See this is why we need to revamp the image of the D league. They don't want to send him there because it'll be "sending a lottery pick who's also doc rivers son to the D league?" it's viewed as a punishment instead of an opportunity which Austin desperately needs.
Huh?
How do we know that's why they don't want to send him? Usually...rookies that are sent to the D-League aren't getting minutes and it makes sense to have them log heavy minutes in game situations rather than catching splinters when there is limited practice time during a season. If Rivers is apart of their rotation (despite how bad he's been)...why would they send him? He's not going to magically get better playing in the D-League. If the team isn't going anywhere this season...which the Hornets aren't...it makes more sense for him to try to get better during the season. Sending him down to the D-League only makes sense if you aren't going to play him at all...like Jan Vesley in Washington.
Thabeet was the 2nd pick in the draft and got sent to the D-League during his rookie season...and he wasn't getting 20 minutes a game. Other lottery picks who weren't in their team's rotation have been sent down too. Lamb being another one this season. I don't think anyone in the Hornets organization gives a **** about not sending the kid to the D-League because he's Doc's son.
I don't know what you think needs "revamping". It's been an excellent tool and is developing into the farm system it was expected to be. Wanting it to be on the popularity of Minor League Baseball is a pipe dream. They've had a 100 year head start.
And we're not about to use Allen Iverson as an example of why the D-League needs changes.
Allen Iverson is one of the greatest players in NBA History with a ginormous ego even at 37 years old. You REALLY think he's going to play in a minor league to make $20K, live on the road traveling by bus, just to lobby for a 10 day contract somewhere? Not likely.