IF the NBA truely wants the D-League to succeed and be a true minor league system, here is the plan. The only thing is, I think they have a vested interest in Euro basketball so may not want it to really compete... Anyhow, here it goes.
1. Expand the Draft to 3 rounds. Offer guaranteed three year development contracts, with signing bonuses so these guys will stay and not take off for Europe. The league salary could stay relatively low and once these guys reach their three years they can choose to stay in the D-League, be eligible for another team, or take off to Europe.
2. After 3 years in the league, players need to be moved up or offered up in a "Rule 5" like draft. This would keep teams from stocking up on talent in their minor league team and help the lower level teams grab quality players.
3. Allow current NBA players to rehab in the D-League.
4. Have a 1-1 relationship with the NBA teams with the big club owning exclusive rights to the players with the right to trade them.
5. Move the early entry to 2 years in college. This would keep guys from leaving for the money grab.
I really think these 5 little things would really help the D-League and probably the NBA in the long run...
I really think that these adjustments
1. Expand the Draft to 3 rounds. Offer guaranteed three year development contracts, with signing bonuses so these guys will stay and not take off for Europe. The league salary could stay relatively low and once these guys reach their three years they can choose to stay in the D-League, be eligible for another team, or take off to Europe.
2. After 3 years in the league, players need to be moved up or offered up in a "Rule 5" like draft. This would keep teams from stocking up on talent in their minor league team and help the lower level teams grab quality players.
3. Allow current NBA players to rehab in the D-League.
4. Have a 1-1 relationship with the NBA teams with the big club owning exclusive rights to the players with the right to trade them.
5. Move the early entry to 2 years in college. This would keep guys from leaving for the money grab.
I really think these 5 little things would really help the D-League and probably the NBA in the long run...
I really think that these adjustments