Other Teams are Taking Notice

I've blogged at length about how other teams are taking notice about what's going on between the Rockets and the Vipers, but one team finally decided to take advantage of the situation – the Oklahoma City Thunder. It's kind of ironic since the Thunder have their own single-affiliate by owning the Tulsa 66ers. So why did they have to go outside the organization to find the talent they need?

Well, it's possible Tulsa would have drafted Anderson if the Vipers hadn't. The Vipers picked 12th, the 66ers went 16th, so they never had the chance.

More importantly, the combined Rockets and Vipers staffs have done a fantastic job in developing talent, which is why players keep getting picked off the roster, yet the Vipers remain good.

Case and point – Craig Winder. He was a serviceable 9th or 10th man on a weaker NBA Development League team. Now he's the best sixth man in the league and is a big reason why the Vipers are as good as they are.

Winder started the season in Syria. If I'd told you before the season that Winder was going to be the third-leading active scorer on the team (behind guys who have already received GATORADE Call-Ups this season and should again: Mike Harris and Will Conroy), what kind of season would you think the Vipers were having?

If I tell you that now, you'd probably say, 'no surprise there.' Winder is averaging a career-best 11.8 points per game. But wait! There's more! Winder is averaging 23.0 points per game over the last four games. He played a season-high 35 minutes last night while scoring a season-high 25 points. Winder may come off the bench, but he's effectively a starter (Vipers head coach Chris Finch thinks starting is overrated, and he's probably right. After all, minutes played are much more indicative... Mickell Gladness started yesterday and played 2:48).

I am going to start the campaign now. Craig Winder for NBA Development League Player of the Year. His development has been off the charts. No, he doesn't have the best numbers in the league, but he's got the most energy and, in my opinion, has the biggest effect on a game of anyone in the league. When he hits the floor, the dynamic changes. As Coach Finch said yesterday, you bring him out while the other team's starters are still out there, but getting a little tired. You knock them down before they can get their second wind.

And when Winder's not in the game? He's very vocal. Kind of like having an extra coach. Apparently they players call him Coach Winder. The importance of this can't be underestimated. If Harris and Conroy should get their well-deserved GATORADE call-ups to the NBA while Temple and Anderson stick up there, then Winder will be the leader of this team. I think he can handle it.