Minor league sports can often be just as entertaining as the big leagues, yet their fan totals lag infinitesimally behind. This year, the NBA’s Developmental League has gone a long way toward bucking that trend.
For the first time in its nine-year history, the D-League has broken the 1 million mark in attendance, drawing 1,043,261 fans to 16 arenas nationwide, a 6.6 percent increase from last year. The total was boosted by the founding of two new teams — the Springfield Armor and Maine Red Claws. The Armor are the official D-League affiliate of the New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. The Red Claws are are the D-League affiliate of the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Bobcats.
Additionally, the D-League has enjoyed record-breaking success in preparing players for NBA action, setting an all-time high with 34 call-ups during the 2009-10 season. There currently are 80 players in the NBA who have D-League experience.
Some of the more recognizable former D-Leaguers include Los Angeles Lakers swingman Shannon Brown, Washington Wizards forward Andray Blatche and Houston Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks.
Marcus Landry — a rookie from the University of Wisconsin — who was acquired by the Celtics from the Knicks in the Nate Robinson-for-Eddie House trade, is the only current Celtics player with significant D-League experience.
Former Celtics guard Gabe Pruitt is one of only seven active players who have won an NBA title after being promoted from the D-League.
