The NBA’s Developmental League prides itself on being a gateway to the NBA. Part of the D-League allure is watching young up-and-comers as well as former NBA standouts climb their way towards the pinnacle of professional basketball. Here’s a look at three former Texas Legends who are now once again walking the courts with the game’s best on the grandest stage.
F/C Melvin Ely—New Orleans Pelicans
Melvin Ely has been a fan favorite, and for good reason, over his two seasons with the Texas Legends. The 6’ 10” former NBA first-rounder (2002, 12th pick) and California State University standout, averaged 13.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game over his 78 games with the Legends from 2012-2014.
This past season, Ely’s 15.8 ppg and 5.8 rpg were enough to earn him a selection to the 2014 NBA D-League All-Star Game. Ely made his NBA debut during the 2002-2003 season with the Los Angeles Clippers. The New Orleans Pelicans mark the sixth team the 35-uyear-old Ely has played for in parts of eight NBA seasons.
F Damion James—San Antonio Spurs
Damion James is a name that should ring a bell with fans of basketball the state over, not just in Frisco. The 6’ 7” James starred at Nacogdoches High School before moving on to the University of Texas. While at UT, James impressed enough to be taken 24th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft.
James’ stay with the Texas Legends was a brief one last season, but he played a key role in the Legends’ strong finish over the final two weeks of the season. In 14 games, he averaged 21.1 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.
The San Antonio Spurs represent the second NBA team James has joined since debuting with the New Jersey (now Brooklyn) Nets during the 2010-2011 season.
SF/SG Chris Douglas-Roberts—Charlotte Bobcats
Usually only the game’s most exciting players earn the greatest nicknames, and the Bobcats’ Douglas-Roberts certainly scored one of the best. The “Dread Pirate” took his game (and his name) back to the NBA this season, after starring for the Texas Legends during the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons.
The 6’ 7” product of the University of Memphis, Douglas-Roberts averaged 21.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game during his 18-game tenure with the Texas Legends.
