NBA Call Ups: The Power Of David Stern
How powerful is David Stern? Well when it comes to minor league basketball, has their been a player picked up by an NBA team that didn’t come from his minor league system (D-League)? Guys like Jamario Moon could make the NBA out of the CBA. Moon only made the NBA because GM Colangelo didn’t have any draft picks. With no reason to work out draft eligible players, Colangelo decided to have a free agent camp to evaluate players. Because of that, Moon was “discovered” and found his way into the starting lineup for the Raptors.
The CBA is a declining league, but there still is a place for them in minor league basketball. There are many players that can’t find a decent job overseas due to declining salaries and import player limits. Also, many D-League rosters have cuts to make room for other players (including those coming down). All these players need a place to play while they try and keep their dream alive. A league like the CBA is the place for that. The CBA and the PBL need to merge. Their are rumors flying around that they will, but both leagues need to cooperate with each other. Basically like baseball, this CBA/PBL league would serve basketball like a AA team would.
The ABA, on the other hand, is a complete joke of a league. The commissioner can best be described as that slimy used car salesman we all avoid. He has more failed franchises than any other league on the planet. The league is a joke, and the media doesn’t even cover it. Any decent team in that league (their are so very few) would be wise to move to another league.
Spring ball has really picked up in the United States these last few years. The IBL is the fastest growing minor league in basketball. They play in the United States, Canada, Asia, and Japan (2009). Expect to see this league continue to expand. Their business model has made teams profitable. Unlike the ABA, you can count on the IBL to play all their games. The USBL has recently suspended operations (another spring/summer league). It is rumored some of those teams are trying to join the IBL. The WBA would be smart to follow those USBL teams. Owners that can support their WBA teams fully should consider joining the IBL. This would make a good southwest cluster of teams for the IBL. With players finishing their minor league and overseas obligations, the IBL will become their avenue to continue chasing the dream.
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