Legacy: Warriors Find Themselves Three Succesful D-League Players

[Legacy]

With the amount of injuries the Golden State Warriors have had this season, it's only reasonable that they try to recruit some new, young players from the NBA's Developmental League. Five players have been called up from the D-League this year by Golden State, which is tied for the most D-League call ups for a team in one season. Three out of the five players have been signed for the remainder of the season. The three players have been doing well not only in the D-League, but also in the NBA.

 

All of these players have qualities that make them unique, and they have the potential to play in the NBA for a long time. Let's look at their three:

Chris Hunter

 

The 6'11 rookie center from Michigan has been on a roller coaster since the Warriors picked him up. Hunter quickly became a crowd favorite when he was first signed to a ten day contract. After a great defensive performance against Dwight Howard, the league's best center, Hunter was signed for the remainder of the season.

 

Soon after, his play steadily regressed and he was buried on the bench. Injuries to Andris Biedrins and Ronny Turiaf have gotten Hunter his minutes back. He is improving game by game. His defense was solid on Zach Randolph at Oracle after getting handled by him in Memphis.

 

His rebounding has been inconsistent, but he is getting better as the season is progressing. With the two centers being injured, Hunter is currently playing his best basketball of the year. He just had his first career double-double, and looks to be a solid back-up center.

 

Anthony Tolliver

 

After playing games for the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers, Tolliver found himself back in the D-League. Luckily for him, the Warriors needed a big man that can shoot; hence, the signing of the second-year player from Creighton.

 

Tolliver struggled to find his stroke at first, and it looked like he would not be re-signed. His hustle and defensive effort, though, earned him a year-long contract. In some games, he has looked like a monster, while he has struggled mightily in others.

 

Even with the inconsistency, Tolliver looks to be a promising player. Who knows if he will be here once Brandan Wright and Anthony Randolph return next year, but Tolliver should make an NBA team next season. He gives it his all on the court, and can be a decent role player for any team in the league.

 

Reggie Williams

 

The last call up from the Development League this season has been the undrafted rookie from Virgina Military. Williams has been a stud ever since he has been called up. He led the D-League in scoring, which is why the Dubs picked him up.

 

Williams has averaged 15 points per game for the Warriors and has had four 20-plus point games already. Not only has his scoring been astonishing, but his playmaking ability is what sets him apart from most of his teammates.

 

It's surprising to see a guy like R-Will go undrafted, and he will definitely be a player that hangs around in the NBA for years to come.

 

The Warriors have found many good players from the NBDL these past few years and these three guys can be added to the list. Some of these players might not be in a Warriors jersey next season, but they will all have an NBA logo on their jersey playing in the association.

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/369444-warriors-find-themselves-three-succesful-d-league-players

[Warren2ThaG]

Tolliver and Reggie are something special, watched them in about 4 games already.

[fish7718]

Is it more that these players are legit, or is it the system they play-in is just conducive to D-League type players, if I'm not wrong Morrow was D-League as well right?

[Legacy]

Is it more that these players are legit, or is it the system they play-in is just conducive to D-League type players, if I'm not wrong Morrow was D-League as well right?

Well it obviously helps when you're in Nelson's system because you don't have to worry about too much, and it brings up your confidence. It showcases your talent basically for other teams.

 

Morrow was not brought up from the D-League. He was undrafted and was invited to play in the Summer League with the Warriors and they loved him, so they signed him.

 

Thanks for the comments guys.

[Sun Tzu]

I love Tolliver's game.

 

Reggie Williams is just an amazing scorer, in the Suns game he seemed to be trusted by his teammates late in the game to drive the lane and take shots.