Everything you need to know about the G League this season

The name D-League was taboo in an NBA locker room back in 2009. Mention the D-League to an NBA rookie or second-year player and the question would always come back, "What did I do wrong?"

When I was in the New Jersey Nets' front office, the assignment of a player to Springfield, the Nets' D-League affiliate, was regarded as a penalty. After former lottery pick Terrence Williams was placed on the inactive list for multiple violations of team rules, he was sent to the D-League. When he got there, Williams took his gear and soaked it in the sink so he wouldn't have to practice.

Now the G League (with a new name, thanks to its title sponsor) is seen more as a platform for player development,…