[McDunkin]

The first week of the 2010-11 season is in the history books and we already have six NBA players on assignment in the NBA D-League. Every Wednesday we will be taking a look in the Prospect Watch at how the assigned players have fared and when we can see them in action over the next seven days. Four of the players have already seen game action this season, while the other two will be making their NBA D-League debuts over the holiday weekend.

Patrick Patterson, Rio Grande Valley (Houston): The first player assigned this season, the 6-9 Patterson did not have a debut to remember in Rio Grande Valley’s win over Texas last Thursday. Patterson got the start but was plagued by foul trouble that limited him to only 22 minutes of playing time. The 14th pick in the NBA Draft also was only 2-6 from the field, but showed that he can be a dominant rebounder on this level with nine boards in the short amount of playing time. Expect bigger production from Patterson in this weekend’s games against Austin if he can avoid the whistles.

Solomon Alabi, Erie (Toronto): The 7-1 Alabi joined Erie for the start of the season and displayed the shot-blocking ability that made him a second-round NBA Draft pick. Alabi, a rookie from Florida State, turned back seven shots in his season debut for Erie and added two in the second game. He also had a decent rebounding start with 7.5 boards over the first two games. Offensively, Alabi is still a work in progress, and it showed with his shooting struggles over the weekend. The first-year center was just 5-16 from the field, although he got to the line enough to still average in double-figures. He should benefit by spending plenty of time in Erie this season while he works on becoming more of a contributor on the offensive end and avoiding foul trouble on defense.

Christian Eyenga, Erie (Cleveland): Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2009, Eyenga played in Spain last year before joining Cleveland for the 2010-11 season and quickly getting assigned to Erie. The jury is still out on the 6-5 guard after a solid debut followed up by not being much of a factor in Erie’s loss to Springfield on Saturday. After two games, Eyenga is averaging 9.5 points and 2.0 assists for the BayHawks. Expect the 21-year old to spend more time in Erie barring any injuries to the Cavaliers.

Gani Lawal, Iowa (Phoenix): The fourth Suns player in two years to get assigned to Iowa, Lawal was the 46th pick in 2010 after playing three years at Georgia Tech. The 6-9 forward has taken part in all three wins for the Energy, but the Suns brass will be looking for better shooting after a 6-17 debut, followed by a 1-4 night on Monday that left Lawal with a .377 field goal percentage. He will also be looking to improve his ball-handling after turning the ball over eight times without recording an assist in his first three games. Overall, Lawal is averaging 12.3 points and 8.0 rebounds to begin his stint on assignment with the Energy.

Ed Davis, Erie (Toronto): The 13th pick in the draft, Davis is expected to be in Erie for a short time as he plays his way back into shape after missing all of training camp due to knee surgery. The 6-10 forward should make his professional debut on Friday against Fort Wayne.

Cole Aldrich, Tulsa (Oklahoma City): The 11th pick in the draft after an All-American career at Kansas, Aldrich heads to Tulsa after playing sparingly for the Thunder to begin the season. The 6-11 center should put up plenty of double-doubles in his NBA D-League tenure, which will begin on Friday when Tulsa hosts Iowa in their home opener. He is also an excellent shot-blocker judging from his college stats and will add some much-needed size and interior defense to a 66ers team that was lacking a true center.

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

cole c has been very dissapoint too me i was happy when the thunder picked him thinking hed provide the shot blocking and rebounding they need at the c pos but it is still early

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

cole c has been very dissapoint too me i was happy when the thunder picked him thinking hed provide the shot blocking and rebounding they need at the c pos but it is still early

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

cole c has been very dissapoint too me i was happy when the thunder picked him thinking hed provide the shot blocking and rebounding they need at the c pos but it is still early

[Anton123Participant]

 I think Cole still can the Thunder haven’t really given him a chance and in his limited minutes he has been fine.

I’m surprised Cole got assigned to the D-League before Mullens was though

[Anton123Participant]

 I think Cole still can the Thunder haven’t really given him a chance and in his limited minutes he has been fine.

I’m surprised Cole got assigned to the D-League before Mullens was though

[Anton123Participant]

 I think Cole still can the Thunder haven’t really given him a chance and in his limited minutes he has been fine.

I’m surprised Cole got assigned to the D-League before Mullens was though

[Toronto16Participant]

Can’t wait to see how Ed Davis does tonight.

[Toronto16Participant]

Can’t wait to see how Ed Davis does tonight.

[Toronto16Participant]

Can’t wait to see how Ed Davis does tonight.

[Author]

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