Demetris Nichols Is NBADL Performer Of The Week

After a string of games that led to three straight home wins, Demetris Nichols of the Sioux Falls Skyforce was today named NBA Development League Performer of the Week for games played Jan. 14-20.  It is the second time this season that a Sioux Falls player has earned the award.

On Tuesday, January 15, Nichols scored a season high 26 with 6 rebounds and 5 assists to spearhead a 99-83 win over Santa Cruz.  On Friday, Nichols backed it up with 25 more points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists that helped beat Texas in overtime 106-101.  Capping the week Nichols poured in another 26 points with 6 rebounds and 4 assists on Saturday as the Sioux Falls Skyforce finished off the Legends 102-93.  In the process Nichols shot 74 percent from the floor and 11-13 from the line.

The accolades for Nichols wasn't the only off court news for the Skyforce this weekend.  It was officially announced that Dexter Pittman was recalled to the Miami Heat on Sunday.  It is possible that Pittman could be back with the Skyforce for another assignment later this season as the movement of players from NBA clubs and affiliates is more flexible than in the past.  Previously, there could be only three assignments for a player from the NBA to a NBA Development League club.  That number is now unlimited.  Also players with 3 or more years of service in the NBA can be assigned as well.

Miami also wants Skyforce center Jarvis Varnado in the fold for another stretch after tendering another 10-day contract.  Which means that Miami's next move will be to either sign Varnado for the rest of the season or after ten days Varnado is a free agent and can either be picked up by another NBA team or go back to Sioux Falls.  The Skyforce play next on Friday (January 25) against the Texas Legends and Saturday (January 26) against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.