Question: DLeague during lockout

[Zerol]

I don't know if anyone knows the answer for sure and I am leaning towards no, but here we go:

If the players are locked out, can the players still be assigned to the D League to play, or sign a side deal with the Flash? We have at least 5 players that are eligible to play there (Favors, Hayward, Evans + 2 rookies). Once the lockout is over, they can be recalled.

I hope yes so that we can still watch at least the young guys play... but again my guts say no...

 

[Qman]

Will there even be a D League season?

I am sure that we won't be able to send players down. It is a provision of the CBA. Which will not be in force and being negotiated.

 

[vslice02]

The Developmental League will continue - regardless of a work stoppage in the NBA. However, I'm nearly positive the lockout would prevent NBA players under contract from playing in the NBDL - including 2011 draft picks.

 

[NUMBERICA]

The Developmental League will continue - regardless of a work stoppage in the NBA. However, I'm nearly positive the lockout would prevent NBA players under contract from playing in the NBDL - including 2011 draft picks.

I'm not sure what the rule is precisely, but players drafted don't have contracts. Their rights are held, so if the rule is tied to contract-status, then it's possible 2011 picks could play under a D-League contract. That's my hope, anyway, but I honestly don't know.

 

[Mr. McGibblets]

The Developmental League will continue - regardless of a work stoppage in the NBA. However, I'm nearly positive the lockout would prevent NBA players under contract from playing in the NBDL - including 2011 draft picks.

The D-league will continue, but why can't NBA guys play there? I don't think NBA teams can "assign" them like the OP questioned, but if the NBA players can play in Europe, why not the D-league?

 

[beantastic]

The D-league will continue, but why can't NBA guys play there? I don't think NBA teams can "assign" them like the OP questioned, but if the NBA players can play in Europe, why not the D-league?

I am sure they could as long as they are free agents. They could sign with a team and then be "called up" by an nba team when the lock out ends.

The real question is if the 2 rookie picks could play.

 

[Mr. McGibblets]

Even if they are under contract couldn't they sign with a d-league team? Is there some deal the NBA and d-league have that prohibit NBA players from signing with the d-league in a lockout? Even players under contract cannot be stopped from going to play in different international leagues. Legally, I don't believe an employer can lock an employee out and simultaneously prevent the employee from working elsewhere-the employment contract is not in effect.

 

[AlaskanAssassin]

I think it's FIBA rules that prohibit players from signing a contract with a new team while still under a current contract. Does anyone know if the NBDL operates under FIBA rules? My guess is that they do since they operate with the NBA.

My other thought was that there is not a chance in hell that the players union would let their players under contract play in the development league. I highly doubt they want their players generating money for the NBDL (and in turn, the NBA) while they are in the process of negotiating the terms of the CBA.

 

[homeytennis]

The Idaho Stampede owner said on the radio last week if the NBA lockout occurs it could be a really big year for the DLeague. He said drafted players will not be signed to contracts and probably cannot be assigned. He also said that players that are free agents will be locked out and would be fair game for DLeague teams. Drafted players in this guy's opinion would be able to sign with any DLeague team they want. There is the risk of injury, but that's what Lloyds of London is for. I can see players that do not have a contract on going heading to the DLeague to stay in shape and rookies looking for a system that is close or identical to the team that drafted them.