The NBA’s Developmental League Playoffs will be getting underway shortly, and, for the second consecutive season, the Texas Legends won’t be a part of it. However, this does not mean that the season was a total loss, as there were more than a few Texas Legends’ highlights from this year.
Here’s a look at some of the top story lines from the Dallas Mavericks’ D-League affiliate during the 2014-2015 season.
Fan favorite, Justin Dentmon, Returns
Dentmon, who last played in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2012-2013 season, made a return to the Lone Star State when the Texas Legends reacquired him earlier this season.
A two-time D-League All-Star, Dentmon has been a productive Legend down the stretch, as he has averaged 16.6 ppg, thanks in part to his gaudy three-point percentage of .444.
Mike James – Still got it at 39
A 12-year veteran of the NBA, and a well-traveled professional hoopster in many countries, Mike James has shown that he’s still got a little something in the tank. At age 39, James has shown that it’s not just leadership that he brings to the table – this guy can still play. He’s averaged 16.7 ppg, and has been the Legends’ top player for the majority of the 2014-2015 season.
Dwight Powell: Future NBA star?
Powell, a 6’11” Forward, came over from the Boston Celtics in the Rajon Rondo trade. A big man with upper tier athleticism, the Stanford product has appeared in 25 games for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging just over eight minutes of floor time per game, and putting down 3.1 ppg.
His short tenure with the Texas Legends provides a better glimpse into the former Celtic’s future, as his seven game sample has proven. With the Legends, he’s averaged 30.3 ppg and 9.9 reb per game.
Top D-League Prospect: Eric Griffin
Griffin has been in the Top 20 of Top D-League Prospects for most of the season, and it’s no secret as to why. He’s led the Legends in games played (46), and points per game (18.7).
Like current teammate Dwight Powell, the future for the 24-year-old Griffin, a product of Campbell University, is a bright one, as he has shown flashes of a future that could lead to a flourishing NBA career.
Former Dallas Maverick, Delonte West, back in Texas
The Texas Legends created quite a stir when they signed former Dallas Maverick, Delonte West.
Although he has yet to start a game for the Legends, he has provided much-needed bench depth, averaging 14.8 ppg in just over 25 minutes per game.
Ricky Ledo signs with the New York Knicks
Ledo, a former second round pick of the Milwaukee Bucks (43rd overall, 2013), quite literally had an up-and-down tenure with the Texas Legends, as he was shuttled between the Dallas Mavericks and the Legends over a dozen times in little more than a year and a half.
In February, he was waived by the Dallas Mavericks to make room for Amare Stoudemire. Earlier this month, he signed a 10-day contract to become a member of the New York Knicks. Just 22, there is plenty of time for Ledo to carve out a solid NBA career.
Upcoming Games – Final Homestand of 2014-2015
Although the postseason will pass by Frisco’s Texas Legends, there are still a few great games coming to Dr Pepper Arena in this final week of the regular season.
Be sure to pick up your tickets soon, as these final two games of the 2014-2015 are sure to sell out. Friday, April 3, the Legends host the top-ranked Maine RedClaws. And on Saturday, April 4, the season concludes as the Idaho Stampede pay a visit to the Legends. Both games have a scheduled tip-off of 7:00 p.m.
There’s no better way to watch the Legends than live and in person, but, if you can’t make it to the games, you can watch from the comfort of your own home via the Legends’ official YouTube Channel.
