At the season post-mortem press conference, Masai Ujiri revealed that the Raptors are close to getting a D-League team.
Raptors are in advanced talks with the NBA to determine where and when they'll get their own D-League team. Could be as early as next year
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) April 28, 2015
"We're pushing, we're hoping," to have D-League team for next year.
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) April 28, 2015
#raptors franchise approved to purchase a D League team. #rtz #wethenorth #development
— Sherman Hamilton (@shermanhamilton) April 28, 2015
NBA teams without an exclusive affiliate are the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards.
All these are affiliated with Fort Wayne Mad Ants.
The Raptors sent Bruno Caboclo for two stints down to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, which was then followed by a stint for Lucas Nogueira. The Mad Ants are affiliates to more than a dozen NBA teams so playing time is in short supply. The move by the Raptors attempts to fill quite a large hole, especially with Ujiri’s tendency to stockpile the late bench with raw youth.
Having your own D-League team allows some playing time guarantee, which would mean the Raptors could send development coaches down with the player to work with them on a daily basis, and monitor progress.
