Ten things to know as the NBA Development League tips off another season this weekend, beginning with seven games Friday:
1. I like D-League basketball. Just thought I'd get that out of the way right now. These are guys who really love the game, chasing the game, and doing whatever they can to improve outside of the bright lights and big cities of the NBA and NCAA. To me, the D-League is basketball at its most wholesome.
2. D-League arenas are among the best in sports. They have character, charm. The Canton Memorial Civic Center is straight out of 1976. I'm straight out of 1976. Therefore, I love it.
3. This league has talent. Honest. Remember guard Jermaine Taylor who was in camp with the Cavaliers? He's now with the Maine Red Claws and I predict he'll be back in the NBA soon. He's listed as the 12th-best prospect on the D-League website. He's the No. 1 prospect in Amico's column.
4. Also, forward Kevin Jones, who went back and forth between the Cavs and Charge like 115 times last season, is back with the Charge. Again, he may not be there long.
5. Other names you probably know on opening-night rosters: Malcolm Thomas (LA D-Fenders); Chris Douglas-Roberts (Texas Legends); Gary Forbes (Springfield Armor); DeAndre Liggins (Tulsa 66ers); Jeremy Tyler (Erie Bayhawks); James Johnson (Rio Grande Valley Vipers); Seth Curry (Santa Cruz Warriors); Chris Wright (Red Claws); C.J. Leslie (Bayhawks); Terrel Harris (Legends); Qunicy Douby (Austin Toros).
6. Then there's Ron Howard, a 6-foot-5 swingman with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Howard is 31 years old and has been in the D-League for eight years. He's an outstanding D-Leaguer – but hasn't been able to stick in the NBA. Yet he keeps playing, and playing well. This is a man who truly loves the game, and good for him. Great for him, actually. He's a pleasure to watch.
7. Longtime NBA forward Josh Howard is also playing in the D-League. He's suffered a rash of knee injuries and was recently waived by the Spurs. He's now with the Austin Toros, at the age of 33, working on a comeback.
8. And we can't forget about former NBA crazy (in a mostly good way) kid Ricky Davis (Bayhawks). Also playing are Joe Alexander (Legends) and Bill Walker (Toros).
9. The Delaware 87ers are the D-League's newest team, bringing the league total to 17. Needless to say, they are the official affiliate of the 76ers. Needless to say, the 87ers are called the "Sevens" for short.
10. Final fun fact: The Santa Cruz Warriors not only feature Stephon Curry's younger brother, Seth, but also the brothers of Klay Thompson (Mychel) and Clippers star Blake Griffin (Taylor).
Bonus: So there you have it. D-League basketball. I'll be following and perhaps so should you.
Twitter: @SamAmicoFSO
