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These young stars are currently competing night in and night out to fulfill their dreams of reaching the NBA. Since they play fewer games in the Development League and end their season earlier, they will likely be fully charged to handle the rigors of the NBA's grueling postseason. It was our job to analyze piles of NBDL game-tape and identify ten glaring NBDL names to keep an eye on when teams begin to call upon the D-League for help. Here are the ten most exciting players we here at RealGM hope to see make an extended appearance on the big stage this season: 1. Carlos Powell – Dakota Wizards The former South Carolina Gamecock standout has been on a tear this year for the Wizards. The second overall pick in this year’s NBDL Draft has averaged a healthy 22.2 points per game which puts him fifth in the league in scoring. The former NIT Tournament MVP has demonstrated a powerful combo forward game, with the power and repertoire to put the ball in the hoop from any spot on the floor. The confidence he radiates in his ability to be a go-to guy will surely grant him a chance to prove himself in the NBA. 2. Stephane Lasme – L.A. D-Fenders Lasme was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the forty-sixth overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He has played only one game for the Warriors this season but has been given ample time to display his skills for the L.A. D-Fenders. He is currently helping the team with 10.5 points and 6.8 rebounds, while leading the NBDL with 2.71 blocks per game. His tenacity on the defensive side will be a welcomed addition to the Warriors come stretch time. 3. Ramon Sessions – Tulsa 66ers Ramon Sessions was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round (56th overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft. The 21-year old point guard has been a stud thus far in the NBDL, averaging 19.9 points (12th in the league), 7.0 assists (5th in the league), along with 6.3 rebounds per game. Sessions has kept his team in the hunt for a playoff berth and could be exactly what the Bucks need with Maurice Williams battling injuries. 4. Brent Petway – Idaho Stampede The former University of Michigan sparkplug was not selected in last year’s draft but has been making waves in the D-League thus far. Despite his underwhelming numbers (6.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game), he has generated plenty of energy and excitement off the bench. He is best known for his nickname of “Air Georgia,” which was coined by his constant onslaught of high-flying dunks and vicious rejections. 5. Rod Benson – Dakota Wizards Rod Benson was a four-year player at Cal but was robbed of an opportunity to be drafted in the 2006 Draft because of multiple injuries his senior year. Benson broke into the NBDL with the Austin Toros in the 2006-07 season and is now an anchor for the Wizards in the paint. He has been a double-double machine (11 in 23 games), leading the NBDL in rebounds with 12.3 per game, to go along with his 13.5 points and 1.52 blocks (sixth in the league) per game. Click 'Read' to view the final five top D-League players. |
With the NBA season halfway in the books, the standings are starting to settle, and teams are beginning to pinpoint the minor tweaks that they will need to make for a playoff push. The trade deadline will come and go on February 22, 2008, and after that there will be many teams who failed to pull the trigger to acquire the talent they needed to give them an added advantage. This is when teams will begin to use the NBDL as a source for untapped talent.