10 Rising D-League Stars Who Could Make the NBA

The D-League is filled with a lot of intriguing talent, and many NBA teams would be wise to explore the waters in order to find some help in the depth department.

Now that teams can now sign players to 10-day contracts in the league, there should be more than a few guys getting their number called before very long.

The best part about prospects are that they can hold appeal to a variety of different teams for a lot of different reasons, and the 10 guys listed here could very well help in the right situation.

Blake Ahearn

Ahearn has enjoyed success on the offensive end of the floor this season for Reno, and his ability to convert from the free-throw line just can't be overstated.

He's really establishing himself as a serious threat from behind the three-point line, and he's dominating at the offensive end this season.

At age 27, Ahearn may not appeal to some teams, but he knows how to play the game and could provide point guard depth to a club that needs it.

Manny Harris

Harris looked like he belonged in the NBA last season when he was with the Cavaliers, but he's taken a demotion to the charge in stride and should quickly find himself back somewhere  in the league.

He's got a really good flow to his game, and Harris has legitimate size to stick as a swingman in a second unit at the next level.

No, he's not a great shooter, but he's been money from the line and isn't afraid to the dirty work whenever it may be necessary.

JamesOn Curry

Curry had a cup of coffee with the Clippers during the 2009-10 season, but he hasn't found much interest in his services since that time.

Now in his fifth season in the D-League, Curry has averaged at least 15.5 points in every one of his three seasons with the Armor.

His assists are back up from where they were last season, and although he's been converting from beyond the arc, his overall field goal percentage is down for the second straight year and he'll have to improve that to stick in the league.

Edwin Ubiles

Perhaps the most interesting candidate to appear on this list, Ubiles has put a leg injury in the rear view mirror and come onto the scene with a bang.

He's got a nice all-around game and solid size to pair along with it, but he's not someone who will come in and space the floor against tougher competition.

If he put slightly more strength on his frame and was a little more aggressive on the defensive end, Ubiles would be that much more appealing.

Marcus Lewis

Lewis has been a fixture in the Tulsa lineup this season after starting just six games combined the previous two seasons, and he's responded in emphatic fashion.

He's not incredibly active at the defensive end and is definitely not a shot-blocker, but he's getting a lot of opportunities by asserting himself on the offensive glass.

He plays with a lot of energy when he's on the floor, and Lewis could really be a lot more serviceable than a variety of veterans currently warming the seat at the end of many benches around the NBA.

Ben Uzoh

It's a mild surprise that Uzoh didn't find himself on an NBA roster when the season began after appearing in 42 games with New Jersey last year.

He is capable of finding his own shots and isn't shy about being aggressive, but the volatility between his performances has made it difficult to pin point exactly what he's capable of becoming in the NBA.

Uzoh has fairly good speed, and it shouldn't take long for someone with his skill set to garner a tryout on a 10-day deal with the right team.

Gerald Green

Many remember Green for the athleticism he showed in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest when he claimed the award, but now he's working his way to find an entrance back into the league.

Green just turned 25, and he's using his time in the D-league wisely to show that he can still score in a big way.

He was in camp with the Lakers, and given the woes the team has at small forward right now, perhaps the team wishes it would have kept him.

Regardless, Green needs to prove that he can find the bottom of the net consistently across performances given his track record.

Elijah Millsap

Millsap is another guy who was in camp with the Lakers, and fans should be familiar with the last name considering his older brother Paul is playing extraordinarily well for Utah.

He started 44 of 50 games for Tulsa last year and played pretty well, but Millsap has taken the next step this season with the D-Fenders.

A better three-point shooter than he gets credit for, there is a lot to be said for the creativity Millsap uses in finding his points during the course of a contest.

Justin Dentmon

Dentmon is building upon his success from last season, and he's responded very favorably to a starting role for Austin this year.

A high turnover rate is something Dentmon has to improve upon as soon as possible, but he's playing heavy minutes and scoring at an extremely impressive rate.

Size is a concern because he's not really a point guard, but until he improves on his turnovers there will be continue to be an assortment of skeptics doubting his game.

Terrico White

White has found success in a limited role for Idaho, and he's finding his way onto the score sheet off the bench in the D-League.

Averaging around 15 points per game and shooting above 50 percent from the floor, White has youth on his side which can only help his case for a call-up.

The major area of concern with White is his inability to convert it from the foul stripe, but a low turnover rate is a really nice part about his game.