Dazzle announce NBA team affiliations
September 19, 2005 - NBA G League (G League)
Roanoke Dazzle News Release
Roanoke, Va., September 19 ? The Roanoke Dazzle will be directly affiliated with three NBA teams; the Washington Wizards, the New Jersey Nets, and the Philadelphia 76ers, per announcement made today by NBA Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations Stu Jackson and NBA D-League President Phil Evans. Under this system, each of the eight current D-League teams will be affiliated with either three or four NBA teams, and the NBA teams may assign players in their first two seasons to play in the D-League.
"We are excited to be affiliated with the Roanoke Dazzle. I think this is a big step in helping to develop young talent. This will help the overall play of the NBA and help prepare players on and off the court?, said Billy King, Philadelphia 76ers Team President, of the new affiliations.
Starting this season, NBA teams will be able to send up to two players who are in their first two NBA seasons to their affiliated D-League team. However, any player who is signed by the D-League can still be called up by any NBA team at any time, they are not limited to the affiliated teams.
?This is terrific news for basketball fans in D-League markets?, said Evans. ?Now, in addition to seeing the best basketball players in the world not currently in the NBA, they will have the opportunity to see current NBA players as well, some of whom will be future NBA stars. We've now made a quality entertainment product even better.?
The Dazzle tip-off their home opener on Friday, November 18, at 7:00 pm in the Roanoke Civic Center against the Fort Worth Flyers. The NBA Development League includes the Albuquerque Thunderbirds (N.M.), Arkansas RimRockers (Little Rock), Austin Toros (Texas), Fayetteville Patriots (N.C.), Florida Flame (Ft. Myers), Fort Worth Flyers (Texas), Roanoke Dazzle (Va.) and Tulsa 66ers (Okla.).
The D-League offers players the opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere under the NBA?s umbrella. Thirty-four (34) players have been called up to the NBA on 50 separate occasions. Eleven (11) former D-League coaches, five athletic trainers, 11 referees and 30 front office executives have also been called up since the start of the league?s inaugural season in November 2001.
For more information on the D-League and NBA affiliations, please log onto www.roanokedazzle.com.
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