NC State has a handful of players in the NBA D-League that are making quite an impact. There are 22 teams in the D-League as of now with more expansions in the works. NBA teams have embraced the D-League as an environment to send young players to develop their skills and conditioning. This season a total of 79 NBA players have played in the D-League, including 13 first round selections. Let’s take a look at how some NC State guys are fairing and how likely they are to be called up.
Scott Wood | Santa Cruz Warriors | 6-5 | SG
Scott Wood received an invite from the Golden State Warriors to participate in their training camp. Wood was optioned to their D-League affiliate and has made the most of the opportunity. Averaging 14.5 PPG and leading the NBAD in made three-pointers at 102 made. The Santa Cruz Warriors play uptempo with the freedom to shoot threes in transition, and in the half-court. Scott has thrived at Santa Cruz starting all but one game and giving them a deadly weapon from the outside.
10 made three pointers is the Santa Cruz franchise single-game record which Wood most recently claimed. In his last three games, he has managed to make 21 three-pointers. His production of 102 made three-pointers out of 224 attempts is impressive. Not only has Wood been lights out from three but he has improved his all-around game. He has started to get to the rim to draw fouls. This season he is shooting 96.3% from the free-throw line. NBA teams will have to take notice of Wood’s superior shooting and should be able to claim a 10-day contract. Personally, I do not see a reason why a team would not want an inexpensive 6-5 shooter on their roster. There are not many players that can shoot the ball as efficiently as Wood.
CJ Williams | Texas Legends | 6-5 | SG
CJ Williams had a great showing in the NBA D-League showcase scoring 32 points aginst Santa Cruz. Williams is averaging 12.5 PPG and 4 RPG. CJ has a solid all-around game showing the ability to create off the bounce to hit mid-range jump shots as well as shooting the three-ball. Williams’ has a strong frame at 230 pounds allowing him to get to his spots. The NBA will be a tough destination for Williams; however, if he can continue to improve his defense and playmaking he could have a shot at a 10-day contract.
CJ Leslie | Raptors 905 | 6-9 | F
Leslie is trying to improve the skills necessary to make an NBA roster. He is averaging 10.4 PPG and 5.7 RPG. CJ has prototypical size and athleticism for the NBA; however, he has had to clean up some fundamentals. Leslie has competed more consistently on both ends of the court giving the Raptors 905 a versatile player capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. This season CJ has shown improvement in his shooting form although the numbers are not there yet, he is progressing. His release is more compact and follows through is consistent. CJ has potential it is just a matter of using his skills in a way that will peak an NBA team’s interest. If Leslie can prove to be a consistently high energy defender willing to use his length and athletic ability to get stops he can be in the NBA.
Cat Barber | Delaware 87ers | 6-1 | PG
Averaging 14.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, and 3.9 APG Barber has been able to find ways to impact games for Delaware. Cat has elite speed and quickness that NBA teams look for but has to show he is more than just a high-volume scorer. Barber recently had a look at the 76ers as they had a roster opening but did not make the cut. Cat is still young at 22 years old and should have time to develop as a defender and playmaker. Barber will also have the chance to play overseas if he feels the need to make more money.
Joiner earned 2nd Team All-ACC honors in his single season at NC State, averaging 17.0 points per game. He is expecting to attend a couple of more workouts. Joiner is projected as a late 2nd round pick, or as an undrafted free agent signee.
Former NC State All-American Shortstop Trea Turner has been en fuego representing the United States in the World Baseball Classic. He has helped lead the United States to the finals against Japan, which begins tonight at 7pm.
Turner currently is batting .368 through 5 games. Four of his seven hits have been home runs, which leads all batters in the World Baseball Classic.
Bradbury just wrapped up his 4-year Rookie contract worth $13 million. The Vikings decided not to pick up his 5th year option prior to last season, but they decided to go ahead and re-sign Bradbury, who has been their starter since entering the league.
The #Vikings have reached an agreement with C Garrett Bradbury for three years & $15.75 million, a source confirms to The Athletic. @MikeGarafolo was on it. Bradbury wanted to return all along. Respected immensely by Kirk Cousins, too. Minnesota's center is back.
Former NC State Wide Receiver Jakobi Meyers got paid yesterday, signing a 3-year deal with the Raiders worth $33 million, with $21 million of it guaranteed.
After going undrafted, Meyers signed with New England, and has been with the Pats the past 4 seasons. Last year was the first year that Meyers made over $1 million, earning $3.986 million on a 1-year contract. Now he will average $11 million a season over the next three years in Vegas.
Over 4 seasons, Meyers has 235 receptions for 2,758 yards and 8 touchdown receptions. Meyers earned this pay day, leading the Pats in receiving yards for the past three seasons consecutively.
