Post by jupee on Dec 13, 2023 6:42:02 GMT -6
Karlton Hines, Anthony Soprano and Chris Hawkins - all-stars. PeeWee Kirkland, (potentially) one of the best point guards of this league, just got traded for Kobe Bryant. Jack Coleman had solid number at T-Wolves, Wizards and Lakers.
One thing unites those 5 players - they are D League MVP's of last 5 seasons. There are more success stories with ITP Development league.
But how about current D League generation, do they have potential to become relevant in the main league? I made analysis and group players into 5 categories (below). I take into consideration their current skills, potential and predicted D-League award points.
All-stars:
I don't actually see such talents in D league class 2009.
Starters:
Jelani McCoy (Knicks) B D+ D- A- B- B
This 2nd round pick is cruising towards MVP. Jelani is typical PF/C, with skilled inside scoring and reliable defence. Rebounding could be improved a bit, but all in all, that's a solid player already.
Frederic Dean Austin (76ers) C B- A- A- C- B
Current leader in assists per game is developing to be Foots Walker/Al Skinner type of player, which is a desired piece for most of contending teams.
Rysheed Jordan (Knicks) C A- C B+ C- B
His skills looks nice? Add the fact that he is only 19! Of course, shooting guards is though position and ability to drive to the basket is something to work on if Rysheed wants reach his ceiling.
Kevin Garnett Jr. (Timberwolves) C+ B C- B+ C A
This one is mostly based on high potential and his current technical abilities. Because results wise I cannot like that fact, that while we have 3 Fake players in top scorers table, KG Jr. does not make the list. Having in mind that Kevin is the only player in Minnesota development team, this seems like a case where good skills does not translate to stats. Hopefully this is just for current season.
Solid rotations pieces:
Robert Traylor (Raptors) B- D+ D+ A- B C
I think "Tractor" will be strong candidate for next year MVP. In all major frontcourt categories - points, rebounds and blocks - Robert is 2nd only to McCoy. Having this in mind, Robert probably has fine career in front of him.
Christopher Moltisanti (Raptors) C B- B C+ C- C
Even though his first TC was not that satisfactory, there is no doubt Moltisanti development can be saved, especially having in mind the capable hands this guard is in. The only question is Raports priorities in the nearest future. Nevertheless, Christopher will be among leading point guards in D league as long as his career continues here.
Roshown McLeod (Wizards) C+ C D+ B C A
A lot will depend on his next TC, but Roshown has potential to develop into some kind of poor man's Willoughby. This athletic wing is currently making almost 4 steals a game.
Wade Fielder (Kings) C C+ C+ C+ D+ B
No doubt the biggest mystery of this article. His first season is promising, Wade is playing in solid organisation, so the ingredients for success is there. We just don't know how his work ethic is.
Kaizen Pinen (Sonics) C+ B- C B C B
This is just the beginning of his story, but you kind of want more from a 2nd year player. However, even if not a star, Kaizen can at least become reliable all-rounder.
Bench-warmers:
Vladimir Stepania (Spurs) C+ D+ D- A- C+ F
Although displaying solid results in D league, its hard to imagine Stepania getting much playing time in main league. However, maybe some teams will be interested in his shot blocking abilities.
Jahidi White (Wizards) C+ D F+ B- C+ C
He might get overlooked, but otherwise Jahidi could have 5-10 minutes per game career, where this strongman would give little bit of everything for his future teams.
Not gonna make it:
Everyone else
One thing unites those 5 players - they are D League MVP's of last 5 seasons. There are more success stories with ITP Development league.
But how about current D League generation, do they have potential to become relevant in the main league? I made analysis and group players into 5 categories (below). I take into consideration their current skills, potential and predicted D-League award points.
All-stars:
I don't actually see such talents in D league class 2009.
Starters:
Jelani McCoy (Knicks) B D+ D- A- B- B
This 2nd round pick is cruising towards MVP. Jelani is typical PF/C, with skilled inside scoring and reliable defence. Rebounding could be improved a bit, but all in all, that's a solid player already.
Frederic Dean Austin (76ers) C B- A- A- C- B
Current leader in assists per game is developing to be Foots Walker/Al Skinner type of player, which is a desired piece for most of contending teams.
Rysheed Jordan (Knicks) C A- C B+ C- B
His skills looks nice? Add the fact that he is only 19! Of course, shooting guards is though position and ability to drive to the basket is something to work on if Rysheed wants reach his ceiling.
Kevin Garnett Jr. (Timberwolves) C+ B C- B+ C A
This one is mostly based on high potential and his current technical abilities. Because results wise I cannot like that fact, that while we have 3 Fake players in top scorers table, KG Jr. does not make the list. Having in mind that Kevin is the only player in Minnesota development team, this seems like a case where good skills does not translate to stats. Hopefully this is just for current season.
Solid rotations pieces:
Robert Traylor (Raptors) B- D+ D+ A- B C
I think "Tractor" will be strong candidate for next year MVP. In all major frontcourt categories - points, rebounds and blocks - Robert is 2nd only to McCoy. Having this in mind, Robert probably has fine career in front of him.
Christopher Moltisanti (Raptors) C B- B C+ C- C
Even though his first TC was not that satisfactory, there is no doubt Moltisanti development can be saved, especially having in mind the capable hands this guard is in. The only question is Raports priorities in the nearest future. Nevertheless, Christopher will be among leading point guards in D league as long as his career continues here.
Roshown McLeod (Wizards) C+ C D+ B C A
A lot will depend on his next TC, but Roshown has potential to develop into some kind of poor man's Willoughby. This athletic wing is currently making almost 4 steals a game.
Wade Fielder (Kings) C C+ C+ C+ D+ B
No doubt the biggest mystery of this article. His first season is promising, Wade is playing in solid organisation, so the ingredients for success is there. We just don't know how his work ethic is.
Kaizen Pinen (Sonics) C+ B- C B C B
This is just the beginning of his story, but you kind of want more from a 2nd year player. However, even if not a star, Kaizen can at least become reliable all-rounder.
Bench-warmers:
Vladimir Stepania (Spurs) C+ D+ D- A- C+ F
Although displaying solid results in D league, its hard to imagine Stepania getting much playing time in main league. However, maybe some teams will be interested in his shot blocking abilities.
Jahidi White (Wizards) C+ D F+ B- C+ C
He might get overlooked, but otherwise Jahidi could have 5-10 minutes per game career, where this strongman would give little bit of everything for his future teams.
Not gonna make it:
Everyone else