The NBA Development League has announced Heat 2nd Round Pick Dexter Pittman as an All-Star for the NBA D-League All-Star Game during All-Star Weekend in February. The official announcement:
Twenty of the NBA Development League’s top prospects, including seven who have already been called up to the NBA, have been chosen to join the NBA All-Stars in Los Angeles to play in the fifth annual NBA D-League All-Star Game on Saturday, Feb. 19, on Center Court at NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Adidas.
Selected to the NBA D-League All-Star East Team were Chris Johnson (Dakota Wizards), Ivan Johnson and Garrett Temple (Erie BayHawks), Walker Russell Jr. (Fort Wayne Mad Ants), Othyus Jeffers, Courtney Sims and Curtis Stinson (Iowa Energy),DeShawn Sims (Maine Red Claws), Patrick Ewing Jr. and Dexter Pittman (Sioux Falls Skyforce).
Dexter Pittman, currently on assignment from the Heat, was selected 32nd overall in the 2010 NBA draft. He's played 17 games for Sioux Falls starting at center and averaging 14.8 PPG on .556 FG%, 8.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.8 BPG, 2.4 TO, and 4.0 PF. Encouraging to see the Heat's prospect getting rewarded for his contributions and hard work in his stint with the D-League. Unfortunately, it's still a long shot for Pittman to get playing time with the Heat due to the current collection of veteran big men but his development is crucial to future opportunities with the team in the coming seasons. At worst, a 300 lb. 6'11" center is a decent insurance plan in case of injuries. Congratulations Dexter!
