In the world of sports, it's always exciting to see young talent come to the fore and make themselves known to the sports fandom at large. Basketball fans will have just such an opportunity to witness the development of young stars when several top NBA Development League players, including 15 with NBA playing time, will play in the 2017 NBA D-League All-Star Game. The game will air live on NBA TV; tip off will be on Saturday, February 18th at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
Derrick Jones Jr. steps to the fore in the NBA Developmental League All-Star Game
One of the young prospects that will pay in the game is Derrick Jones Jr., who will enter the game an NBA unknown. Jones Jr. spent most of the season with the Phoenix Suns' NBA D-League affiliate, the Northern Arizona Suns. Jones will be a player to watch in the 2017 NBA D-League Slam Dunk Contest, tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. Word has it that Jones Jr. is a superior dunker. Take a look at some of his dominating dunks here:
Replacement will feature prominently in Saturday's game
NBA Development League officials have assigned Joel Bolomboy from the Utah Jazz to be a replacement player for the 2017 NBA D-League All-Star Game.
He is replacing Iowa Energy's JaKarr Sampson. Bolomboy, who hails from Weber State, has started 17 games for the Salt Lake City Stars, and has averaged 54.7 from the floor, and 15.8 points per game. He's been fortunate enough to eclipse 20 points five times this season.
Check out some of Bolomboy's handiwork here:
2014 NBA Developmental League MVP Tim Frazier adds star power to the game
In the mix with younger players will be more veteran, experienced players such as Tim Frazier, who impressively won the NBA Developmental League MVP back in the 2014-15 season with the Maine Red Claws. The 6-foot-1 point guard, like many players his size, has been underrated throughout his career. Frazier, who played at Pennsylvania State University, has a career field goal percentage of 41.4 and 6.6 points per game. Prepare to be wowed by Frazier's highlights here:
