D-League Links

With the Orlando Pro Summer League action underway and the Vegas league soon to follow suit, basketball is gone before you even had much time to miss it. Rejoice in all that is good on the hardwood with a few quick links from around the world of small-time-on-the-verge-of-big-time basketball.

• First, a couple of pieces of news from Duane Rankin of the Erie Times-News. On Sunday, Rankin reported what most everyone who followed the BayHawks last season suspected: Maureece Rice, one of the best BayHawks last year, won't be back in Erie this season. He'll be playing for the Cavaliers' summer league team in hopes of making an NBA roster. But if that falls through, Rankin reports that Rice has a six figure deal awaiting him to play overseas.
  
  
• Rankin also blogged about Raptors second-year player Nathan Jawai not enjoying his experience with the D-League last season, which could deter Toronto/Erie from using him with the BayHawks this season.
  
  
• The last time NBA players were playing in Orlando the Lakers were putting the finishing touches on their 15th NBA championship. The basketball being played in Orlando is a bit different these days as the Orlando Pro Summer League tipped off yesterday. In addition to the host Magic's team, which includes former BayHawk Darian Townes, the six-team 2009 Orlando League includes teams fielded by the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, and a combination of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets.
  
  
• As is expected, no one has these games covered like Ridiculous Upside, where Jon L has written an extensive post detailing the day one action.
  
  
• While I'm on the topic, Ridiculous Upside also posted the roster for the D-League Select team that will compete in the Las Vegas Summer League, which starts later this week. Both Erie BayHawks affiliates will field teams in the Vegas League.