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Preview of the first round for the 2015 NBA D-League Draft

By Chris Reichert

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the start of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the start of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA D-League Draft is set for Oct. 31 at 2:00 p.m. EST. Unfortunately, we will not have details of the draft pool until a day or two before the draft starts — the deadline to sign with the league and be draft eligible is Oct. 29 at 5:00 p.m. EST. However, we do know the current draft order, including past trades that have taken place.

Here’s a look at the first round:

  1. Idaho Stampede
  2. Westchester Knicks
  3. Iowa Energy (via L.A. D-Fenders) — Iowa has L.A.’s 1st and 2nd round picks after trading Jarvis Varnado
  4. Iowa Energy (via Reno Bighorns) — Iowa acquired this pick by trading Jordan Hamilton
  5. Delaware 87ers
  6. Texas Legends
  7. Grand Rapids Drive
  8. Delaware 87ers (from SCW via Erie BayHawks) — Delaware acquired this pick in the Ronald Roberts and Sean Kilpatrick trade
  9. Iowa Energy
  10. Rio Grande Valley Vipers
  11. Raptors 905
  12. Rio Grande Valley Vipers (via Fort Wayne) — Rio Grande Valley acquired this pick by trading Gary Talton
  13. Oklahoma City Blue
  14. Sioux Falls Skyforce
  15. Canton Charge
  16. Austin Spurs
  17. Bakersfield Jam
  18. Santa Cruz Warriors
  19. Maine Red Claws

Both the Stampede and Knicks had woeful seasons in 2014-15 and will be looking for blockbuster players at the one and two spots. Last year, Robert Covington went first and Elliot Williams went second.

One thing to note that will be something to watch: The Energy have three first round picks, which they can keep or leverage for draft day trades. Other teams with multiple picks are the Vipers and 87ers. Teams without a first round pick are the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Erie BayHawks, Los Angeles D-Fenders and the Reno Bighorns, all of which could look to trade back into the first round if the right player is there for the taking.

The D-League Draft does not have the same significance of the NBA Draft in terms of team building, however, there are still top prospects to be had. Last season, only eight of the 18 first round picks played 25 or more games with the team who drafted them.

The draft consists of eight rounds, but teams are only required to draft a player in the first five rounds, making the final three rounds optional. Players are not automatically on the opening day roster by simply being drafted. Teams will hold training camps and the draftees will have to earn their way just like anyone else.

The draft will not be live streamed like it was last year, so follow me on Twitter (@Chris_Reichert) for updates. Others to follow for draft coverage will be @DLeagueDigest and @RidicUpside. For more D-League information, check out my FAQ.

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