For decades now, Major League Baseball teams have been able to develop their players in the minor leagues. Very few big leaguers make it to “The Show” without laboring in outposts like Spartanburg or Wilkes-Barre. Until recently, the NBA had no such opportunity to develop young players who weren’t quite ready for prime time.

Players who may have had promising careers but couldn’t crack an NBA roster immediately could go to the CBA or another of the various low minor leagues that offered little pay and even less exposure. With the global growth of the game, there were also opportunities in leagues in Europe, South America or the Pacific Rim.  However, clubs overseas usually have limited spots for Americans, and for some, the passion for basketball wasn’t worth leaving the United States.  Read more...