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NBA D-League Update

March 7, 2014 - NBA G League (G League) News Release


BACK IN THE SADDLE

It was fitting that when Reggie Williams was left unemployed to start the NBA season -- waived by the Rockets after signing a multi-year deal during the offseason -- he turned to the NBA D-League to rebuild his career.

After all, that was where he'd built it in the first place.

Four years ago, Williams was an unknown commodity who'd torn up the Big South Conference at the Virginia Military Institute before spending his first pro season in France. In 2009-10, however, he became one of the most prominent success stories in NBA D-League history, turning heads by averaging 26.4 points on 58 percent shooting for the Sioux Falls Skyforce to earn a Call-Up to Don Nelson's Golden State Warriors. He went on to average 15.2 points over 24 NBA games that season, even cracking the Warriors' starting lineup.

The circumstances were much different this time around, but the now 28-year-old again had to prove himself. NBA decision-makers surely know what Williams can and can't do after 177 NBA games, so his strong numbers with the Tulsa 66ers (20.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.9 assists) came as no surprise.

Instead, it was the way he fit seamlessly into the Oklahoma City Thunder's affiliate and played smart, efficient, team-first basketball that made his second NBA D-League stint another success.

"Back then I didn't know how important and how useful [the NBA D-League] was," said Williams, the reigning NBA D-League Performer of the Week. "Having the opportunity to go out and play against big-time college stars, NBA assignees and former NBA players really helps develop your game and bring it to another level.

"The D-League is not only the closest to getting called up to the NBA, but the competition is great, as well. I still want to compete against the best like I have the last few years, and the D-League was the best move."

At 6-6 with a sweet lefty stroke and a crafty slashing ability, Williams remains a scorer first. But the development in his game has come as a distributor. He's assisting on teammates' buckets at a career-high rate (20.1 per 100 possessions) and in February led the league with a 7.0 assist-to-turnover ratio (5.8 assists to 0.8 turnovers per game).

While on a loaded team like OKC he will mainly be asked to catch and shoot from three, his proven ability as a creator adds another layer to his game.

Prospect Report

Jackie Carmichael, Iowa Energy -- Some were surprised when Carmichael, after a strong senior campaign at Illinois State, opted not to play in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, thinking his invite to the NBA Combine was already in the mail, and his position in Round Two of the 2013 NBA Draft secure. Carmichael did get into the combine, but he struck out on Draft Night, while undrafted players who shined at Portsmouth -- Ian Clark (Utah), Robert Covington (Houston) and Brandon Davies (Philadelphia) -- have been in the NBA this entire season. After NBA Summer League stints with Miami and Dallas, Carmichael signed to play overseas in September, but returned to play in the NBA D-League and was signed by the Iowa Energy on Dec. 31, 2013. In 22 games, Carmichael is averaging 9.3 points and 6.4 rebounds. A well-rounded big with solid post skills and athleticism, Carmichael has the makings of an NBA rotation player. With stretch-fours being all the rage these days, he could stand to improve his range to make him more attractive to NBA teams.

NEWS & NOTES

Brooklyn Signs Canton's Jorge Gutierrez

The Brooklyn Nets have signed guard Jorge Gutierrez to a 10-day contract. Gutierrez (6-3, 195) joins the Nets from the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League, where he has appeared in 35 games (all starts) this season, averaging 13.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists (tied for third in the D-League) and 1.2 steals in 32.7 minutes per game. Prior to the 2013-14 NBA season, Gutierrez was signed to the Nets' training camp roster, where he appeared in five preseason games, averaging 1.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, before being waived on Oct. 26. After going undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft, Gutierrez spent last season with the Charge and was named to the NBA D-League's All-Defensive First Team and All-Rookie First Team. A four-year player at the University of California, Gutierrez was named Pac-12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year following his senior season.

Kings Sign Royce White, Assign him to Reno

The Sacramento Kings have signed forward Royce White to a 10-day contract. White has been assigned to the Kings D-League affiliate Reno Bighorns. White was originally selected by the Houston Rockets in the first round (16th overall) of the 2012 NBA Draft. Assigned to Houston's D-League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, White averaged 11.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 25.5 minutes in 16 contests. On July 13, 2013, the Rockets traded White, the rights to center/forward Furkan Aldemir and additional considerations to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for future draft considerations. White was waived by the 76ers on Oct. 25, 2013.

AROUND THE D-LEAGUE

The Delaware 87ers have traded guard Bo Spencer to the Rio Grande Vipers in exchange for rookie guard B.J. Young. Acquired by the 87ers via trade from the Canton Charge on Jan. 27, the 6-1 guard out of Nebraska appeared in 15 games with the 87ers averaging 14.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds in 27.0 minutes. Young (6-4, 188) played collegiately the University of Arkansas, where he averaged 16.0 points and 4.0 rebounds over two seasons. In his 21 appearances with the Vipers this season, Young averaged 6.0 points in 7.0 minutes per game ... The Austin Toros have acquired Greg Gantt from the available player pool. The 6-2, 205-pound guard was drafted by the Toros in the 2013 NBA D-League draft. He participated in the 2013-14 Toros' training camp and was the final cut prior to the start of the season. Gantt played four seasons at Florida Atlantic where he averaged 16.3 points and 3.5 rebounds over his 121-game career. He was awarded All-Sun Belt First Team his senior season (2012-13).

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