It's tough to develop when you're wearing street clothes

BOS recently sent down J.R. Giddens to the NBDL, but as Celtics coach Doc Rivers put it:

"At the end of the day, you have to take advantage of where you’re playing. The D-League is good for young players. It’s about playing basketball. It’s tough to develop when you’re wearing street clothes."

While playing in the NBA is the ultimate goal for players, the D-League can really help guys develop.

In addition to getting more playing time against quality opponents, they're exposed to a new group of coaches/teachers, a new voice. (NBDL coaching is incredibly underrated.)

Beyond that, it can be a humbling experience for players, one that helps to ensure they don't take their life in the NBA for granted.