http://www.hustlebelt.com/2015/10/31/965...ague-draft

Pretty good accomplishment for the guys. Better than playing overseas in my book.

Great news for Ward and Riley. Europe probably sounds more fun, but d-league you are closer to getting noticed by the NBA if warranted. Iam rooting for them to get the. Come on, 10 day contract call up to the NBA !!!

(11-01-2015 07:41 AM)rayEMU Wrote:  Great news for Ward and Riley. Europe probably sounds more fun, but d-league you are closer to getting noticed by the NBA if warranted. Iam rooting for them to get the. Come on, 10 day contract call up to the NBA !!!

Curious what D-league players get?

I've always thought it very unfair that a top MLB player gets 20M per year while a triple AAA player gets a salary which is almost poverty level (somewhat a metaphor but MiLB salaries are incredibly minimal.)

I looked at my phone and said "OK Google, show me NBDL salaries." This is what is gave me:

Salaries remain flat: $25,500, $19,000 and $13,000 for the league's three player classifications, which means D-League players are virtually playing for free -- and a modest per diem on the road of $40 compared to $120 in the NBA -- although they do receive housing and insurance benefits.Jan 9, 2014

While it may not be a great salary, it is an opportunity to pursue a dream. Congrats to KWard and Riles.

(11-01-2015 09:01 AM)KPJ Wrote:  While it may not be a great salary, it is an opportunity to pursue a dream. Congrats to KWard and Riles.

I was going to make a snide remark that after the NBA D league the players will feel 'rich' getting a starting salary in government or private sector.

NBA should double those D league salaries.

I still think that the only thing standing between Riley and NBA is his weak mentality. He has the skill set and the physical attributes to be in the league.

(11-02-2015 12:27 PM)realistEagle Wrote:  I still think that the only thing standing between Riley and NBA is his weak mentality. He has the skill set and the physical attributes to be in the league.

He averaged 4.2 ppg in a league with no centers. The guy was a stiff.

(11-03-2015 02:58 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(11-02-2015 12:27 PM)realistEagle Wrote:  I still think that the only thing standing between Riley and NBA is his weak mentality. He has the skill set and the physical attributes to be in the league.

He averaged 4.2 ppg in a league with no centers. The guy was a stiff.

Outstanding size and defensive ability though.

Keep in mind that after the NBA, Europe or overseas leagues are more likely to offer the most money whereas the NBDL is more of a way to have the best chance to make the association. I think most NBDL players try it for a few years and then decide to chase the money over seas.

(11-03-2015 02:58 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(11-02-2015 12:27 PM)realistEagle Wrote:  I still think that the only thing standing between Riley and NBA is his weak mentality. He has the skill set and the physical attributes to be in the league.

He averaged 4.2 ppg in a league with no centers. The guy was a stiff.

He was far from a stiff - very agile and athletic for a guy his size with great skill. Like I said his 4.2 ppg is the by product of his low aggressiveness that is why I pointed out his mentality.

(11-04-2015 12:27 PM)realistEagle Wrote:  

(11-03-2015 02:58 PM)Bob Wickersham Wrote:  

(11-02-2015 12:27 PM)realistEagle Wrote:  I still think that the only thing standing between Riley and NBA is his weak mentality. He has the skill set and the physical attributes to be in the league.

He averaged 4.2 ppg in a league with no centers. The guy was a stiff.

He was far from a stiff - very agile and athletic for a guy his size with great skill. Like I said his 4.2 ppg is the by product of his low aggressiveness that is why I pointed out his mentality.

Riley has potential he never tapped at EMU.

I don't believe his heart was really into it coming from Syracuse.

Without 'heart' Riley was a natural defender but below average offensive threat.

IF he sees a chance to make a NBA team even for 10 games or whatever he might become motivated.

He just seemed so apprehensive offensively. Like he had no confidence in his abilities. Anytime he got the ball, he looked to pass it first, even on looks right underneath the basket. However, he was a tremendous defender, and it was more than just blocks. His on-ball defense was very good, and he used his long arms to knock away passes quite a bit. It only took one year of seeing Samuels and Ajayi get burned inside for us to realize how good Riley was on that end.

That alone makes him an intriguing prospect. A 7-footer who has great defensive instincts and athleticism isn't easy to find. But he's a massive work in progress on the offensive end.