Highlights:
Missing one of his rare opportunities to log NBA minutes was a letdown, but making his NBA debut after signing 10-day contracts with the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Hornets and never playing in the past must have felt nice. In three minutes against the Golden State Warriors, McNeal scored two points, making one of his two shots.
Sure, he fouled Stephen Curry twice in that time, and sure it was only three minutes, but his first NBA points had to feel good coming in a game that was close (at the time) against the league’s best team.
McNeal’s D-League accomplishments also made for a nice finish to the season, as he was awarded the 2015 NBA Development League Impact Player of the Year Award.
The NBA D-League announced that Jerel McNeal has won the Impact Player of the Year Award #NBADL
— Chris Reichert (@Chris_Reichert) April 14, 2015
The recipient of the award is voted on by the D-League’s 18 coaches. After joining the Jam, McNeal lead the team to a 20-6 record in his 26 games, averaging 19.2 points, 4.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 33.3 minutes per game.
Via a press release from the Phoenix Suns:
“Jerel joined the Jam almost halfway through the season and instantly contributed to the team’s success,” said Chris Alpert, Vice President of Basketball Operations for the NBA D-League. “He was not only able to be a key contributor in Bakersfield, but to parlay his skills into an NBA contract with Phoenix and we’re pleased to congratulate him on an impressive season and this honor.”
Next: Final Grade