Peaks Valleys Plus Confusion in Skyforce Alumni NBA Report

Season’s conclusion signals an opportunity for evaluation among Skyforce alumni and their NBA impact this season. 

Heading the list is Amir Johnson, who is having an outstanding season for the Toronto Raptors.  Johnson once appeared in Sioux Falls on assignment from the Detroit Pistons early in his career.  Now in his 9th season, the high-flying forward set career highs in games started, minutes per game, 3 pointers made and scoring average.  If he scores a total of 27 points in the final two games, he will surpass his highest point total for a season.  Toronto will also have home court advantage in a first round playoff series.

Alexis Ajinca also was an assignee to Sioux Falls and re-emerged in the NBA.  After being let go by Toronto in 2011, the Center from France has played 54 games with New Orleans this season and is having the best year of his career.

Statistically current Indiana Pacer Donald Sloan is not having his best year.  However the former Skyforce Guard is in a somewhat consistent rotation on a team that has a title shot.

As mentioned on Monday, Greg Stiemsma's time with the New Orleans Pelicans ended.  In regard to stats, Stiemsma was producing at about the same rate in all categories.

Center Arnett Moultrie had a cup of coffee with Sioux Falls on assignment from Philadelphia last year and had a rough time this season.  A diminished role and a recent drug suspension has tainted the 2013-14 campaign.

For those who made the jump up from the D-League to the NBA, big men dominate the honors.  Jarvis Varnado caught the eye of Philadelphia and has played 22 games this season.  Justin Hamilton is now property of the Miami Heat.  The most curious case is Dexter Pittman a former Skyforce assignee who had a 10-day deal with Atlanta in February, then signed a multi-year deal with Houston less than a week ago, but was released on Sunday.

From the backcourt report, DeAndre Liggins who is currently with the Skyforce got two 10-day contracts with Miami, while Guard Reggie Williams latched on to the Oklahoma City Thunder hoping to make a dent in the playoffs.

Realizing the player carousel keeps on spinning, this report is subject to change.