The NBA Teams Without a G League Affiliate
The NBA G League, formerly known as the NBA Development League (D-League), serves as a minor league system for the NBA. It allows teams to develop young talent, test strategies, and provide opportunities for players to showcase their skills. However, not all NBA teams have a G League affiliate. Let’s take a closer look at the teams that currently don’t have a G League team of their own.
1. Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are one of the few NBA teams without a G League affiliate. Despite not having a direct affiliate, the Nuggets often assign players to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets. This partnership allows their players to gain valuable experience and playing time.
2. Portland Trail Blazers
Another team without a G League affiliate is the Portland Trail Blazers. Similar to the Nuggets, the Trail Blazers often assign their players to the Texas Legends, the G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. This arrangement provides their players with the opportunity to develop and improve their skills.
3. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans also do not have a direct G League affiliate. Instead, they have a hybrid partnership with the Erie BayHawks, the G League affiliate of the Orlando Magic. This agreement allows the Pelicans to have more control over player development and provides flexibility in assigning players to the G League.
4. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are another team without a G League affiliate of their own. However, they have a single affiliation partnership with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, which means the Mad Ants exclusively serve as the Pacers’ G League affiliate. This close relationship allows for seamless player development and easier integration between the two teams.
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5. Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards, although lacking a direct G League affiliate, have an agreement with the Capital City Go-Go, the G League affiliate of the Washington Mystics (WNBA). This collaboration allows the Wizards to send players to the Go-Go for development and provides a closer connection between the NBA and WNBA teams in Washington, D.C.
Conclusion
While most NBA teams have a G League affiliate to aid in player development, there are a handful of teams that do not have a direct affiliation. These teams have established partnerships or arrangements with other G League teams to ensure their players receive the necessary playing time and development opportunities. The absence of a direct G League affiliate does not hinder the growth of their young talent, as they find alternative ways to nurture their players’ skills and abilities.
