The start of the NBA D-League season kicks off a stretch — for those fortunate enough to be playing in the league– of hope and opportunity with the potential for a possible NBA future.
That is the glass half-full approach.
The reality of that matter for players either in the NBA D-League or on the fence of entering the NBADL player pool, it’s a time where calculated decisions still might not favor the subject. Where a move to stay home in the NBADL rather than pursue a position overseas might be the equivalent of pushing money off the table, or taking it out of your wallet.
The NBA D-League is by no means a glorious lifestyle or even a step up from working as a coffee barista.
In fact, it might actually mean having less amenities than your typical part-time worker in the United States. But, the league does provide what most leagues fail to — professional development. Whether a player is a rookie fresh out of the second round or even higher in the previous year’s NBA Draft or a journeyman veteran of the international scene with peppered stints at various NBA training camps and summer leagues, the NBADL provides a platform for guys to become more professional on and off the court at any stage in their career. That is hard to come by, and a large reason why the NBA is investing more of it’s resources seemingly on the hour into the league.
To help players make the best decision for themselves about entering the NBA D-League, there are few things they need to keep in mind, that are not often discussed in their inner circles, or factored by media outlets.
There are specific questions to ask that can help a player make a better decision when considering the NBA D-League.
– First, the player needs to be realistic about their situation. Are they actually a fringe NBA player, or closer to a second unit rotation NBADL guy?
– Where is the player at in their career?
– Have they tried the overseas thing?
– Do they have a family off of the court that needs attention to?
The NBA D-League now more than ever should not be a last resort type of move for rookies or veterans. If it is, the player is likely cutting themselves short in some fashion.
As with any decision, the player needs to find out the risks of entering and/or playing in the NBA D-League.
– What do the current rosters look like?
– Is there a void of a player with your skill set and capabilities?
– Has the player or their representation gathered certain interest from particular clubs?
– If so, where will the player possibly fit on the given teams’ depth charts?
– Will they even play?
– How many assignment players does the NBA parent club have, or potentially have?
These are details that many do not consider, but can ultimately help. That being said, NBADL rosters can change at the drop of a hat, so even the greatest amounts of research will often be to no avail. Yet, it is better to be prepared than not to be when thinking about the NBA D-League, especially if it means forgoing a guaranteed financial offer elsewhere.
The NBA D-League should be looked at as the second best league in the world. But, it is also a league that does not cater to the unprepared, or the disinterested. It takes investment, and that starts before the player even steps foot on the court. Everyone in the NBADL (coaches, trainers, general managers) are working to better themselves, and to take positive steps in their careers. There is no time to waste and players that understand that, and have done their homework on expectations will likely assist in the process rather than hinder it.
For the past five years, Gino Pilato has worked inside and around the NBA Development League and minor league basketball and currently serves as Recruiting Coordinator for Scorers 1st Sportmanagement
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