Kudos to a couple NBA organizations for pulling the right strings to help some NBADL players get their moment to shine at the All-Star Game.

Beyond the recognition that is received by being named to the All-Star team, being able to play in the actual game is a boost for players who have proven themselves NBA roster-worthy. However, a player must be in the NBADL to be eligible to play in the exhibition. For a couple men, it took some extra maneuvering to make it there.

As the moves unfolded, the Sioux Falls Skyforce were involved with three of those players getting their props. The most complicated of those was the case of Marcus Georges-Hunt.

The forward out of Georgia Tech had been lighting it up for the Maine Red Claws before being signed to a 10-day contract by the Miami Heat as they used an injury exception to keep their roster stocked. The roster spot in question was to be regained by Josh Richardson and Georges-Hunt’s Miami deal was to expire on the day of the All-Star Game.

In a benevolent gesture, Miami assigned Georges-Hunt to Sioux Falls for one day (Friday) to be eligible for the practice sessions in advance of the competition. Georges-Hunt is once again reclaimed by Maine unless another NBA team wants to give the young man a chance.

Somewhat similar to last year, Miami assigned a player to Sioux Falls in order to make the celebration. Okaro White will be property of the Heat for the rest of this year, but was happy to take a D-League detour to revel in the accomplishments. One year ago it was Jarnell Stokes that spent some time in the All-Star Spotlight.

The other assignment for All-Star purposes featured Briante Weber of the Golden State Warriors in the midst of his second 10-day contract. An assignment to Santa Cruz was necessary to make his appearance possible after spending most of his first two professional seasons with the Skyforce.

Of course each NBA squad has to take proper care of their prospects. In a couple cases, the assignment road was not traversed for players who could have been in the game.

Considering Dallas has gotten a healthy dose of “Yogimania”, the Mavericks elected to keep Yogi Ferrell on their roster. After being called up from the Long Island Nets, Ferrell has impressed the brass in the Metroplex enough to earn a three-year deal.

Ray McCallum was the other who could have been assigned, but wasn’t. The Charlotte Hornets still have McCallum under their supervision for the second 10-day run. Soon the decision will be made to keep McCallum or return him to the Grand Rapids Drive.

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