 4.3 assists per game on 43% from the field. </p>
<h2 id="YHyCpQ">Who Is Most Likely Called Up?</h2>
<p id="77zN3Z">That nod will probably have to go to former Oklahoma guard Isaiah Cousins. like we mentioned in the section above, Cousins stands as a versatile guard that can both be a productive facilitator and outstanding perimeter shooter. That facilitating probably stands as his best skill, as Cousins is fantastic at throwing these precise bounce passes in transition of half-court sets. Some of those examples are seen in the play below. </p>
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<h2 id="FnJ1q3">Most Likely Assignee?</h2>
<p id="9Dx83g">Honestly, there’s probably three separate answers to this question: Malachi Richardson, Georgios Papagiannis and Skal Labissiere. That trio is likely to see some time with the Bighorns for two separate reasons: their lack of experience and current position in the Kings depth chart. According to Rotoworld’s NBA Depth Chart, both Richardson and Papagiannis both sit 3rd in their specific position. Meanwhile, Labisseire is not even not positioned on that list. Going to that first position, both Labissiere and Richardson spent only one season in college hoops. Meanwhile, Papagiannis that played a limited role with Panathianikos in the prior two seasons. </p>
<p id="jXHTfV">It appears that the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwijjYr_vaHQAhXn7IMKHeg6BQkQhlQILzAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fon.nba.com%2F2fITsC0&usg=AFQjCNGkH6iy4ftR_ObufCzPqDpFfkH_fg&sig2=1J2FK0if7hzCeaYHYRL7fg">Kings </a>get the message, as they announced on Friday that they assigned the trio to the Reno Bighorns. </p>
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https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/11/11/13593362/2016-17-dleague-team-preview-reno-bighornsDakota Schmidt2016-11-11T09:00:05-05:002016-11-11T09:00:05-05:002016-17 NBADL Team Preview: Rio Grande Valley Vipers
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<img alt="2016 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5hZPXdY45u4UdyIgIu7MCF7AUQ8=/0x342:4696x3473/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51783455/588652242.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chinanu Onuaku will look to dominate both ends of the court in the paint as a rookie out of Louisville. | Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Dream Shake’s Carson A Merk continues the NBADL previews with an RGV rundown. </p> <h2 id="d10Q7e">Projected Opening Day Starting Five:</h2>
<p id="MRjASU">PG: Isaiah Taylor</p>
<p id="tJedcr">SG Gary Payton II</p>
<p id="r19Miu">SF Le'Bryan Nash</p>
<p id="FAAmEP">PF Chinanu Onuaku</p>
<p id="mDsYdn">C: Joshua Smith</p>
<h2 id="Frb2ba">How Did They Do Last Year?</h2>
<p id="ju6eAf">In Matt Brase’s first year as head coach, the Vipers finished with a 29-21 record, and were bounced by in-state rival Austin in the Western Conference quarterfinals. They averaged the second most points in the D-League, but were 18 out of 19 in opponent's points per game. </p>
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<p id="MsiSDW">Houston Rockets’ assignee Montrezl Harrell averaged 24 points and 9 rebounds in 12 games, and Will Cummings pitched in 21 and five dimes per game, starting in 49 contests. </p>
<h2 id="Jnqrnt">How Will They Do This Year?</h2>
<p id="MLMz1g">They may start slow, as they will be packed with rookies getting their first professional action. However, they have limitless potential, and if they start to click as a unit, RGV could be very tough to handle as the season chugs along. </p>
<p id="aNq9ra">Returning from last year, Joshua Smith lost over 50 pounds and will be a force down low. He will be joined by Chinanu Onuaku, a Rockets draft pick that is an athletic freak, but needs time to develop before joining the NBA. Another exciting, athletic front court player is former UNC Tarheel JP Tokoto. 2015 D-League Dunk Contest champion Jarvis Threatt is back, with exciting rookies Isaiah Taylor and Gary Payton II also attacking from the back court. </p>
<p id="LX7Hw0">Shooting looks to be a weakness, but can hopefully be an area that improves as the season wears on, and they’ll be helped by rookie Paul Jesperson in that category. After a dominant rookie season in Japan, even scoring 54 points in a game, Le’Bryan Nash is back in the US ready to show the NBA GMs what they missed in the 2015 draft.</p>
<p id="ByyGgL">NBA veterans Darius Morris and PJ Hairston will help push the young guys, and will certainly be important pieces as the Vipers look to get back to the promised land. </p>
<h2 id="x5mVrJ">Who Is The Most Likely Call-Up?</h2>
<p id="WjzWJW">It could be the slimmer Joshua Smith, a powerful, low post scorer, but my guess would be Isaiah Taylor. He is a speedster, and an explosive athlete from the point guard position. Already possessing the ability to get to the rim, if Taylor can continue to work on his jump shot, he may be a perfect fit for the up tempo Rockets attack. </p>
<h2 id="Bu7Ni4">Who Is The Most Likely Assignee?</h2>
<p id="jV5G9T">The easy answer is Chinanu Onuaku, because the Rockets have already stated they will assign him. Outside of the Louisville rookie, the most likely candidate would be Kyle Wiltjer. The former Gonzaga phenom has seen only a couple minutes so far this season in the NBA, and would hugely benefit from consistent playing time with the Vipers. </p>
<h2 id="4CEZ0J">Will The Vipers Offense Be As Explosive As D’Antoni’s In H-Town?</h2>
<p id="u6E3lj">They averaged 116 ppg last season, so yes, head coach Matt Brase is okay with putting numbers on the board. This year, with a roadrunner at point guard in Taylor, the Vipers will certainly keep teams on their heels. Factor in the athleticism of players like Payton II, Chris Walker, Threatt, the proven scoring of Nash, and a load of athletic, mobile big men, it’s fact that Rio Grande Valley does not lack offensive firepower. </p>
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https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/11/11/13593194/nbadl-rio-grande-valley-vipersCarson A Merk2016-11-10T18:20:01-05:002016-11-10T18:20:01-05:002016-17 NBADL Team Preview: Salt Lake City Stars
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<img alt="NBA: Utah Jazz-Media Day" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hH2-33M4ah1bCPhUBiYHSjSvLYc=/0x38:3310x2245/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51778033/usa_today_9568524.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Editor Dakota Schmidt continues the 2016-17 NBADL preview by taking a look at the Salt Lake City Stars. </p> <h2 id="p75iO4">Projected Opening Night Starting Five</h2>
<p id="rEGg4W">Point Guard: Marcus Paige</p>
<p id="7hrVUl">Shooting Guard: Tyrone Wallace</p>
<p id="Fq70F8">Small Forward: Quincy Ford</p>
<p id="wnj6zg">Power Forward: JJ O’Brien</p>
<p id="32mQZT">Center: Henry Sims</p>
<h2 id="GlsYnm">How Did They Do Last Year?</h2>
<p id="e7JKb5">Last season this team was played in Boise, Idaho and were known as the Idaho Stampede. During that final season in Idaho, the team sludged their way through the entire year as they finished with a 20-30 record. Those struggles were due to the team’s lackluster offense that averaged only 102.2 points per game, 17th lowest in the entire NBADL. Although the team featured strong front-court weapons including Jeff Ayres, J.J. O’Brien and Tibor Pleiss, Idaho didn’t have much in the way of back-court firepower. Probably their most consistent offensive weapon was 6’1 guard Corey Hawks who averaged 13.7 points on 46% from the field and 41% from beyond the arc. </p>
<h2 id="u51NAh">How Will They Do This Year? </h2>
<p id="OAEl2r">After having a lackluster backcourt in the prior season, the SLC Stars will be entering their inaugural season with a vastly improved unit. That unit includes former college standouts Tyrone Wallace and Marcus Paige, alongside NBADL veteran Jermaine Taylor. </p>
<p id="h5hxNf">Back in mid-October, we wrote a pretty in-depth <a href="http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/10/13/13271514/marcus-paige-dleague-nba-north-carolina">piece </a>on Marcus Paige’s all-around game and what to expect with him in the D-League. Meanwhile, Paige should be aligned next to 6’6 Tyrone Wallace, who spent his time at California basically working as the team’s point guard. As he transitions to the D-League, he should establish himself as an elite defensive weapon that can work as their main facilitator. </p>
<p id="RnW9FM">Playing alongside that duo should be Northeastern alum Quincy Food, a 6’7 forward that can basically do it all on both ends of the court. Offensively, Ford is a pretty solid perimeter jumper (35% from beyond the arc as a senior), on-ball cutter or offensive rebounder (1.5 offensive boards per game). On the other end of the court, he stands as a bit of a ball-hawk in the way that he averaged 1.5 steals per game. </p>
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<p id="hq6eqK">Although the guards and small forward spot will be led by rookies, the Stars’ front-court will feature players that D-league fans should be used to. The first name is J.J O’Brien, who spent the prior season with the Idaho Stampede. Like Ford, O’Brien is a do-it-all forward that can contribute in a variety of different ways that includes a pretty perimeter jumper. Alongside O’Brien will be Henry Sims, a veteran 6’10 big that has spent the last few seasons transferring between the NBADL and NBA. </p>
<h2 id="sKJGHX">Who Is Most Likely Called Up? </h2>
<p id="ESYfCK">The most likely member of the Stars to be called-up would be Marcus Paige. Like previously mentioned, we did a pretty in-depth <a href="http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/10/13/13271514/marcus-paige-dleague-nba-north-carolina">piece </a>on Paige in mid-September. Below is a few paragraphs on what makes him such an intriguing D-League and viable call-up candidate:</p>
<aside id="BeHg9f"><q>That label was due to Paige being an extremely versatile guard, that could contribute as a facilitator, cutter and perimeter shooter. As a facilitator, Paige remained relatively efficient throughout his UNC career, as he maintained a solid 2.20 Ast/TO ratio. The height of Paige’s work as a facilitator was during his senior season where he averaged 3.76 assists per game with a 3.05 Ast/TO ratio. Transitioning to his work as a scoring threat, Paige has stood as one of the best scoring threats in the entire ACC since his sophomore season. During that season, Paige just lit it up by averaging 17.5 points on 44% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. Those averages allowed Paige to have an impressive 59% True Shooting Percentage(TS%). That efficiency maintained during his junior season, where he averaged 14 points on 41% from the field and 39% from the perimeter, which rounds out to a solid 57% TS%.<br></q></aside><h2 id="f6PTlr">Most Likely Assignee? </h2>
<p id="vxBUEL">This question might’ve already been answered by the Jazz assigning rookie big Joel Bolomboy to the Stars on November 3rd. Although the team brought Bolomboy back in the following day, it still seems that he’ll be spending much of time in the NBA D-League. Currently, Bolomboy sits fourth in the team’s power forward depth chart, behind Derrick Favors, Trey Lyles and Boris Diaw. That predicament should force the Jazz to send him down to the Stars in a way to give him some additional playing time. </p>
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<h2 id="E4FMhE">Will The SLC Stars Finish The Season At or Above .500? </h2>
<p id="D4RwYr">The reasoning behind this question lies with the team’s prior reign as the Idaho Stampede. In the team’s final seven seasons in Idaho, the Stampede was only able to even get to a .500 record once during the 2009-10 season. After that, the Stampede struggled through the slums of the NBA D-League as they had six straight seasons where they finished well below .500. </p>
<p id="mo4dvO">That should be better in their new era in Salt Lake City, as they feature a pretty strong unit that features a mix of D-League veterans and former college standouts. Although a lot can happen over the next six months, whether it would be call-ups or playing getting more lucrative overseas deals, the current Stars unit has a pretty good chance of getting to and even eclipsing a .500 record. That optimism should excite many new NBADL fans in Salt Lake City. </p>
https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/11/10/13590214/2016-17-nbadl-preview-salt-lake-city-starsDakota Schmidt2016-11-10T15:15:01-05:002016-11-10T15:15:01-05:002016-17 NBADL Team Preview: Long Island Nets
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<img alt="NBA: Brooklyn Nets-Media Day" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YSQe3-0lc3B56G4i-zQi3DRWH7U=/0x93:3264x2269/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51773949/usa_today_9567253.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Editor Dakota Schmidt continues our NBADL preview by looking at the Long Island Nets</p> <h2 id="6RdQg2">Projected Opening Day Starting Five</h2>
<p id="u3sf96">Point Guard: Donnie McGrath</p>
<p id="PGYSfg">Shooting Guard: Carrick Felix</p>
<p id="LuLCMs">Small Forward: Gary Forbes</p>
<p id="pwM3bA">Power Forward: Beau Beech</p>
<p id="LPg1jj">Center: Egidijus Mockevicius</p>
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<h2 id="zWFfT2">How Did They Do Last Year? </h2>
<p id="IXoow3">The Long Island Nets will enter the 2016-17 season as an expansion team that was created by the Brooklyn Nets in April, 2016. Over the off-season, Brooklyn tried to build Long Island’s team infrastructure by hiring Alton Byrd to be the VP of Business Operations for the D-League squad. Following that, Byrd hired 26-year-old former Butler guard Ronald Nored to be the head coach of Long Island.</p>
<h2 id="82Lu7t">How Will They Do This Year? </h2>
<p id="RckfBX">Heading into their inaugural season, Long Island seems to have a solid core in place to be a competitive team in the NBADL’s Atlantic Division. Ever after Brooklyn called up former Indiana guard Yogi Ferrell, the Nets will have a solid core featuring a mix of D-League/international veterans and former college studs. With the absence of Ferrell, the Nets will need to work as a cohesive unit as they don’t have a real go-to player that can take over the team. While that may give the Nets some initial struggles as they try to mesh as a cohesive unit, they should have success once they can put those issues behind them. </p>
<p id="80edvz">That optimism is due to most members of the Nets having their own strengths that they bring to the team. In regards to their backcourt, Donnie McGrath and Carrick Felix are both veteran talents that can bring experience to the team. McGrath has spent his last few seasons playing with several high-ranked Euroleague and ACB squads where he had plenty of success. Meanwhile, Felix will return to the NBADL after taking a hiatus during the 2015-16 season. During his time in the D-League with Canton and Santa Cruz, Felix averaged 10.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.29 assists per game on 44% from the field. </p>
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<p id="LUilvH">Transitioning into the front-court which will be led by two rookies in Beau Beech and Egidijus Mockevicius. Beech is a 6’9 forward from North Florida that stands as your prototypical stretch-four that shot 42% from beyond the arc on 6.7 attempts per game during his senior season. Meanwhile, Mockevicius spent his college career at Evansville as a dominating inside presence that can work on both ends of the court. That was directly apparent during his senior season where he averaged 15.7 points, 14 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game on 64% from the field. </p>
<h2 id="AGK80g">Who Is Most Likely Called Up?</h2>
<p id="4nhLXZ">The answer to this question is probably Egidijus Mockevicius, as NBA teams are always looking for strong bigs that can contribute on both ends of the court. If we’re going off by his work at Evansville, Mockevicius can contribute through post-ups, off-ball cuts and offensive rebounds on the offensive end. On the other end of the court, Mockevicious is a strong defensive presence that can deny anycut from the opposition. </p>
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<h2 id="VNNQFn">Most Likely Assignee?</h2>
<p id="4JTxjB">This is a hard question to answer because the Nets roster is filled with former D-Leaguers and young prospects that would probably be D-League assignees if they were with any other team. However, with the Brooklyn Nets, they’re right in the team’s rotation and playing significant minutes. However, one Nets prospect that will be seeing some playing in the D-League is Chris McCullough. At this point, Brooklyn has assigned McCullough to Long Island multiple times to get an extra practice or two to continue working on his all-around game. McCullough stands as a player that just needs more seasoning. Realistically, he’ll get that with the Long Island Nets. </p>
<h2 id="HdxGBU">Will Yogi Ferrell Return To Long Island?</h2>
<p id="txIv00">On Wednesday afternoon, the Brooklyn Nets announced that they have called up Yogi Ferrell to replace the oft-injured Greivis Vasquez. Mere hours after that, Ferrell played in their game against the Knicks, where he put up five points and three assists in thirteen minutes. In the next week or so, Ferrell should play an integral role in the Nets rotation as he’s one of the lone point guards on the Nets that are actually healthy. However, Jeremy Lin is expected to be returning to the team in a little over the week, which likely push Ferrell to the end of the bench. At that point, it would make sense for the Nets to at least assign Ferrell to the D-League where he can get the kind of playing time that he wouldn’t get with Brooklyn.</p>
https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/11/10/13560880/2016-17-nbadl-team-preview-long-island-netsDakota Schmidt2016-11-09T16:45:02-05:002016-11-09T16:45:02-05:002016-17 NBADL Team Preview: Northern Arizona Suns
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<img alt="NBA: Phoenix Suns-Media Day" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7o6anubLdGswjDyukEiqvziyxR4=/0x0:3324x2216/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51759505/usa_today_9568421.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Editor Dakota Schmidt takes a look at the Northern Arizona Suns to continue our 2016-17 NBA D-League preview. </p> <h2 id="6RdQg2">Projected Opening Day Starting Five</h2>
<p id="MKnGu9">Point Guard: Askia Booker</p>
<p id="tYXbqF">Shooting Guard: Elijah Millsap</p>
<p id="5zZmtO">Small Forward: Shaquille Harrison</p>
<p id="DqA8JN">Power Forward: Derek Cooke Jr. </p>
<p id="7l6Lya">Center: Gracin Bakumanya</p>
<h2 id="zWFfT2">How Did They Do Last Year? </h2>
<p id="IXoow3">Before the Phoenix Suns moved the team to Arizona for the 2016-17 season, the team was the Bakersfield Jam. During their final season in Bakersfield, the Jam finished with a 22-28 record. Those struggles were due to the team’s troubles on the defensive end, as teams averaged 108.2 points per game against the Jam. A good part of those defensive struggles were because the Jam never had a real inside presence on the defensive end, as 6’9 power forward Cory Jefferson was the closest thing that the team had</p>
<h2 id="82Lu7t">How Will They Do This Year? </h2>
<p id="RckfBX">I think there’s going to be a steady improvement for the Suns, as they feature a pretty strong crop of players that range from D-League veterans (Elijah Millsap, Askia Booker, Xavier Silas and Derek Cooke) to intriguing young rookies (Gracin Bakumanya, Josh Gray, Shaq Harrison and Wally Niang). Although we should keep our eyes on those young players throughout the 2016-17 season, that core four of NBADL vets should play the biggest role for the Suns in the upcoming season. The leader of that quartet will probably be Elijah Millsap, a former NBADL All-Star and member of the 2012-13 All-Defensive 3rd team. </p>
<p id="zYb3VC">Transitioning into their crop on young talent, eyes will be set on Gracin Bakumanya and Wally Niang. Both players are two international front-court threats that spent the last few years over in Europe. Bakumanya spent last season playing with Antibes of the French LNB Pro A. Although he didn’t get any kind of playing time during his lone season with the team, playing only 8 minutes for the entire season, he did get a chance to practice alongside the best players in France. Likewise, Niang spent last season with MoraBanc Andorra of the Spanish ACB league. Although he only played a total of nine minutes, Niang practiced with former D-Leaguers Stephen Holt and Shawn Jones. </p>
<h2 id="D8tbXJ">Who Is The Most Likely Call-Up?</h2>
<p id="Tl5MW6">The most likely member of the Northern Arizona Suns to be called up is probably Askia Booker. During his debut season in the D-League, Booker averaged 12.8 points, 3.5 assists and .7 steals per game on 46% from the field. While those numbers aren’t that impressive, Booker really improved as the NBADL season went on. That’s most evident during his final ten games with the team, where he put up 19.9 points, 5.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game on 49% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. If you can put up those numbers on a consistent basis, he could definitely be called up to the NBA. </p>
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<h2 id="znBmJG"> Most Likely Assignee?</h2>
<p id="eu2Dtv">That answer has actually been answered as the Suns have assigned UNLV alum Derrick Jones Jr. to the NBA D-League. Back in a mid-September <a href="http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/9/17/12942812/derrick-jones-phoenix-suns-nba-dleague-nbadl">piece</a>, we took a thorough look at Derrick Jones and why the D-League team may need him. In that piece, we noted that Jones was a pretty damn athletic player that was pretty raw in terms of all-around basketball skills. Hopefully Jones will be able to utilize that time in the D-League to fix some of the problems that he has in his all-around game. </p>
<h2 id="SBPiCi">What Should We Expect From Gracin Bakumanya This Year?</h2>
<p id="NWCxtB">One of the more intriguing D-League prospects in the upcoming season is undoubtedly Gracin Bakumanya. Bakumanya is a 6’11, 240 pound French prospect that spent last season with Antibes, where he played a total of 8 minutes for the entire season. Despite that lack of playing time, Bakumanya still stands as a pretty intriguing prospect as he’s very quick for a player his size while showing flashes of a versatile all-around game. Although he basically lacks any kind of experience, he should still be a starter on the Suns due to him being a 6’11 big that could potentially be one of the more well-rounded bigs in the entire NBADL. </p>
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https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/11/9/13560894/2016-17-nbadl-preview-northern-arizona-sunsDakota Schmidt2016-11-08T17:30:03-05:002016-11-08T17:30:03-05:002016-17 NBADL Team Preview: Fort Wayne Mad Ants
<figure>
<img alt="NBA: Preseason-Charlotte Hornets at Boston Celtics" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cqU1xvfcJi9qJqdvoid6sCBvFfk=/0x0:5760x3840/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51741851/usa_today_9601449.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Editor Dakota Schmidt continues Ridiculous Upside’s 2016-17 NBADL season preview by taking a look at the Fort Wayne Mad Ants</p> <h2 id="6RdQg2">Projected Opening Day Starting Five</h2>
<p id="psFXrI">Point Guard: Chris Fowler</p>
<p id="9oVDjO">Shooting Guard: Travis Leslie</p>
<p id="gPeVQi">Small Forward: Trey McKinney-Jones</p>
<p id="VYIRKa">Power Forward: Ben Bentil </p>
<p id="WEepv9">Center: Adam Woodbury</p>
<h2 id="zWFfT2">How Did They Do Last Year? </h2>
<p id="IXoow3">For the first time since the 2011-12 season, the Mad Ants finished below .500 as they ended the 2015-16 campaign with a 20-30 record. Those struggles were due to the team’s offensive struggles, as they averaged 101.8 points per game, 18th highest average in the entire D-League. Although C.J,Fair did have a solid offensive weapon, averaging 16.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on 48% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. Aside from him, the Mad Ants didn’t have much in the way of consistent scoring threats, even though Rakeem Christmas and Shayne Whittington both had solid seasons in the team’s front-court. </p>
<h2 id="82Lu7t">How Will They Do This Year? </h2>
<p id="RckfBX">Will probably do a whole lot better than last year as the team will feature a pretty deep crop of players. The Mad Ants features a pretty stable eight man rotation that could feature some of the best players in the entire NBA D-League. That’s especially evident in the team’s front-court as they feature a very solid quartet in Alex Poythress, Ben Bentil, Adam Woodbury and Christian Watford. Poythress and Bentil are probably at the center of that, as both players head to the D-League after solid college careers. </p>
<p id="VxcrKY">Poythress is a strong 6’7 forward that’s always a threat to lay down a vicious alley-oop. Meanwhile, Bentil is a 6’9 forward that might stand as one of the more versatile offensive weapons in the entire NBA D-League. Back in May, we wrote a more thorough <a href="http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/5/20/11714840/ambitions-as-a-friar">piece </a>about him. </p>
<p id="2S1fgM">Transitioning over to Mad Ants backcourt which is headlined by two NBADL veterans: Trey McKinney-Jones and Travis Leslie. Back in 2013-14 and 2014-15, McKinney-Jones stood as arguably one of the best guards in the entire NBADL as he could score in a variety of different ways. This video below shows what McKinney-Jones is capable of as an offensive threat. </p>
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<p id="NJRfLp">One player to keep your eyes on is current Mad Ants guard Chris Fowler, who enters the NBA D-League after a great career at Central Michigan. Throughout his college career, Fowler stood as a pretty tremendous facilitator, averaging 5.7 assists per game with a stable 2.1 Ast/TO ratio.</p>
<h2 id="AGK80g">Who Is Most Likely Called Up?</h2>
<p id="kUEShH">Despite there being a solid crop of players on the Mad Ants roster, I’ll have to give the edge to Ben Bentil. As previously mentioned, Bentil is a very versatile player that can contribute in a plethora of different ways on the offensive end. Back in that same mid-May piece, I wrote the following on why Bentil is such an intriguing player. </p>
<aside id="s7nwq7"><q>Bentil was able to utilize those skills throughout the entire 2015-16 season, which led to him being one of the best scoring bigs in the country by averaging 21 points per game on a 56% True Shooting Percentage. Those averages actually puts Bentil as the 4th best scorer in this year's draft class, while also being more efficient than projected lottery picks <span><strong>Henry Ellenson</strong></span> and Brandon Ingram. That ability to still be efficient while having a major role in Providence's offense is an extremely impressive sign for a player with no prior experience in that kind of position.<span></span> Although Bentil hasn't established a real go-to move, he was able to be so productive through his diverse offensive skill-set. As an NBA prospect, the most appealing part of Bentil's offensive repertoire is his ability to spread the floor as a mid-range or perimeter shooter. While his 33% 3P% isn't too impressive, he did show a lot of development in that area as the season went on. In February and March, Bentil shot a solid 37% from beyond the arc. That boosted efficiency was due to Bentil becoming more comfortable with his increased role inside Providence's offense. As that comfort level increased, he was able to fully display his diverse skill-set.</q></aside><h2 id="taTd3R">Most Likely Assignee?</h2>
<p id="cNLWjj">From our view, there’s two Pacers prospects that should spend some time with the Mad Ants: Georges Niang and Rakeem Christmas. Christmas is no stranger to the Mad Ants, as he played 48 games with the team during the 2015-16 season. During that time, Christmas averaged 13.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game on 47% from the field for the Mad Ants. At this point in the young season, it looks like Christmas should be heading back to Fort Wayne. That’s due to him only playing one game where he only played 7 minutes. </p>
<p id="57Mn8F">On the other hand, former Iowa State forward Georges Niang is another Pacer player that seems likely to be heading to the NBA D-League. That’s due to the pacers putting Niang in the back of the team’s rotation, as he trails both Thaddeus Young and Lavoy Allen at power forward. </p>
<h2 id="4ljdhA">Will Travis Leslie Make It Back To The D-League All-Star Game? </h2>
<p id="u83ezv">One of the biggest stories about the upcoming D-League season is the return of 2013 NBADL All-Star game MVP Travis Leslie. Back in the 2012-13 season, Leslie stood as one of the finest players in the entire D-League during his stint with the Santa Cruz Warriors. Averaging 15.4 points, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game on 49% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc, Leslie stood as a player that be solid on both ends of the court. </p>
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<p id="SxvmfH">Three years later, Leslie returns to the D-League after a successful stint in Europe where he played in France, Germany and Lithuania. Based on those overseas numbers, Leslie continued to display himself as an excellent two-way threat. The odds are on Leslie to continue being a well-rounded player as he makes his D-League return. If he’s able to accomplish that, then we should be seeing Leslie as a D-League All-Star. </p>
https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/11/8/13557730/2016-17-nbadl-preview-fort-wayne-mad-antsDakota Schmidt2016-11-07T14:00:03-05:002016-11-07T14:00:03-05:002016-17 NBADL Team Preview: Austin Spurs
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<img alt="NBA: Preseason-Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p9k0lP2hijhNZ8x3F2WfkyIApw4=/0x0:4512x3008/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51712281/usa_today_9623669.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Contributor Nicholas LeTourneau continues Ridiculous Upside’s series by taking a look at the Austin Spurs.</p> <h1 id="qiuZ8s">Projected Opening Day Starting Five:</h1>
<p id="20QdTG">Point Guard: Kevin Anderson</p>
<p id="z1CBD5">Shooting Guard: Anthony Beane</p>
<p id="iTyH8P">Small Forward: Patrico Garino</p>
<p id="m5SajU">Power Forward: Jarell Eddie</p>
<p id="CcmVmr">Center: Livio Jean-Charles</p>
<h1 id="baWG5F">How Did They Do Last Year?</h1>
<p id="t4Mo5Q">The Spurs finished the D-League season with a record of 30-20, good for first in the Southwest division, second in the Western conference. Led by a core of Kiefer Sykes, Deshaun Thomas, Cady Lalanne, Bryce Cotton and returning players Jarell Eddie and Demetri McCamey; Austin came up just short in the playoffs against the Los Angeles D-Fenders. The team also saw action from notable San Antonio players Boban Marjanovic and Ray McCallum.</p>
<h1 id="KqnYgR">How Will They Do This Year?</h1>
<p id="aMdvma">If there is one thing I have learned in my time covering basketball, it is to never count the Spurs out. It is an organization that is run unlike any other, and set the bar for both player development and consistency. Expect this to trickle down to the D-League as well. Even though they only have two returning players, they are loaded with talent. </p>
<p id="vHmF9k">Anthony Beane, who was acquired on a trade following the draft, is an intriguing talent out of Southern Illinois as a scorer. Kevin Anderson was taken in the draft and has enjoyed a successful career overseas as a point guard. Other players to watch will be the San Antonio affiliates of Ryan Arcidiacono, Patricio Garino, and Livio Jean-Charles. Arcidiacono rose to fame during his NCAA title run with Villanova, while Garino and Jean-Charles are players that should also make a gigantic impact in Austin this season.</p>
<h1 id="yeSf9S">Who Is Most Likely Called Up?</h1>
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<p id="encOvD">This team is loaded with interesting talent, but the player that is most likely called up is Patricio Garino. A rookie out of George Washington, Garino went undrafted but was soon scooped up by San Antonio. Standing at 6’7” with a 6’10” wingspan, Garino is known as a lockdown defender. He has played with the Argentinian National team and his senior year he really stepped up his production from three point range. </p>
<p id="8YTNEa">According to DraftExpress, Garino shot 43 percent on five perimeter attempts per 40 minutes pace adjusted as a senior. That’s an improvement over his junior season where he shot just 29 percent on two attempts per 40 minutes pace adjusted. He is incredibly savvy, has a good shot selection, and could grow into a good 3&D type player. He reminds me of Luis Montero, the Community College project the Portland Trail Blazers took on a couple years ago, but much further along and developed. If he finds his shot in Austin, imagine him to get a call up sooner than later.</p>
<h1 id="UHuYW5">Who Is Most Likely Assigned?</h1>
<p id="lPsyNQ">San Antonio has never been shy about using the D-League, and I’ll use this as a platform to casually remind you that they found Jonathan Simmons at an open tryout in Austin; so expect to see several players assigned this season. Bryn Forbes, the undrafted rookie out of Michigan State, is one player that can benefit from some time in Austin. </p>
<p id="caBKNt">The combo guard has seen the floor sparingly for San Antonio so far, but that was to be expected. He is a shooter, so he could always benefit from getting up shots in the D-League and growing his confidence. In Austin, he could get quality minutes to make mistakes and figure out his defensive rotations and nuances in the Spurs’ complex system.</p>
<h1 id="8Zefty">Don’t Sleep On Anthony Beane</h1>
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<p id="enIdu2">While researching the roster for this article, I couldn't help but be floored when coming across Anthony Beane’s highlight reel. While it is a highlight reel and only accentuates the good parts of his game while eliminating the bad, it was still impressive. He is a pure scorer, in that he never averaged more than 1.78 assists in his four years at Southern Illinois and averaged over 19 points per game. He looks like a poor man’s Jamal Crawford, someone that could be instant offense at any moment. </p>
<p id="bHLXIK">It remains to be seen how he performs defensively due to a lack of information, but if he can become a good defender <em>and</em> do all he does on offense, he stands to really benefit from his time in the D-League. He is the son of a coach, has a wonderful reputation, and is a hard worker. If he gets the minutes, he could turn some heads in Austin.</p>
https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/11/7/13539900/2016-17-nbadl-preview-austin-spursNicholas LeTourneau2016-11-07T12:00:03-05:002016-11-07T12:00:03-05:002016-17 NBADL Team Preview: Oklahoma City Blue
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<img alt="2015 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0D9t1Dxxmvp4Tdn6bWoDXTAtb6w=/0x559:3502x2894/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51712139/483660902.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Contributor David-Scott continues the 2016-17 NBADL team previews by looking at the Oklahoma City Blue.</p> <h2 id="lsZpS8">Projected Opening Day Starting Five</h2>
<p id="dra8we">Point Guard: Jannero Pargo</p>
<p id="gESlWj">Shooting Guard: Xavier Henry</p>
<p id="XIdDAI">Small Forward: Boubacar Moungoro</p>
<p id="cIWeAL">Power Forward: Kameron Woods</p>
<p id="TvZ4pC">Center: Dakari Johnson</p>
<h2 id="kYN3Zq">How Did The Blue Do Last Year?</h2>
<p id="kklOzZ">Last season, the Oklahoma City Blue were nowhere near impressive, finishing the regular season 19-31 and qualifying 4th in the Southwest Division. As a unit, the team failed in nearly every aspect. However, specific individuals show a brighter future may lie ahead for the Blue. Dakari Johnson, the Blue’s star center, made D-League All Rookie Honors, marking the third season in a row that a Thunder draft pick has scored the achievement. In spite of the poor season, the Blue proudly set a record for D-League stadium attendance during the annual field trip to the Thunder’s Chesapeake Energy Arena. In addition to this, the Thunder took advantage of the summer, making use of their young talent by showcasing them successfully in the Summer League. </p>
<h2 id="fQtUrq">How Will They Do This Year?</h2>
<p id="RX7Kj0">The Oklahoma City Blue kickoff their season <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://7">on November 11th</a>, facing the Maine Red Claws, at home, in the Cox Convention Center in downtown OKC. For the Blue, this season may be one of their best, as they possess one of the most talented rosters they’ve ever had. And with this, I strongly believe after the upcoming season, a majority of the Blue's current roster will be playing in the NBA.</p>
<p id="moa71T">With the Blue’s training camp roster announced on Thursday, we have finally gotten a look into how the lineup may shape up for the upcoming season. Currently, the roster seems to cover every aspect of on-court talent needed to be a possible championship contender in the upcoming season. Holding two of the most talented developing centers in the league, Amir Williams and Dakari Johnson, there is no doubt OKC will dominate the paint and wreak havoc on the scoreboard. Returning forwards Kameron Woods and James Carlton will have an opportunity to solidify the squad by providing leadership.</p>
<p id="kVeZwS">During the offseason, Oklahoma City traded for Xavier Henry, the guard who last played for the Santa Cruz Warriors. Henry will certainly be comfortable on the Blue’s roster, as he began his basketball career playing right in OKC for Putnam City High School. Henry will no doubt be an extreme asset to the Blue having valuable skills in rebounds and shooting from all ranges.</p>
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<p id="Kg5b8e">Adding more experience to the floor is Jannero Pargo, the 37 year-old NBA veteran who formerly played in the league for the Lakers, Raptors, Bulls, and Hornets. Though Pargo experiences challenges that every basketball veteran will go through, he still brings much needed leadership and experience to the Blue by assisting to develop their youngsters.</p>
<h2 id="11vS9m">Who Is The Most Likely Call-Up?</h2>
<p id="IcBtEz">Though the Thunder already have a multitude of forwards with raw and veteran talent, I strongly believe Xavier Henry’s skills could be of use to the Thunder. During his time playing for the University of Kansas, Henry averaged 13.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, and Henry has only improved since then. These stats, along with his 6’6 / 220 lb. build, could surely be of use on the defensive side of the court, as well as driving through the paint on offense. In addition to his stature, Henry holds league experience from his time with the Lakers and multiple years across other D-League clubs.</p>
<h2 id="P3fEGG">What Can We Expect From Dakari Johnson This Season?</h2>
<p id="DLnuyb">There's absolutely no reason why this season couldn't be incredibly better than his first. As I said in a previous player spotlight on Ridiculous Upside, Dakari Johnson may very well be one of the best up and coming developing centers. Though last season his defensive talents were only sub-par, I can only imagine the offseason was spent solidifying his defensive role. In a sit down interview with Thunder coverage writer <a href="http://www.nba.com/thunder/summersitdown-dakarijohnson-160715/">Nick Gallo</a>, Dakari admitted he would be practicing on-court communication and properly participating in pick and role coverages. With his naturally large build, and some extra development resulting from this upcoming season, Dakari Johnson could truly be the master key to any teams defense as well as central offense. </p>
https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2016/11/7/13505522/2016-2017-nbadl-preview-oklahoma-city-blueDavid-Scott