X
nav logo

Hit enter to search or ESC to close

A pair of NBA 2K League teams revealed a new crop of protected players from the upcoming expansion draft on Thursday. Cavs Legion GC used all three protection slots on Timothy “oLARRY” Anselimo, Marcus “Godddof2k” Glenn, and Trevion “All Hail Trey” Hendrix. Knicks Gaming protected two of their star players, Dayvon “G O O F Y 7 5 7” Curry and Malik “OriginalMalik” Hobson.

Cavs Legion GC and Knicks Gaming join Wizards District Gaming, Mavs Gaming, and Hawks Talon GC in selecting protected players. Each of the 21 NBA 2K League teams must protect at least two players to keep out of the September expansion draft. The expansion draft will allow Hornets Venom GT, and any other expansion teams to be announced, to welcome the foundation of its new roster.

The deadline for teams to select their protected players is Monday, Sept. 2. A full list of league rules regarding protecting players and transaction was released by the league office last week.

Cavs Legion GC protected players

Cavs Legion GC fell short of postseason dreams in 2019 after finishing 8-8 in the regular season. The Cleveland team dropped its two final games to ultimately crush any hopes for an extension to the season. Cavs Legion GC was one of four teams to finish 8-8 and tied for 10th.

Anselimo made an impact on and off the court in 2019 for Cavs Legion GC. The Cleveland big man averaged 10.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Despite not taking home any hardware in the league, Anselimo won the first-ever ESPY for Esports Moment of the Year.

Cavs Legion GC were not going to risk losing Glenn after the Detroit native took home Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA 2K League Second Team, and All-Defensive Team honors. Glenn was a menace for opposing teams on the defensive end. The guard averaged 3.6 steals and garnered a reputation of shutting down opponents.

Hendrix was the top offensive weapon for Cavs Legion GC. He led the team with 16.8 points per game and ranked 14th in the league with that average. 

By protecting three players, Cavs Legion GC risk losing Cody “LYKaPRO” Hart, Christopher “Savage” Tracey, and William “Strainer” Morales in September’s expansion draft.

Knicks Gaming protected players

The 2018 champions did not find the same success in 2019. Possibly the biggest surprise of 2019, Knicks Gaming looked disjointed throughout the season. The New York crew finished the season with a 4-12 record and 19th out of 21 teams.

Curry was as dominant as a player could be in the pain. The Knicks Gaming center led the league in rebounds per game with a 14.9 average, 2.3 more than second best. Curry averaged a double-double in 2019 with his rebounding numbers and 14.4 points per game. The center also added 5.0 assists per game. 

Hobson was the team leader for points per game this past season with 15.4. For a team that struggled to score in 2019, it was important to keep its biggest offensive asset. Hobson added 2.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game to his season’s stat line. 

Idris “Idrisdagoat6” Richardson, Harry “HazzaUK” Hurst, and Eric “YEYNotGaming” Ward all enter the expansion draft player pool as a result of being unprotected. Knicks Gaming’s Adam “iamadamthe1st” Kudeimati will not enter the expansion draft player pool after retiring on Wednesday

For the latest news regarding protected players from the remaining 16 NBA 2K League teams, stay tuned to Daily Esports!