Minor-loop fix for NBA
Teams will be able to send prospects Babcock: ‘Step in the right direction’
It is a system very much in its infancy with nearly as many questions as answers, but the NBA has finally taken steps to give young players a place to play rather than have them rot on the end of a bench.
In a first step toward developing a full- fledged farm system, the league announced yesterday some specifics for an affiliation system between NBA teams and those in the NBDL. The Raptors have been affiliated with the Arkansas RimRockers, giving general manager Rob Babcock a place to send players to get much-needed seasoning.
“ There are certainly a lot of bugs to be ironed out, but it’s a good step in the right direction,” Babcock said of the plan, which arose from the new contract between the NBA and its players’ association. Each team is allowed to have two players in the D- League at one time and no player can be sent down more than three times in a season. If four teams all want to send two players to their affiliate at the same time, the NBA will place some players with other franchises. D- League rosters are now capped at 10, but will increase to 12 for the coming season to make room for NBA players who will earn their full salary as well as keep all benefits, including a $ 102 ( U. S.) per diem.
“ As our league is continuing to get younger and younger and our draft is one of drafting potential, this gives ( teams) an avenue to develop the player quicker and under game conditions,” NBA senior vice- president of operations Stu Jackson said on a conference call.
It seems logical that the Raptors would consider sending centre Rafael Araujo and forward Pape Sow to Arkansas for seasoning, but Babcock said no decisions have been made.
“We’ll evaluate everyone in training camp and see if there are any candidates,” he said. One concern is that players sent down wouldn’t get the same kind of coaching they’d get by staying in the NBA and practising against regulars every day. Jackson said parent clubs would be able to keep a close eye on the instruction — and playing time — their farmhands get by attending practices. Even NBDL officials realize there are more issues sure to arise. “ We’ll make some decisions as we go,” league president Phil Evans said.