The MLB has always been the prime example of how to most effectively use the minor leagues to help mature and develop prospects, but the NBA is catching on fast.
Once not much more than a glorified rec league, the NBA D-League has flourished over the last half decade, and the Denver Nuggets want in on the fun.
According to Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post, league sources have told him that the Nuggets could be looking to add their own D-League affiliate as soon as next season.
It’s been seven years since the Colorado 14ers, the Nuggets’ original D-League affiliate, relocated to Frisco, Texas, becoming partners with the Dallas Mavericks.
A D-League team would allow the Nuggets to freely and easily send their young talent, who otherwise may not get much playing time on an NBA roster, down to the D-League to gain experience. It would be a situation ideal for prospects such as Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez this season.
