The First and Only Case of NBDL Buzz

Like many loyal NBA fans, I can't tell you but one or two facts about the Developmental League. Julius Hodge volunteered to spend time there. There was a nasty fight during a Dakota Wizards practice. James White was there briefly. And Eddie Robinson is plotting his comeback around those parts. But if you asked me why I don't pay attention, it would probably be because I don't think it's awesome.

Let's face it, the NBDL hasn't done a very good job of selling itself to fans of high-octane, uber-athletic basketball. While minor league baseball bills itself as a day at the ballpark, just a little less grand, I have no idea how the NBDL relates to the NBA.

That is, until today. According to the Argus Leader, this kid Amir Johnson is making Sioux City fans "[speak] in tongues." He's currently on loan to the Skyforce from the Pistons, and will be a restricted free agent this summer. What I care about, though, is these glimpses into his game:

On Saturday, when he finished two assists and three blocks shy of a quadruple-double, he threw a one-handed bounce pass in transition that covered nearly half the court - somehow avoiding a well-positioned defender - to teammate Stephen Graham on the doorstep for an uncontested jam. Later, he snagged a loose ball off his shoe tops in traffic, led the fastbreak down the floor and delivered a behind-the-back pass to Robert Hite for a layup.

Consider my interest piqued. If the NBA could convince that the DL was a combination of raw, exciting prospects and hard-working dreamers, I might even go to a game.

(via Detroit Bad Boys)