I heard on 610 a week or so ago that the NBA is looking into starting an NBA minor league in order to help some players who haven't had a chance to develop their game like they wanted, and also to help train refs. This sounded like a great idea at the time, but no specific details were given. Namely, I was wondering if the league would be similar to baseballs, in that the teams would be permanently attached to pro teams, or would their talent be available to all NBA teams? Also, any other specific details regarding this league would be very helpful. Thank you. ------------------ "Of course, everything looks bad if you remember it!" Homer Simpson
It's been in discussion for years and really started getting hot sometime last year. Here are some links : http://www.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1015/114975.html http://tsn.sportingnews.com/nba/articles/20000330/227367.html ------------------ "I give up. Oh my holy hell I give up." -- Clutch expresses utter frustration in encountering difficulties trying to communicate across a damn bbs. (It's even funnier if you picture Homer Simpson saying it)
Could be a great way to cut down on college players leaving school early. ------------------ North Star Minnesota Stadium Advocate Minnesota Sports Board
http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2001/0103/991582.html A more recent (today) article. ------------------ RealGM Rockets Draft Obligations Summary http://www.gaffordstudios.cjb.net/
It is being called a "developmental" league. The first city has been announced and it is Fayetteville, North Carolina. http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010104/sp/nba_development_dc_1.html ------------------ [This message has been edited by bobrek (edited January 04, 2001).]
There is some other info about this on the front page of www.nba.com. ------------------ President of the Moochie Norris Fan Club - est. 99-00
I hope Tucson gets a team, it would be nice to be able to see some professional basketball occasionally. By the way, did anyone see the picture of Steve on nba.com's main page. ------------------
What happened with the CBA? Did Zeke ever sell it to the Player's Association? You'd think it would be easier to expand that league for developmental purposes than starting an entirely new, competing product. ------------------ "Thirty-seven?" -Randall, Clerks www.clutchtown.com
I may be wrong, but I believe the CBA was/is losing money. The NBDL has ESPN $ upfront which will help ALOT. Perhaps ESPN was reluctant to back the CBA teams with their locations (Yakima, Gary, etc). It appears that the NBDL is starting with a hotbed of hoops region from a college and fan interest perspective - Fayetteville, NC. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they also made the Indiana-Ohio-Kentucky connection and put a team in Columus or Cincinnati OH or Lexington or Louisvlle KY or Muncie IN. All good BBall towns. http://www.nba.com/news/nbdl_fayetteville_010104.html Living in Austin, I would love to see a NBDL team here. I would think the Rockets, Mavs, and Spurs would favor this because they would not have to travel far to see candidates. Also, the population of Texas should warrant a long look. San Diego seem like it would be a good location as does Kansas City. I know the NBA (and other pro sports organizations) have been reluctant to locate in Las Vegas, but there would seem to be alot of plusses financially and geographically. ------------------ GATER