Yesterday the NBA D-League held their 2103 draft, and here are some notes of the potential developing stories:
Grant Jerrett, was taken #1 overall by the Tulsa 66ers. Jerrett is a 6’10” versatile player who was notably cut last week by the Oklahoma Thunder, a move that led many to hold him up as an example of players entering the NBA draft too early. Jerrett played one season at Arizona last year before declaring for the draft.
James Johnson, the second overall pick, looked like a future NBA starter during his two years at Wake Forest, but has never found traction in the pros after being a first round pick in 2009. Johnson was waived last month by the Atlanta Hawks after, frankly, abysmal showings in the Hawks preseason games.
DeAndre Liggins, taken #7 overall by the Sioux Falls Skyforce, is a former Kentucky standout who played sparingly for Orlando and Oklahoma City during his two years in the NBA. Over the past two months Liggins ran afoul of the law in a domestic assault charge and was waived by the Thunder during the same week. Liggins will need to show maturity and consistency in order to make an impact.
Reggie Johnson, a 6’10” center who played for Miami in the ACC, was taken in the second round by the Delaware 87ers. Johnson is a solid post player who can be a force inside, but has battled injuries and conditioning issues throughout his career. He should see significant floor time.
Aquille Carr, a high school standout who had his own off-the-court issues, was committed to Seton Hall but opted to sign a short contract overseas in an effort to find his way to the pros. It’s still not clear if Carr is more hype than substance, but he’ll get his chance for the Delaware 87ers.