Lance Thomas D-League and NBA career

[awhom111]

Part of the NBA season has started on time as the Development League has gotten underway. Last year there were two former Duke players plus Eric Boateng in the league, but so far this year we only have Lance Thomas as he has returned to play for the Austin Toros.

Their first game was Saturday against the Texas Legends and the team won 101-96 with Lance scoring 25 points and grabbing 6 rebounds in 33 minutes. Here is the boxscore for anyone interested:
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20111126/AUSTEX/gameinfo.html

[awhom111]

Lance and the Austin Toros had another pair of games this weekend with a home and home back to back with Tulsa and he put in a very strong performance on Friday at home with 24 points and 16 rebounds in 38 minutes in a 96-83 win. On Saturday he had 9 points and a team high 8 rebounds in 35 minutes in a 109-96 loss. Here are the links to the boxscores if you want to take a look or see some of the other players in the D League these days:
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20111202/TULAUS/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021100023
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20111203/AUSTUL/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021100030

[Acymetric]

Seems like he's playing great...wonder if/when he'll get a shot.

[moonpie23]

is there a place to catch replays?

[basket1544]

Here's where it will be posted when they update the website:
http://www.nba.com/dleague/video/originals/
As for a complete game, those are very rare.

[gwlaw99]

Do you think Lance was held back offensively in college or he is just suddenly blossoming in the d league.

[DukieInBrasil]

Do you think Lance was held back offensively in college or he is just suddenly blossoming in the d league.
LT was a decent scorer in HS, but was asked to be more defensive minded at Duke. LT's elbow jumper was decently reliable as a Sr. but not used much as we also had Singler, Smith and Scheyer as offensive options. With some honing, i'd bet that LT's elbow-J has gotten pretty good. Rumor has it that the NBADL is less interested in defense than pee-wee league ball is.

[hq2]

His senior year at Duke he had a decent jumper, but the rest of his game had a long ways to go. Like
to see him now to see if he's progressed enough to play in the NBA. At this point, I would think Europe
at least would be within reach.

[ChillinDuke]

His senior year at Duke he had a decent jumper, but the rest of his game had a long ways to go. Like
to see him now to see if he's progressed enough to play in the NBA. At this point, I would think Europe
at least would be within reach.

Lance looked consistent in the D-League games I watched of his last year, and he looked great in the Pan-Am games earlier this year. His comfort on the court and knowledge of the game and situation is very striking when you watch him now. I know we saw this at Duke too, but to see it against this kind of consistent talent in the D-League is great.

His rebounding is consistent and strong, often above the rim and in traffic. His determination and focus translates to leadership by example. Both of these attributes we saw when he was at Duke (except for maybe rebounding above the rim). His jumper is improved to the point of defenders respecting it, and he can finish through contact now (after rebounds, not on drives). These are improvements I feel he didn't exhibit a ton of at Duke, and they may very well be the difference makers to sniff an NBA roster spot.

I wouldn't at all be surprised to see Lance get a shot on an NBA roster. The question is will he be given a chance to hold it.

- Chillin

[awhom111]

This is a thread that I hoped to not have to bump, but Lance is back with the Toros waiting for his next shot in the NBA.

On Thursday, he had 18 points and 6 rebounds in 32 minutes in a 109-103 win over Maine. On Friday, he had 11 points and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes in a 108-93 win over Texas. Today, he had 9 points and 9 rebounds in 33 minutes in a 91-90 win over Tulsa. It looks like his team will have two games shown on NBATV this week. They are on Tuesday at 3:45pm Eastern against Erie and Thursday at 1:00pm Eastern against Dakota. Here are the three boxscores:

http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120105/MNEAUS/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120106/TEXAUS/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120108/AUSTUL/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021100131

[hq2]

We'll see him in an NBA uniform again. He's made it once, it's a long season with plenty of injuries to other players. Lots
of chances for him to get one (or more) ten days.

[awhom111]

Lance has had 4 games since the last update. On Tuesday he had 12 points and 7 rebounds in 31 minutes in a 111-88 win over Erie. On Thursday, he had 16 points and 8 rebounds in 33 minutes in a 108-94 win over Dakota. On Friday, he had 15 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes in a 102-100 loss to Bakersfield. On Sunday, he had 14 points and 9 rebounds in 39 minutes in a 114-107 win over Reno. Here are the boxscores:

http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120110/ERIAUS/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120112/AUSDAK/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120113/AUSBAK/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120115/AUSRNO/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021100146

[ChillinDuke]

This is a thread that I hoped to not have to bump, but Lance is back with the Toros waiting for his next shot in the NBA.

On Thursday, he had 18 points and 6 rebounds in 32 minutes in a 109-103 win over Maine. On Friday, he had 11 points and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes in a 108-93 win over Texas. Today, he had 9 points and 9 rebounds in 33 minutes in a 91-90 win over Tulsa. It looks like his team will have two games shown on NBATV this week. They are on Tuesday at 3:45pm Eastern against Erie and Thursday at 1:00pm Eastern against Dakota. Here are the three boxscores:

http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120105/MNEAUS/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120106/TEXAUS/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120108/AUSTUL/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021100131


Lance has had 4 games since the last update. On Tuesday he had 12 points and 7 rebounds in 31 minutes in a 111-88 win over Erie. On Thursday, he had 16 points and 8 rebounds in 33 minutes in a 108-94 win over Dakota. On Friday, he had 15 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes in a 102-100 loss to Bakersfield. On Sunday, he had 14 points and 9 rebounds in 39 minutes in a 114-107 win over Reno. Here are the boxscores:

http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120110/ERIAUS/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120112/AUSDAK/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120113/AUSBAK/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120115/AUSRNO/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021100146

Thanks a lot for these updates, Awhom!

One common theme that jumps out at me is the bold. Can't teach that.

I love Lance and hope he gets another shot in the league.

- Chillin

[NSDukeFan]

Lance has had 4 games since the last update. On Tuesday he had 12 points and 7 rebounds in 31 minutes in a 111-88 win over Erie. On Thursday, he had 16 points and 8 rebounds in 33 minutes in a 108-94 win over Dakota. On Friday, he had 15 points and 10 rebounds in 34 minutes in a 102-100 loss to Bakersfield. On Sunday, he had 14 points and 9 rebounds in 39 minutes in a 114-107 win over Reno. Here are the boxscores:

http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120110/ERIAUS/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120112/AUSDAK/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120113/AUSBAK/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120115/AUSRNO/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021100146


Thanks a lot for these updates, Awhom!

One common theme that jumps out at me is the bold. Can't teach that.

I love Lance and hope he gets another shot in the league.

- Chillin

I believe Coach K does.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

I believe Coach K does.
Great answer!

Glad to see Lance making the most of his situation and hope he gets back into the league soon, somewhere where he will have a real opportunity at playing time and the chance to make a difference. :cool:

[awhom111]

Lance had 3 games this week. He had 6 points in 13 minutes in a 114-97 win over Canton on Wednesday, 15 points and 11 minutes in a 120-97 win over Idaho on Friday, and 10 points in 33 minutes in a 106-92 win over Idaho again on Saturday. Here are the boxscores:

http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120118/CTNAUS/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120120/AUSIDA/gameinfo.html#nbaGIboxscore
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120121/AUSIDA/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021100164

[awhom111]

Lance has had five games since the last update. He had 19 points and 13 rebounds in 37 minutes in a 111-110 loss to Iowa back on January 27th. He had 22 points and 9 rebounds in 32 minutes in a 118-106 loss to Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday. He had 16 points and 7 rebounds in 36 minutes in a 114-101 loss to Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday. He had 16 points in 33 minutes in a 106-87 loss to Canton on Friday. The team finally got back to winning ways on Saturday as Lance had 20 points and 6 rebounds in 35 minutes in a 110-101 final over Canton. Here are the boxscores:

http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120127/AUSIWA/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120131/RGVAUS/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120201/RGVAUS/gameinfo.html
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120203/AUSCTN/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021100198
http://www.nba.com/dleague/games/20120204/AUSCTN/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp2021100202

[hq2]

Any NBA teams calling?

[wk2109]

Any NBA teams calling?

10-day contract with the Hornets to replace the injured Carl Landry: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20120206/SPORTS/202060318/1001/sports

[hq2]

There ya go! Once he made it up the first time, knew he'd get a few more cracks at it!
Go Lance!

[sagegrouse]

Ten minutes and four boards (no points) in a loss to the Kings at home. -- sage

[williamsdevil]

Don't usually post on here (hoping this is the appropriate thread), but Lance has gotten into the Hornets' last two games: two points and four rebounds against the Bulls last week and seven points and four boards against the Trail Blazers last night.

http://www.nba.com/playerfile/lance_thomas/game_by_game_stats.html - "result" column links to the box scores.

He signed the ten-day on the 6th, so I guess he'll have two more chances (the 13th against the Jazz and the 15th against the Bucks) to impress - I think the 10-day rule is "whichever comes later" of ten days or three games.

[ChicagoCrazy84]

Atta boy Lance! So happy to hear he is getting some burn in the NBA! Hard work at its finest right there.

I think long-term Lance should try the Euro League. I think his game would fit really well over there and he'd do really well. If he's not signed to an NBA contract this year or after summer league this next year, I say he should give it a shot.

Anyone know what Zoubs is up to? Is he still playing ball or has he gone on to other things?

[MartyClark]

Atta boy Lance! So happy to hear he is getting some burn in the NBA! Hard work at its finest right there.

I think long-term Lance should try the Euro League. I think his game would fit really well over there and he'd do really well. If he's not signed to an NBA contract this year or after summer league this next year, I say he should give it a shot.

Anyone know what Zoubs is up to? Is he still playing ball or has he gone on to other things?

Yeah, what is Zoubek doing? If healthy, I'd think that he could be playing in Europe.

[JBDuke]

There was a recent article - perhaps in the run-up to the Temple game? - that had an interview with Brian. He made it pretty clear in that article that his professional playing days were over.

[williamsdevil]

Another field goal last night and another 10-day this afternoon! Not a particularly stable existence, but at least he's sticking around.

http://www.nba.com/hornets/news/hornets_sign_lance_thomas.html

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

Another field goal last night and another 10-day this afternoon! Not a particularly stable existence, but at least he's sticking around.

http://www.nba.com/hornets/news/hornets_sign_lance_thomas.html

This link indicates that two 10-day contracts is the max a player can receive from one team in one season. After that, the team has to sign them for the remainder of the season or it's adios.

http://thegoodpoint.com/2011/02/nba-10-day-contracts/

Hope he impresses. Would be awesome to see him get a contract for the rest of the season! But sounds like a longshot.

[Greg_Newton]

FWIW, Lance is averaging 2.6 PPG (45% FG), 3.4 RPG and 0.6 TOs in 8.6 MPG in the 5 games since his return.

Much better than the 1 PT and 0 RBs in 4 total minutes in the three games in his initial stint.

Nothing mind-blowing, but it's nice to see him making a positive contribution when he's on the court. Would be great to see him get a contract for the rest of the season.

[hq2]

3.4 RPG

In 8.6 mpg? That's 19 rebounds per game over 48 minutes! Maybe he'll get
more PT!

[NSDukeFan]

Raise your hand if you thought that Lance would be the starter from the championship team who would be getting the most minutes in the NBA two seasons later.

[SCMatt33]

Raise your hand if you thought that Lance would be the starter from the championship team who would be getting the most minutes in the NBA two seasons later.

I wouldn't say he's getting the most minutes. Before tonight, Nolan has played 103 minutes to Lance's 47. Technically Lance has averaged less than a minute more per game played than Nolan, but that stat is incredibly flawed since he didn't have a roster spot for many of those games. If he was hurt, that would be one thing, but that's kind of misleading. However, if you told me then to guess which players were playing at all in the NBA right now, he would have been my 6th guess after the other starters plus Mason (considering that in 2010 it was very plausible that he could have left after 2011).

[NSDukeFan]

I wouldn't say he's getting the most minutes. Before tonight, Nolan has played 103 minutes to Lance's 47. Technically Lance has averaged less than a minute more per game played than Nolan, but that stat is incredibly flawed since he didn't have a roster spot for many of those games. If he was hurt, that would be one thing, but that's kind of misleading. However, if you told me then to guess which players were playing at all in the NBA right now, he would have been my 6th guess after the other starters plus Mason (considering that in 2010 it was very plausible that he could have left after 2011).

I was on my i-pod touch and I thought "Raise your hand if you thought that Lance would be the starter from the 2010 championship team who would be getting the most minutes in the NBA for this period of a couple of weeks that is only 22 months after the championship, over Nolan who will surely get more minutes eventually and Kyle who will likely play more eventually but he is playing successfully for one of the best teams in Spain right now and maybe Jon will make the NBA and have a successful career but he is playing for the best team in Israel right now." would be a little long and I thought my point would get across better that way. :) I was just noticing that Lance has played more the last week or more than Nolan and what a great story he has been. I agree I would have also picked Mason as more likely to be playing in the NBA right now over Lance. Who knew?

[moonpie23]

ok, so i'm looking back over the thread.....did lance survive his 2nd 10 day? You can only get 2 then they have to sign you for the rest of the season...

[JasonEvans]

ok, so i'm looking back over the thread.....did lance survive his 2nd 10 day? You can only get 2 then they have to sign you for the rest of the season...

He signed a second 10-day contract on Feb 16. There is a limit of 2 10-day contracts per player, per season, so the Hornets will have to decide to either keep him all year or cut him loose on Feb 26th, next Sunday.

-Jason "fingers crossed for a great kid!" Evans

[JasonEvans]

By the way, I thought I would add the following...


The minimum salary a 10-day contract can offer is the # of days in the contract divided by the # of days in the regular season multiplied by the minimum annual salary.

In past seasons that came out to a little less than $30,000. But, this year, with a more compressed schedule, the season only lasts 124 days (Dec 25 - April 26 (http://www.nba.com/gameline/20111225/)). It was more like 175 days in past years. The minimum salary for this year (http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/info/minimum_scale/2011) is $473,604. So, when you divide 10 by 124 and multiply that by $473,604, you get a 10-day contract worth...

$38,193.87

So, for his 2 10-day contracts Lance will be making upwards of $75 grand.

Not bad for a few weeks of work ;)

I may be wrong, but I believe salaries in the D-League are less than $30 grand for an entire season.

--Jason "took a little bit of research to find all of this... hope it is correct" Evans

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

By the way, I thought I would add the following...



In past seasons that came out to a little less than $30,000. But, this year, with a more compressed schedule, the season only lasts 124 days (Dec 25 - April 26 (http://www.nba.com/gameline/20111225/)). It was more like 175 days in past years. The minimum salary for this year (http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/info/minimum_scale/2011) is $473,604. So, when you divide 10 by 124 and multiply that by $473,604, you get a 10-day contract worth...

$38,193.87

So, for his 2 10-day contracts Lance will be making upwards of $75 grand.

Not bad for a few weeks of work ;)

I may be wrong, but I believe salaries in the D-League are less than $30 grand for an entire season.

--Jason "took a little bit of research to find all of this... hope it is correct" Evans

Somewhat obscure reference to NBDL salaries being between 12-24K per year. Ouch. See bottom of page...

http://www.insidehoops.com/nbdl.shtml

[sagegrouse]

Somewhat obscure reference to NBDL salaries being between 12-24K per year. Ouch. See bottom of page...

http://www.insidehoops.com/nbdl.shtml

The other question, in light of rock-bottom salaries, is whether the players get expense allowances or whether housing is provided. -- sage

[SCMatt33]

He signed a second 10-day contract on Feb 16. There is a limit of 2 10-day contracts per player, per season, so the Hornets will have to decide to either keep him all year or cut him loose on Feb 26th, next Sunday.

-Jason "fingers crossed for a great kid!" Evans

Just a small clarification, that's pretty nit-picky, but also important. The Hornets must only decide whether to pay him (not keep him) or not. They can easily sign him, and then send him back to the D-League as an NBA player if they felt that they still needed him, but once other guys came back, didn't want him inactive every night. With the new CBA, any player in his first 3 years can be sent to the D-League at any time, but they still have to get paid their NBA salary. The league fought to change that, but ultimately gave it up.

I doubt that they would do that, unless they feel either a) they like him and want him for the year and are worried that if they cut him again someone else would sign him for the rest of the year before they'd bring him back a 3rd time for the remainder of the season or b) their injured players aren't ready to come back yet and feel that Lance (who has been with them since camp) is more valuable even on a full year contract compared to signing someone new to a 10-day.

[Devilsfan]

Good luck Lance! Hope they realize your worth to their team and sign you to an extended contract. Every Duke fan is pulling for you. Thanks again for your part in our obtaining a 4th Banner!

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Yeah, what is Zoubek doing? If healthy, I'd think that he could be playing in Europe.
Zoub's has retired from professional basketball and is living in NJ. He had some business opportunities that he wanted to pursue rather than risk further injuries to his back, leg and foot. He's doing "good"! :cool:

[hq2]

"Retired"; did he ever actually play?

[gep]

Good luck Lance! Hope they realize your worth to their team and sign you to an extended contract. Every Duke fan is pulling for you. Thanks again for your part in our obtaining a 4th Banner!

I also like to thank Lance for his wonderful contributions to Duke. Also, I recall that before Lance's senior season, Coach K said something to the effect that Lance will be in the NBA. I hope this trend continues for Lance. Even with the uncertainty and hard work he's gotta be putting in, I really hope he's most of all enjoying his playing career. And... count me as one Duke fan PULLING FOR YOU!!!

[gep]

Zoub's has retired from professional basketball and is living in NJ. He had some business opportunities that he wanted to pursue rather than risk further injuries to his back, leg and foot. He's doing "good"! :cool:

I follow Zoubs on Twitter. He's also following Duke basketball. He gave a big shout-out for Miles in the FSU game.:cool:

[jlear]

Way to go Lance!

http://espn1420.com/hornets-to-keep-lance-thomas-for-season/

[moonpie23]

Way-to-go-you-dave-chappell-look-alike-you !!!!


awesome news!!

[Jim3k]

Looks like he won't have live on the Cheetos diet. The annual salary for first year players is $490,180 (http://www.nba.com/news/cba_minimumsalary_050804.html). So half of that, for half a season, is $245,090. Not a bad start.

Put another Devil on the NBA board.

Well done, Lance. Invest your money wisely. Hopefully, there will be more where that came from.

[Jim3k]

Looks like he won't have live on the Cheetos diet. The annual salary for first year players is $490,180 (http://www.nba.com/news/cba_minimumsalary_050804.html). So half of that, for half a season, is $245,090. Not a bad start.

Put another Devil on the NBA board.

Well done, Lance. Invest your money wisely. Hopefully, there will be more where that came from.

After double-checking, I have come to realize that the cited figure is from the expired CBA. The correct annual NBA salary (http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-minimum-salaries) based on the December CBA is $473,604. Annually that is a reduction of $16,576 or 3.3%. So his half is now $236,802, some $8,288 less than if he'd been hired under the old CBA. Looks like that compromise in December resulted in a hosing of the undrafted rookies.

I think, per a NYT article today (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/28/sports/basketball/the-10-day-nba-contract-a-tiny-window-closes-quickly.html) on the Nets' Andre Emmett, that the 10-day contracts are worth $50-60,000. But a team may not offer more than two of those to a player. Lance's second 10-day contract was up. On those contracts he made at least $100,000; now he gets some stability, but at a much reduced daily rate.

Lance shouldn't have been a victim, but it looks like he is, even if he's a lot better off than he was a few weeks ago, after all, $100,000 plus $236,802 comes to $336,802. I guess he can absorb the $8200 reduction and smile--perhaps ruefully. It's only paper to him.

[SCMatt33]

After double-checking, I have come to realize that the cited figure is from the expired CBA. The correct annual NBA salary (http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba-minimum-salaries) based on the December CBA is $473,604. Annually that is a reduction of $16,576 or 3.3%. So his half is now $236,802, some $8,288 less than if he'd been hired under the old CBA. Looks like that compromise in December resulted in a hosing of the undrafted rookies.

I think, per a NYT article today (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/28/sports/basketball/the-10-day-nba-contract-a-tiny-window-closes-quickly.html) on the Nets' Andre Emmett, that the 10-day contracts are worth $50-60,000. But a team may not offer more than two of those to a player. Lance's second 10-day contract was up. On those contracts he made at least $100,000; now he gets some stability, but at a much reduced daily rate.

Lance shouldn't have been a victim, but it looks like he is, even if he's a lot better off than he was a few weeks ago, after all, $100,000 plus $236,802 comes to $336,802. I guess he can absorb the $8200 reduction and smile--perhaps ruefully. It's only paper to him.

Shouldn't it only be 40% of the minimum that he will be paid given that this season is only 80% of a full season.

[Jim3k]

Shouldn't it only be 40% of the minimum that he will be paid given that this season is only 80% of a full season.

Good question. I don't know the answer. I was roughing it since this occurred at the season's apparent halfway point, all-star weekend. The HR people and the payroll accountants would be more accurate. I never considered the impact of the shortened season. My guess is that you are correct, but we'd need to talk to a team's front office or the league office to know or sure.

As usual, the bean counters take the fun out of it. (No, SCMatt, I'm not accusing you of being either a bean counter or a fun removal artist, just observing that whenever one gets into a payroll question, it only rarely works in the employee's favor, i.e., Lance's favor.)

[hq2]

Let's look at it this way.


A. Most people thought Lance would never play in the NBA at all.

B. It's a lot more money than he's ever made up until now.

C. Hey, he could make a lot more next year!


I think that's the way Lance sees it. I mean, how often do 5 and 6 point a game scorers as seniors
in college make the NBA? (Admittedly one with excellent defense!) Not very often. Let's give him
a lot of credit for hanging tough, working hard, believing in himself, and beating the odds.
Way to go Lance! What a credit to the program!

[-jk]

Come to Duke, work your butt off, succeed. Nice formula.

-jk

[Greg_Newton]

B. It's a lot more money than he's ever made up until now.

Not a bad salary for a 23 year-old, 2nd-year professional! Lance just went from the 0th to 99th percentile of the 2010 Duke class, salary-wise.:p

[CameronBornAndBred]

Let's look at it this way.


A. Most people thought Lance would never play in the NBA at all.

B. It's a lot more money than he's ever made up until now.

C. Hey, he could make a lot more next year!


I think that's the way Lance sees it. I mean, how often do 5 and 6 point a game scorers as seniors
in college make the NBA? (Admittedly one with excellent defense!) Not very often. Let's give him
a lot of credit for hanging tough, working hard, believing in himself, and beating the odds.
Way to go Lance! What a credit to the program!
I bet Lance doesn't see it this way. I've followed him on facebook, and it's very clear to me that he is all about the rewards of hard work. That much you did point out, and while you are correct that most folks never saw him as being on NBA roster I don't think he ever saw himself any other way. If he suffered some injury that were to keep him off the court, I bet he could make millions being a motivational speaker..he must have some serious drive to overcome others' expectations and prove himself the way he has.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Lance just went from the 0th to 99th percentile of the 2010 Duke class, salary-wise.:p
Congrats to Lance! It's not everyone who goes from the 99% to the 1%, metaphorically speaking! :cool:

[roywhite]

Not a bad salary for a 23 year-old, 2nd-year professional! Lance just went from the 0th to 99th percentile of the 2010 Duke class, salary-wise.:p

Another surprising stat about Lance Thomas:

Of all the players on Duke's 2010 National Champs, Lance has scored the most points in the NBA so far.
He has 137 points total, and Nolan currently has 96 points.
Kyle is in Spain, Zoubs didn't quite make it, and Jon Scheyer is in Israel after a serious eye injury derailed his NBA hopes.

Who woulda thunk it?

[SupaDave]

Another surprising stat about Lance Thomas:

Of all the players on Duke's 2010 National Champs, Lance has scored the most points in the NBA so far.
He has 137 points total, and Nolan currently has 96 points.
Kyle is in Spain, Zoubs didn't quite make it, and Jon Scheyer is in Israel after a serious eye injury derailed his NBA hopes.

Who woulda thunk it?

Amazing stat until you realize that Kobe has put up that many points in THREE games. Dang...

[gep]

Another surprising stat about Lance Thomas:

Of all the players on Duke's 2010 National Champs, Lance has scored the most points in the NBA so far.
He has 137 points total, and Nolan currently has 96 points.
Kyle is in Spain, Zoubs didn't quite make it, and Jon Scheyer is in Israel after a serious eye injury derailed his NBA hopes.

Who woulda thunk it?

If I recall correctly, Coach K did "thunk it". At the start of Lance's senior season, Coach K said something to the effect that Lance will be in the NBA, or has a chance to be in the NBA, or something like that. I think most posters on DBR went something like "really?".

[SupaDave]

If you know this board then you know I've long since been on the Lance is a NBA player bandwagon. Even bumped heads with Jumbo on the matter. He will have a long career. He's a classic Bruce Bowen and I still stand by that. Additionally, he still has plenty of room to grow into his frame. He's gonna be a lot better in his 30s than his 20s simply b/c he will be fully developed.

[FireOgilvie]

Lance Thomas senior video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGt8dRnMFHA&feature=related

Great stuff.

[Edouble]

If I recall correctly, Coach K did "thunk it". At the start of Lance's senior season, Coach K said something to the effect that Lance will be in the NBA, or has a chance to be in the NBA, or something like that. I think most posters on DBR went something like "really?".

Right. I think most on the board are aware of Coach K's comments regarding Lance. The poster was surprised that Lance has more points in his NBA career, at this point, than anyone else who was on the 2010 team.

[arnie]

Right. I think most on the board are aware of Coach K's comments regarding Lance. The poster was surprised that Lance has more points in his NBA career, at this point, than anyone else who was on the 2010 team.

Count me as one who didn't think he'd ever make the NBA. Also, shows that the developmental league is a good idea for the undrafted. Doubt Lance would have been picked up if he were playing in Europe.

[Dev11]

Also, shows that the developmental league is a good idea for the undrafted.

Rarely does it work out this well for D-League players coming up mid-season. Normally, they come to fill out the bench using those 10-day contracts, and are sent back down when the hurt players come back from injury. You rarely hear about them because in that time, they hardly play. That Lance was able to get paid for the rest of the season, I think, is really an exception that proves the rule.

I agree that most folks on this board never thought Lance would make it into the league, but if you proposed that Lance would be a D-Leaguer for a few years and would get a couple 10-days, people might agree with the possibility of that happening. Getting a 10-day and then finishing half a season with a team? Not so much.

It is awesome that the dude has gotten this opportunity. If he sticks next year I'm tempted to say I'll buy his jersey.

[AisanderD]

Before his call-up, Lance was regarded as a top prospect in the D-League primarily because of his hustle, defense, and great personality. Everyone in the D-League liked him personally and thought his motor and tenaciousness was enough to be deserving of a call-up, despite some of the limits of his size/build/athleticism. He was considered a top-5 big man in the D-League during much of his time there.

I think it stands that the D-League is still the best opportunity to to get seen by NBA scouts, call-up or not. For guys itching to get a training camp invite (like Lance did), the D-League offers a way to showcase yourself to scouts every week. Props to Lance for really taking advantage of that opportunity.