Keith Appling

[LuciousGameWinner]

I don't know if this was already mentioned, but he's on the Lakers roster and got more than a bit of playing time in the preseason game against Utah. So that means three players from last years team are on an NBA roster right now. Pretty damn impressive, almost Kentucky like.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

I don't know if this was already mentioned, but he's on the Lakers roster and got more than a bit of playing time in the preseason game against Utah. So that means three players from last years team are on an NBA roster right now. Pretty damn impressive, almost Kentucky like.

Well, it's not as impressive as 5 first rounders in one year, but it would be pretty sweet. I think Harris and Payne will stick for a long time, and if Appling makes any roster by opening day it's a huge win for him.

 

[SpartyNash]

Well, it's not as impressive as 5 first rounders in one year, but it would be pretty sweet. I think Harris and Payne will stick for a long time, and if Appling makes any roster by opening day it's a huge win for him.

I think Payne is going to be a monster, Harris I'm not so sure about. Streaky and undersized.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

I think Payne is going to be a monster, Harris I'm not so sure about. Streaky and undersized.

I am still a little leery about Payne's age, but I think he is exactly the kind of play that should excel in the current NBA era. He can hit 3s at a high clip, he's highly athletic, and he's a committed worker. Maybe his development won't be as high as others, but used right he could be a 10+ year player that is a major factor for the teams he plays on.

Harris is admittedly a little harder to judge, but I think his strengths will turn him into a solid guy. I've said before that Arron Afflalo would be a really good comparison. Afflalo is the better shooter now, but Harris can shoot and should develop fine in the more open NBA. Afflalo is also a similar level of athlete. And while Afflalo has had a reputation as a good defender (not actually true), Harris was one of the best defensive guards in college last year. I think his smarts will lead him to a solid career once he gets in a system. If he continues to develop, he could be a Danny Green type player, which is a huge commodity nowadays.

 

[Sbee]

I read that Appling left with a shoulder injury on Thursday. He came in and nailed a jumper, had a few assists and then got hurt. He was on the floor with kobe a lot too

 

[Sbee]

Appling separates his shoulder and gets cut the next day.

 

[Spartan23MSU]

Appling separates his shoulder and gets cut the next day.

Thats unfortunate, hes injury prone it seems. Its a bonus if we see him at the next level at some point but hopefully he returns to sufficient health and at least have the option to play in Europe.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

Thats unfortunate, hes injury prone it seems. Its a bonus if we see him at the next level at some point but hopefully he returns to sufficient health and at least have the option to play in Europe.

He's not good enough to get a guaranteed NBA contract. I think overseas might ultimately be his best option also. He might get another preseason/summer league invite the next year, but that's probably it. The only way he's getting on an NBA roster after that is if he plays great overseas and proves he has some NBA caliber skills. There are just too many young players every year to keep recycling someone who can't make it.

Also, the D-league is not a viable living for good players. I know the owners probably would never do it, but creating minimum (75K) and maximum (150K) salaries for D-league players would make it a lot more likely that decent but uncertain players wouldn't be forced to go oversees in order to make a living. This could be a major start in turning the league into something viable on it's own, like a real minor league rather than the afterthought it is now.