The Idaho Stampede are doing their best to take the “D” out of the NBA Development League. In Idaho’s case, it should be changed to the redevelopment league.
In a league known — by name and reputation — for being a place for young up-and-coming players, the Stampede started four players over 30 in games against the Los Angeles D-Fenders on Friday and Saturday in Boise, including 36-year-old Mikki Moore and 35-year-old Antoine Walker.
“I can’t say that we got up one morning and had a master plan of taking older players,” said Bill Ilett, the franchise’s managing partner. “We want to win. We’re used to winning. For years, we’ve always won. We’ve always been considered a contender. If this is the route to get it done, I’m fine with that.”
And if this is the league’s route to more interest, more talent and more eyeballs, then the D-League is fine with that, too.
The Stampede are not alone in adding older players to the roster. Former NBA players Greg Ostertag, Ricky Davis, Luther Head, Damon Jones and Mike James have signed with the league this season, hoping for another chance.
James is already in the NBA, getting called up by the Chicago Bulls after just one game in the D-League — against Idaho (23 points, five assists).
“We actually got him called up,” Stampede coach Randy Livingston said.
James is among the 22 percent of NBA players with NBA experience, commissioner Dan Reed said, a number that is getting the attention of players looking for another chance at NBA glory in addition to players hoping for their first opportunity.
“More and more players and agents are learning about our league and embracing our league. The success we’ve had is begetting more interest in playing in this league,” Reed said. “It’s a better alternative to be playing live games at an NBA level with NBA rules in front of scouts.”
Livingston said the condensed schedule and other ramifications from the NBA lockout are giving older players a chance at those coveted call-ups. He called it a unique year.
“It’s an opportunity for a guy who is in good shape. Guys get hurt and they’re going to take guys they can win with, especially a contending team. Chicago is going to take a veteran guy and not a young guy,” said Livingston, who led the Stampede to the D-League title in 2008 as a 33-year-old point guard.
Livingston provides an example of how a veteran can aid in the development of younger players, Ilett said. The league officials see the influx of older players as a benefit to the league, its image and its younger players. Reed said the talent level in the D-League, which began with eight teams in 2001, is at an all-time high.
The youngest players n the Stampede roster are former first-round draft pick Jordan Hamilton (assigned to Idaho by the Denver Nuggets) and second-round pick Terrico White (who signed with the Stampede in December). Both are 21 and each played two seasons in college before turning pro. They are the types of players you expect to see in the D-League — guys who need a bit of polish and fine-tuning of their games before settling into the NBA.
“We will develop these players, but it could be second chances for other guys.” Ilett said.
In other words, the league is morphing into what NBA officials have long hoped it could be, a true minor league — some players on the way up, some on the way down and some on the way back. Changes in the new collective bargaining agreement will allow teams to use the D-League as a place to rehab veteran players and give NBA teams more flexibility in assigning more players.
“Our league is about survival of the fittest,” Reed said. “The best players will play the most minutes and have the most success and ultimately get called up to the NBA.”
Development — or redevelopment, in this case — is a tough business.
Brian Murphy: 377-6444
