The Pistons have engaged in discussions about acquiring exclusive control of an NBA D-League team, writes David Mayo of MLive.com. The Pistons' share their current affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, with the Bobcats, Pacers, Grizzlies, Bucks, and Magic. Here's more from around the Association..
- It looks like Chase Budinger's left knee issue isn't as bad as initially thought, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (via Twitter). Meanwhile, the T'Wolves are getting calls from representatives about the likes of Mickael Pietrus and DeShawn Stevenson. They'll decide on signing a free agent over the next week or so.
- Of the current 547 NBA players under contract, 398 played in the NBA last year, 62 come from NCAA teams, and 28 are from the D-League, according to Mark Porcaro of Secret Rival (via Twitter). Porcaro and Hoops Rumors teamed up in September to launch the Hoops Rumors International Player Movement Tracker.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. is showing great poise and professionalism as a rookie,writes Fred Kerber of the New York Post.
- The Kings are loaded with guards, but Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee wants to see Jimmer Fredette get another opportunity to step up.
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