Sports of Boston » NBA Development League

Celtics Assign Landry to Red Claws

KC Downey — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:15:35 +0000

The Celtics assigned the recently acquired Marcus Landry to the Maine Red Claws on Saturday, presumably to make room for veteran sharpshooter Michael Finley. Landry came to the Celtics on Deadline Day with Nate Robinson for Eddie House, J.R. Giddens, and Bill Walker.

Landry got in one game with the Celtics this season, playing three minutes against the Cavs in the 108-88 loss. He went 0/2 from downtown and did not register a stat.

More from the NBA D-League’s press release:

NEW YORK, March 6, 2010 – Boston Celtics rookie forward Marcus Landry was assigned to the Maine Red Claws, the Celtics’ NBA D-League affiliate, it was announced today. Landry’s assignment is the 28th of the 2009-10 NBA D-League season.

Landry, 6-7, 230-pounds, has appeared in one game for Boston since being acquired by the Celtics on Feb. 18 in a trade with the New York Knicks. In 18 career NBA games, Landry averaged 2.4 points and 6.2 minutes, scoring a career-high eight points in a 132-89 win over the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 3 at Madison Square Garden.

Originally signed by the Knicks on Sept. 25, Landry spent four years at the University of Wisconsin, where he averaged 12.7 points during his senior season when he led the Badgers to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Celtics fans can stay in step with Landry, who is expected to join the Red Claws today and be available tomorrow when the team hosts the Sioux Falls Skyforce, by logging onto nba.com/dleague to watch all of the 66ers games live, online, for free.

The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league whose teams have direct affiliations to NBA franchises. For the 2009-10 season, the league will feature 16 teams – including the debut of the Maine Red Claws and the Springfield Armor. A proven developer of talent, 20 percent of players in the NBA at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season boasted NBA D-League experience, while the league continues to develop coaches, referees, and front office staff for the NBA and its teams. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout the season fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/futurecast.

Maine Red Claws Crusher Dolls Now Available

KC Downey — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:25:21 +0000

I thought I’d pass along word that the Maine Red Claws mascot, Crusher, has a new doll that is being sold now for a good cause. Proceeds will benefit Maine charities. Not bad!

From the Maine Red Claws Facebook page via Twitter:

Crusher has arrived! Crusher dolls are now available. All proceeds from the $8 doll will benefit Maine charities through the Maine Red Claws Foundation. Limited quantities. Order yours today by calling 207-210-6655 or stop by our offices at 413 Congress St, Portland.

Maine Red Claws Trade For Almond, Cummings

KC Downey — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:18:20 +0000

Maybe the Maine Red Claws can inspire their NBA affiliate, the Boston Celtics, to make a deal before the trade deadline. Why, do you ask? Well, the Maine Red Claws completed a stunning trade on Tuesday, sending guard Tony Bobbitt (12.2 ppg) and forward Noel Felix (9.2 ppg) to the Springfield Armor for guard Morris Almond and forward TJ Cummings. So, who did they actually acquire?

Morris Almond

Almond leads the D-League with 26.8 points per game in 22 games this season. The former 2007 first round pick (No. 26, Utah Jazz) is the all-time leading scorer for Rice. A veteran of 34 NBA games, Almond played in the 2010 D-League All-Star Game.

TJ Cummings

Cummings, at 28, has played parts of five seasons in the D-League and across the globe in Puerto Rico, China, Belgium, etc. He brings the Claws a nice presence on the boards, as he’s averaging 15.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.

GM’s Thoughts

“It was a difficult decision to part with players who have been with us for most of the season, but whenever you have the opportunity to acquire the league’s leading scorer, it’s a move you have to consider,” said Red Claws President and GM Jon Jennings. “Almond gives us a proven scorer and go-to player while Cummings’ 8.9 rebounds a game makes us a stronger team heading into the second half of the season.”

The two players will join the Red Claws for the Feb. 18 game against Tulsa.

Walker Won’t Participate in D-League Dunk Contest

KC Downey — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:48:17 +0000

Bill Walker, who’s currently up with the Celtics, was recently added to a list of participants in the NBA D-League dunk competition…but he had no idea until a Celtics official told him. Walker was informed he’d have to be sent down to the NBA D-League if he wanted to participate, and he declined.

“I’m trying to go home to see my mom,” Walker said.

As a result, just one Red Claw will participate in the D-League All-Star festivities: Trey Gilder, who will partake in the The Haier Shooting Stars contest (more info below).

Ajinca Nearly Wins D-League Performer of the Week Award

KC Downey — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:54:20 +0000

On assignment from the Bobcats to the Maine Red Claws, Alexis Ajinca has been dominant at times. Lately, he’s been really good, but not good enough to earn him NBA D-League Performer of the Week. Last week, Ajinca averaged 20.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in four games. Don’t you wish he was a member of the Celtics?

ERIE’S MIKE GANSEY NAMED NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE PERFORMER OF THE WEEK

NEW YORK, Feb. 1, 2010 – The Erie BayHawks’ Mike Gansey was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played during the Week of Jan. 25, 2010.

Gansey, who was traded to Erie on Dec. 31, 2009 from the Idaho Stampede, led Erie to a 2-1 record last week, including two road victories over the Springfield Armor. He scored a season-high 27 points in 48 minutes on Jan. 30 at Springfield’s MassMutual Center.

The 6-4 guard out of West Virginia averaged 24.3 points, on 51 percent shooting(11-of-23) from the field, to go with 7.3 rebounds 2.0 assists and 1.7 steals. He scored more than 20 points in all three contests.

Other top performers last week included Maine’s Alexis Ajinca, who averaged 20,5 points and 8.0 rebounds in four games on assignment from the Charlotte Bobcats to the Red Claws; Austin’s Malik Hairston, who averaged 26.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in two games for the Toros on assignment from the San Antonio Spurs; Rio Grande Valley’s Mike Harris, who averaged 23.3 points and 13.0 rebounds in three games for the Vipers; Sioux Falls’ Alexander Johnson, who averaged 22.7 points and 11.0 rebounds for the Skyforce; Albuquerque’s Carlos Powell, who averaged 26.0 points and 5.5 assists in two games for the Thunderbirds; Tulsa’s Mustafa Shakur, who averaged 14.0 points and 11.0 assists in three games for the 66ers; and Idaho’s Donell Taylor, who averaged 24.3 points and 8.3 assists in three games for the Stampede.

The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league whose teams have direct affiliations to NBA franchises. For the 2009-10 season, the league will feature 16 teams – including the debut of the Maine Red Claws and the Springfield Armor. A proven developer of talent, 20 percent of players in the NBA at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season boasted NBA D-League experience, while the league continues to develop coaches, referees, and front office staff for the NBA and its teams. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout the season fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/dleague.

J.R. Giddens Offered to Knicks for Nate Robinson, Assigned to Red Claws

KC Downey — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:14:18 +0000

According to CSNNE.com’s Gary Tanguay, the Celtics reportedly offered point guard J.R. Giddens and future considerations to the New York Knicks for Nate Robinson during a 14-game stretch in December when Robinson didn’t see any action.

Then, when Robinson exploded for 41 points in a win over the Hawks on Jan. 1, the trade landscape changed and Robinson’s value increased.

In a busy day for J.R. Giddens news, the second-year player was sent to the Red Claws on Thursday, an indication that Kevin Garnett may soon be returning to the lineup. Giddens provided the Celtics their only “true” backup point guard, but for now, he’s headed to Maine to help out the Claws.

Here’s the full press release from the NBA D-League:

NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2010 – Boston Celtics guard J.R. Giddens was assigned to the Maine Red Claws, Boston’s NBA D-League affiliate, it was announced today. Giddens is the 12th NBA player, and the third Celtic, to be assigned to an NBA D-League affiliate this season.

Originally selected by Boston with the final pick of the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft, Giddens has appeared in 21 games for the Celtics this season, scoring 24 points in 4.7 minutes per game. Last season, Giddens appeared in six games for Boston. For his career, he has played in 27 games and scored 28 points.

No stranger to the NBA D-League, Giddens was three-times assigned from Boston to the team’s then NBA D-League affiliate Utah Flash during the 2008-09 season. In 26 regular season games for the Flash, Giddens averaged 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds in 36.4 minutes per game. He was also an integral part of the Flash’s 2009 NBA D-League Finals run. In four post-season games for Utah last season he averaged 18.5 points and 12.3 rebounds 39.8 minutes per game.

Celtics fans can stay in step with Giddens, who will join the Red Claws this afternoon and is expected to be available tonight when the team travels to Springfield, Massachusetts to take on the Springfield Armor, by logging onto NBA Futurecast to watch all of the Red Claws’ game live, online for free at nba.com/dleague.

The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league whose teams have direct affiliations to NBA franchises. For the 2009-10 season, the league will feature 16 teams – including the debut of the Maine Red Claws and the Springfield Armor. A proven developer of talent, 20 percent of players in the NBA at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season boasted NBA D-League experience, while the league continues to develop coaches, referees, and front office staff for the NBA and its teams. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout the season fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/futurecast.

Red Claws Split 2 Games at 2010 NBA D-League Showcase

KC Downey — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:05:12 +0000

The Claws can’t win ‘em all, but they did manage to split their two-game set at the 2010 NBA D-League Showcase in Idaho, beating L.A. on Monday before losing to Sioux Falls on Tuesday.

Here’s how it went down:

SIOUX FALLS DOWNS MAINE AT 2010 NBA D-LEAGUE SHOWCASE

BOISE, ID Jan. 5, 2010 – Playing its third game in four days, the Sioux Falls Skyforce had enough in the tank to snap a three-game losing streak, defeating the Maine Red Claws 121–102 in the fifth game of the 2010 NBA D-League Showcase.

All seven players who took the court for Sioux Falls scored in double figures, led by 20 points from David Bailey. Reggie Williams, the third-leading scorer in the D-League, had a terrific all-around game, finishing with 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting to go with eight rebounds and four assists. Raymond Sykes and Chris McCray each added 19 points for the Skyforce.

“It’s actually tough to play an 11:00 game. You worry about the energy level, but when there’s so much at stake, guys seem to find it,” said Sioux Falls coach Tony Fritz. “Our guys played extremely well, and hard, and that’s all we preach. You have to play hard all the time in this league.”

Alexis Ajinca, on assignment with Maine from the Charlotte Bobcats, and Will Blalock each scored 21 points for the Red Claws, who defeated Los Angeles 113-111 in yesterday’s second game. Mario West, who hit the game-winner against the D-Fenders, had another strong showing with 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting.

Maine completed its stay in Idaho, splitting two games. Sioux Falls takes on Austin tomorrow.

MAINE OUTLASTS LOS ANGELES AT 2010 NBA D-LEAGUE SHOWCASE

BOISE, ID Jan. 4, 2010 – If at first you don’t secure the game-clinching steal, then it’s best to go ahead and make the game-winning layup.

With the Maine Red Claws clenching to a three-point lead with less than 20 seconds remaining, Mario West failed to complete a strip of the L.A. Defender’s Joe Crawford, allowing the D-Fenders another possession and a chance to tie the game. Frank Robinson promptly hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 111-111.

The Red Claws went West on the final possession, and he delivered, hitting a driving layup with .6 seconds left on the clock to give Maine a 113-111 victory in the second game of the 2010 NBA D-League Showcase.

“I didn’t shoot very well in this game, but I was thankful that my team still trusted me at the end to make a play,” said West, playing in his first D-League Showcase after spending the last two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. “This was a team effort. This is a really good group of guys to play with, and I’m happy we came away with a win.”

Eight players scored in double figures for Maine, led by 22 points from the elder statesman of the D-League, Billy Thomas, who just celebrated his 34th birthday on Dec. 23. Back in 2002, Thomas was a member of the first D-League champion, the Greenville Groove. West, Noel Felix and Darnell Lazare each scored 14 points for Maine.

Diamon Simpson and Michael Fey each scored 22 points to lead the D-Fenders. They also had 14 and 11 rebounds, respectively. Crawford, who was drafted by the Lakers in 2008 and spent time with the Knicks in 2009, added 16 points for Los Angeles.

It’s no rest for the weary with Maine taking the floor at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow against Sioux Falls. Los Angeles resurfaces at Qwest Arena Thursday to take on Erie.

Red Claws Center Alexis Ajinca Nearly Wins Weekly Award

KC Downey — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:36:49 +0000

Red Claws center Alexis Ajinca nearly took home the NBA Development League’s Performer of the Week honors for games played during the week of Dec. 28. Ajinca averaged 17.5 points and 11.5 rebounds as he continues to improve with increased playing time.

Unfortunately for the Celtics, Ajinca will not be apart of their future, as he is currently on assignment to the Red Claws from Charlotte.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY’S ANTONIO ANDERSON NAMED NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE PERFORMER OF THE WEEK

NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2010 – Antonio Anderson of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played during the Week of Dec. 28.

Anderson led Rio Grande Valley to a 2-0 record last week, including a home victory over the Austin Toros and a road win against the Los Angeles D-Fenders.

Anderson averaged 26.5 points, shooting 62 percent (19-of-31) from the field last week, to go with 7.1 assists, 3.0 steals and 2.0 rebounds. The guard out of Memphis scored 27 points on Dec. 30 against the Toros before scoring 26 in the Vipers’ first game of the New Year on Jan. 3 at Los Angeles.

Other top performers last week included Maine’s Alexis Ajinca, who averaged 17.5 points and 11.5 rebounds on assignment from the Charlotte Bobcats to the Red Claws; Idaho’s Sundiata Gaines, who averaged 23.0 points and 4.6 assists for the Stampede; Utah’s Dontell Jefferson, who averaged 18.7 points and 6.3 assists for the Flash; and Reno’s Russell Robinson, who averaged 23.0 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Bighorns.

The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA’s official minor league whose teams have direct affiliations to NBA franchises. For the 2009-10 season, the league will feature 16 teams – including the debut of the Maine Red Claws and the Springfield Armor. A proven developer of talent, 20 percent of players in the NBA at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season boasted NBA D-League experience, while the league continues to develop coaches, referees, and front office staff for the NBA and its teams. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA. Throughout the season fans can watch all NBA D-League games on NBA Futurecast, the free live Web-streaming initiative found at nba.com/dleague.

NBA D-League Suspends Four Players

KC Downey — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:59:29 +0000

Rasheed Wallace isn’t the only badboy in professional basketball. Four NBA D-League players were suspended on Friday following separate altercations in two games.

NEW YORK, Dec. 18, 2009 – The NBA Development League today issued suspensions to four players following two separate altercations during Reno’s 98-90 victory over the Bakersfield Jam in Reno on Tuesday, Dec. 15, it was announced by Chris Alpert, NBA D-League Vice President of Basketball Operations and Player Personnel.

Reno’s Cezary Trybanski received a two-game suspension, while Bakersfield’s Amara Sy and Rodney Webb were each suspended for one game. Jared Newson, who was waived by the Jam due to injury prior to the game but was seated near the bench in street clothes, received a one-game suspension.

Trybanski was suspended two games for attempting to strike Bakersfield’s Terrence Gamble and for punching Webb. Webb is being suspended for one game for striking Trybanski in the chest and for escalating the altercation between Trybanski and Gamble. Newson was suspended one game for leaving the bench area during the altercation.

Sy is being suspended for one game for striking an opposing player in the groin during a separate incident in the same game. That incident occurred with one minute left to play in the fourth quarter.

Trybanski will serve his two-game suspension beginning tonight when Reno plays the Sioux Falls Skyforce in Sioux Falls and on Dec. 21 when the team travels to play the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Webb will serve his one-game suspension tonight when the Jam hosts the Idaho Stampede. Newson will serve his suspension when and if he is reacquired by an NBA D-League team. Sy will also serve his suspension tonight against the Stampede.

Maine Red Claws Beat Springfield Armor 102-79

Jeff Christenbury — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 05:00:03 +0000

Professional basketball made it’s debut in Maine Friday night as the Maine Red Claws held their home opener at the newly renovated Portland Exposition Building. In front of Celtics GM Danny Ainge, NBA great Dave Cowens and a sold out crowd of 3,100, the Red Claws used a balanced scoring attack which saw eight players score at least eight points in a 102-79 win over Springfield.

“We just executed both on the defense and the offensive end,” Georgia Tech alum Mario West (team-high 19 points) said. “Anytime you can get stops and fast breaks and layups and get points on the other end, that helps.”

“When we got defensive stops we pulled ahead,” head coach Austin Ainge said. “And every time our defense lapsed they got back in the game. We can score, we have a lot of talented players so we’ll always be able score the ball so it’s about getting defensive stops when we need to.”

The Armor (0-3) trailed for most of the game but cut the lead to four with just more than 10 minutes to go in the game. They wouldn’t get any closer however as the Red Claws poured on the offense, outscoring Springfield 27-12 in the final quarter. Oklahoma State product JamesOn Curry was the star for the Armor, scoring a game-high 26 points on 10-19 shooting. Still, it wasn’t enough against the balanced Red Claws attack. West (19 points), Celtics product Bill Walker (14 points) and Tony Bobbit (14 points) helped lead a scoring attack which shot nearly 46% from the floor despite hitting just 1 of 12 three point shots. However, like the parent club the game was decided was on the defensive end of the floor. Several times in the second half the Armor pulled within six points but could not get it down to one possession.

“Our defense really did the job,” West said. “We got some blocks, we got some steals and some easy baskets at the other end and that really helps.”

“I had confidence in our guys that if they kept going and kept going they’d be able to pull away,” Ainge said. “I thought maybe Springfield ran out of gas a little bit and they were in some foul trouble. We were able to play a lot of players and rotate them through and I think that made a difference.”

“When we get stops we have a high percentage of what shots we get on offense,” Noel Felix (nine points, six rebounds) said. “Most of the time we do because we share the ball so well. The main thing is getting stops. They are a good team also so they are going to make runs.”

The Red Claws jumped out to a 10 point lead after the first quarter on 55% shooting. Both teams cooled off in the second and Maine took a seven point lead into halftime. A shootout third quarter – led by Curry’s 10 points – saw the lead go up to eight, before the Armor pulled within four on back to back buckets by Major Wingate. However, back to back easy buckets by the Red Claws stretched the lead to eight and they never looked back.

“We got some scorers, we got some shooters, we got some slashers, we have post players, we have it all,” West said. “We can just share the ball and whenever you can share the ball that means we’re moving the ball and getting everybody involved. That worked to our advantage tonight.”

“Coach did a great job bringing this team together over the summer,” Felix said. “Now that we’re together we have some vet guys and some young guys and we’re all talented and we play well together.”

“We just have a lot of good players,” Ainge said. “They shared the ball which is what we preach and it takes some good unselfish play. They hit the open and man and the others were able to convert.”

The game was played in front of a sold out crowd of 3,100 people at the Portland Expo. Despite having the smallest venue in the NBA D-League, the Red Claws have already sold more season tickets than any other franchise. The support did not go unnoticed.

“The crowd was amazing, it was great to have the energy out there and the support that we had,” West said. “We are happy to come out with the win but we know we still have a lot of work ahead of us and we can’t be satisfied with this.”

“It was exciting, it was exciting for us as much as it was for the fans,” Felix said. “We’ve been anticipating this before we even came to Maine.”

“It was a great night all around,” Ainge said. “The staff did an unbelievable job with the opening ceremonies and it was fitting. It was a great capper to a lot of hard work.”