NBA Development League

Pelicans.com

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the organization has received six affirmative responses to the team’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the NBA Development League, which were sent on March 30, 2017. The following communities have responded with interest in moving forward in the team’s process with its intention to launch its own NBA Development League team beginning play in the 2018-2019 season:  Baton Rouge, LA; Jackson, MS: Mobile, AL; Pensacola, FL; St. Tammany Parish, LA and Shreveport, LA.

The league will soon be known as the NBA Gatorade League (NBA G League). The team will be owned and operated by New Orleans Pelicans Owner Tom Benson and will be a direct, one-to-one affiliate of the Pelicans. The six locations will have until June 7, 2017 to submit a complete and comprehensive proposal to the Pelicans.

“We are excited to the see the excitement which this process has generated among the six locations,” said Benson. “All of them have stepped forward with legitimate and sincere interest and are going to make a case via their proposals for why they would like to be the home of our NBA G League team in 2018-2019.  The process is underway and we know that this will be a very significant addition for a city/parish near us as it will add global exposure and bring professional basketball to their town.”

The D-League is the NBA’s official minor league, which was founded in 2001. The NBA D-League currently features twenty-two (22) teams with direct affiliations to NBA teams. An additional three teams, affiliated with the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks are set to join what will be known as the NBA G League for the 2017-2018 season.

The NBA D-League is made up of 50 regular season games plus a postseason and runs from November to April. The league fosters the connections to the communities that the teams serve and promotes health and wellness, supports local needs and interests and assists in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. As the research and development arm of the NBA, the NBA D-League seeks to advance the game of basketball.

A proven developer of NBA-caliber talent, almost 40 percent of current NBA players have NBA D-League experience as connectivity between the NBA and the NBA’s official minor league continues to grow. Recent changes to the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement have reinforced that synergy, as NBA teams will be able to have up to two “two-way players” on their rosters beginning next season. These “two-way players” will gain experience in the NBA, but will primarily play in the NBA G League as part of their NBA journeys.

Currently the following teams play in the NBA D-League: Austin Spurs (San Antonio Spurs), Canton Charge (Cleveland Cavaliers), Delaware 87ers (Philadelphia 76ers), Erie BayHawks (Orlando Magic), Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Indiana Pacers), Grand Rapids Drive (Detroit Pistons), Greensboro Swarm (Charlotte Hornets), Iowa Energy (Memphis Grizzlies), Long Island Nets (Brooklyn Nets), Los Angeles D-Fenders (Los Angeles Lakers), Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics), Northern Arizona Suns (Phoenix Suns), Oklahoma City Blue (Oklahoma City Thunder), Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors), Reno Bighorns (Sacramento Kings), Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets), Salt Lake City Stars (Utah Jazz), Santa Cruz Warriors (Golden State Warriors), Sioux Falls Skyforce (Miami Heat), Texas Legends (Dallas Mavericks), Westchester Knicks (New York Knicks) and Windy City Bulls (Chicago Bulls). Other municipalities interested can contact the New Orleans Pelicans.

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New Orleans Pelicans Announce Six Locations That Have Responded to RFP’s for NBA Development League Franchise

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has signed guard/forward Axel Toupane (pronounced too-PON) for the remainder of the 2016-17 season. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Toupane, 6-7, 210, most recently played for Raptors 905 of the NBA Development League. In 36 games, Toupane has averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 27.6 minutes per contest for the 905. Undrafted in 2014, the French native has appeared in 23 career regular season games with Milwaukee and Denver, averaging 3.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in 13.5 minutes per game.

Toupane will wear #10. New Orleans’ roster now stands at 15.

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Pelicans Sign Axel Toupane for Remainder of 2016-17 Season

During Friday night's matchups between the Pelicans and Kings, general manager Dell Demps spoke with sideline reporter Jen Hale on New Orleans Pelicans’ intent to own and operate a D-League team beginning in 2018-19 season:

What are some of the benefits [of owning and operating your own D-League team]? Why are [the Pelicans] going after this?
“We are really excited about this opportunity. It’s a great way to develop not only players, but also coaches and staff – and what I mean by staff, I mean medical [personnel], and the business side as well. It’s just going to be great for our organization.”

Do you feel that your experience in a D-League front office helped you be more successful at the NBA level?
“Absolutely. I was a general manager in the D-League for three years and an assistant coach for two, so I have five years of D-League experience. It was great for me. It really helped me grow.”

Is it true that 40-percent of NBA players spend time in the D-League?
“Yes, 40-percent. You know, it has been a great place to develop players. The players are coming in so young now, so it’s a great way for them to learn and be coached. It’s also great for coaches - young coaches coming in [and beginning their careers] and ex-players transitioning into the coaching world.

On the next steps:
“Yes, we are going to look at possible locations in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Louisiana, and we are hoping to have a team in close proximity to New Orleans so we can expose professional basketball to fans close by. It will be great for the community, for the entire gulf south region, and we are really excited about it. Starting next season, the NBA is going to be implementing two-way contracts, and that will be very beneficial for the Pelicans and the development of younger players.”

Does this speak to the Benson’s commitment to the Pelicans and the commitment of New Orleans to creating a top tier NBA team?
“Absolutely. You couldn’t have said it better. The Bensons have been great. This is just another investment into the future of the Pelicans franchise and we are going to see the results out on the court, with the growth and development of players, and that’s what makes it so great.”

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Pelicans GM Dell Demps Discusses Plans for D-League Team

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the organization intends to launch its own NBA Development League team with the intention of beginning play in the 2018-2019 season when the league will be known as the NBA Gatorade League (NBA G League). The franchise is sending a Request for Proposal (RFP) to 11 different cities and/or communities across Louisiana (seven), Mississippi (two), Alabama (one) and Florida (one). The cities were selected based on our team and NBA research.  The team will be owned and operated by New Orleans Pelicans Owner Tom Benson and will be a direct, one-to-one affiliate of the Pelicans.

“Our goal is to establish a Development League team in nearby proximity to our home base of New Orleans,” said Tom Benson.  “I have been very impressed with the growth and structure of the NBA Developmental League. It is a wise and necessary investment into the future of the Pelicans.  The team will provide us with a better platform of developing our younger players and staff. It also will allow us the opportunity to widen the spectrum of fans that come in contact with our organization on a regional basis. In addition, it will provide us with the opportunities to further promote the game of basketball and further our community support to the region.  This will be a very significant addition for a city near us as it will add global exposure and bring professional basketball to their town.”

The D-League is the NBA’s official minor league, which was founded in 2001.  The NBA D-League currently features twenty-two (22) teams with direct affiliations to NBA teams. An additional three teams, affiliated with the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks are set to join what will be known as the NBA G League for the 2017-2018 season.

The NBA D-League is made up of 50 regular season games plus a postseason and runs from November to April. The league fosters the connections to the communities that the teams serve and promotes health and wellness, supports local needs and interests and assists in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs.

As the research and development arm of the NBA, the NBA D-League seeks to advance the game of basketball.  A proven developer of NBA-caliber talent, almost 40 percent of current NBA players have NBAD-League experience as connectivity between the NBA and the NBA’s official minor league continues to grow. Recent changes to the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement have reinforced that synergy, as NBA teams will be able to have up to two “two-way players” on their rosters beginning next season. These “two-way players” will gain experience in the NBA, but will primarily play in the NBA G League as part of their NBA journeys.

Currently the following teams play in the NBA D-League:  Austin Spurs (San Antonio Spurs), Canton Charge (Cleveland Cavaliers), Delaware 87ers (Philadelphia 76ers), Erie BayHawks (Orlando Magic), Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Indiana Pacers), Grand Rapids Drive (Detroit Pistons), Greensboro Swarm (Charlotte Hornets), Iowa Energy (Memphis Grizzlies), Long Island nets (Brooklyn Nets), Los Angeles D-Fenders (Los Angeles Lakers), Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics), Northern Arizona Suns (Phoenix Suns), Oklahoma City Blue (Oklahoma City Thunder), Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors), Reno Bighorns (Sacramento Kings), Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets), Salt Lake City Stars (Utah Jazz), Santa Cruz Warriors (Golden State Warriors), Sioux Falls Skyforce (Miami Heat), Texas Legends (Dallas Mavericks), Westchester Knicks (New York Knicks) and Windy City Bulls (Chicago Bulls).
Other municipalities interested can contact the New Orleans Pelicans.

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New Orleans Pelicans Announce Intent to Launch Owned-And-Operated NBA Development League Franchise in Gulf South Region

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has assigned rookie forward Cheick Diallo to the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA Development League, pursuant to the flexible assignment system. This will be Diallo’s seventh D-League assignment.

In his most recent assignment, Diallo appeared in four games for Greensboro, averaging 15.8 points on .490 shooting from the floor, 10.8 rebounds and 3.8 blocks in 31.5 minutes per game. Diallo, 6-9, 220, has appeared in 23 D-League games this season with Austin, Long Island and Greensboro, posting averages of 14.0 points on .504 shooting from the floor, 8.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 27.1 minutes per contest.

Originally selected by the L.A. Clippers with the 33rd overall pick out of the University of Kansas in the 2016 NBA Draft, Diallo has appeared in 11 regular season games for New Orleans, averaging 3.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 8.8 minutes per contest.

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Pelicans Assign Cheick Diallo to Greensboro Swarm

NEW ORLEANS – On Sunday evening, March 19, 2017 at The Smoothie King Center during the New Orleans Pelicans 123-109 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Pelicans and arena naming rights partner Smoothie King proudly took part in a special on-court presentation which recognized the amazing efforts of the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

“Smoothie King’s mission is to inspire others to live a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Tom O’Keefe, President and COO of Smoothie King.  “We are thrilled to donate to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, an organization that gives people with physical challenges the opportunities to also pursue an active lifestyle.”

This season, for each shot blocked by a Pelicans player, Smoothie King has pledged a financial contribution to the Challenged Athletes Foundation via a campaign entitled “Smoothie King Block!”  On hand on Sunday from the Challenged Athletes Foundation were Kerry Ellis of Baton Rouge and Michael Lucas of Bogalusa who accepted a donation for a Basketball Wheelchair to the Challenged Athletes Foundation.  Ellis and Lucas, both members of the New Orleans Rollin’ Pelicans wheelchair basketball team, accepted the donation for a customized basketball wheelchair.

Thus far this season, the Pelicans have blocked a total of 388 shots, led by NBA All-Star MVP Anthony Davis’ team-leading 2.26 blocks per game average.

About the Challenged Athletes Foundation
It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.

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Pelicans, Smoothie King Award Customized Basketball Wheelchair to Challenged Athletes Foundation

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has signed guard Quinn Cook to a 10-day contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Cook, 6-2, 179, most recently played for the Canton Charge of the NBA Development League, appearing in 37 games this season while averaging 25.9 points, 6.6 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 38.6 minutes per contest and was named the MVP of the NBA D-League All-Star Game in February. Cook also appeared in five games this season with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 5.4 points and 2.4 assists in 15.4 minutes.

The Duke product was a member of New Orleans’ 2016 training camp roster, appearing in three preseason games for the Pelicans, averaging 8.3 points and 2.7 assists in 9.6 minutes per game.

Cook will wear #22 and is available for tonight’s game against Minnesota at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans’ roster now stands at 14.

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Pelicans Sign Quinn Cook to a 10-Day Contract

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that the team has recalled rookie forward Cheick Diallo from the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA Development League.

In his most recent assignment, Diallo appeared in four games, averaging 15.8 points on .490 shooting from the floor, 10.8 rebounds and 3.8 blocks in 31.5 minutes per game. Diallo, 6-9, 220, has appeared in 23 D-League games this season with Austin, Long Island and Greensboro, posting averages of 14.0 points on .504 shooting from the floor, 8.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 27.1 minutes per contest.

Originally selected by the L.A. Clippers with the 33rd overall pick out of the University of Kansas in the 2016 NBA Draft, Diallo has appeared in 10 regular season games for New Orleans, averaging 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per contest.

Diallo will be available for New Orleans’ game tonight versus Houston at the Smoothie King Center.

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Pelicans Recall Cheick Diallo from Greensboro Swarm

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