The announcements of protected players from the NBA 2K League expansion draft continued Wednesday with Raptors Uprising GC and NetsGC each selecting two players to stay on the roster. Raptors Uprising GC made the announcement that protected Kenneth “Kenny Got Work” Hailey and Gerald “Sick x 973” Knapp. NetsGC followed them that afternoon, selecting Nathaniel “NateKahl” Kahl and Aziz “Shuttles” Salem.
With Wednesday’s announcements, eight of the 21 NBA 2K League teams have now selected their protected players. Raptors Uprising GC and NetsGC follow Bucks Gaming, Cavs Legion GC, Knicks Gaming, Wizards District Gaming, Mavs Gaming, and Hawks Talon GC to make the decision.
Players that are protected cannot be drafted in the NBA 2K League’s expansion draft in September. The expansion draft will feature Hornets Venom GT – and any other expansion teams to be announced – selecting its future franchise leaders. The deadline to protect players is Monday, Sept 2. For a list of rules regarding protected players and transactions, view the league’s official release.
🚨 PROTECTED: @KennyGotWork (Drafted 1st round Season 1)
🚨 PROTECTED: @Sick_x_973 (Acquired via trade Season 2)Four roster spots left, who else gonna rep the North for @NBA2KLeague Season 3❓ pic.twitter.com/I9e9PdNqjO
— Raptors Uprising GC (@RaptorsGC) August 28, 2019
Raptors Uprising GC Protected Players
Raptors Uprising GC earned a reputation for being one of the better teams on defense in the league. Unfortunately, this was not always followed with offensive output. The Toronto crew never found the consistency to play its way into the playoffs. It finished the season at 8-8 and tied for 10th.
Hailey was versatile for the team all year. The Memphis, Tennessee native played four different positions for the Raptors but primarily started at point guard. Hailey closed the year averaging 15.8 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Knapp recorded the all-around numbers that teams love to see from the players down low. The Toronto big man had an average stat line of 15.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.2 steals. The 15.9 points per game led Raptor Uprising GC.
Raptors’ choice sends Frederick “Doza” Mendoza, Seanquai “KingQuai614” Harris, Joshua “TsJosh” McKenna, and Georgio “OOC Slim” Bonte to the expansion draft player pool.
OFFICIAL: We have protected SF NateKahl for the 2020 season!
Welcome back, @NateKahl ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/LQtUQRBFY2
— Brooklyn NetsGC (@NetsGamingCrew) August 28, 2019
NetsGC Protected Players
NetsGC went from surprise playoff team to bottom half of the league in just a few weeks. One of the four expansion teams this season, NetsGC struggled at the tail-end of the schedule. Brooklyn’s team lost four straight games to close the season with a 7-9 record and tied for 14th.
Kahl was arguably the most efficient players in the league this season. Even though his 11.9 points per game may not jump off the screen, he shot 68.3% from the field. In addition to his shooting, Kahl averaged 2.6 steals per game compared to just 0.9 turnovers per game.
OFFICIAL: We have protected C Shuttles for the 2020 season!
Welcome back, @WayOfShuttles ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Y6LTJMGbyR
— Brooklyn NetsGC (@NetsGamingCrew) August 28, 2019
Salem was the defensive force for NetsGC in the paint this season. He was one of only 14 players in the league to average at least a block per game. Salem led NetsGC in rebounds with 7.2 per game and blocks.
Moshood “Shockey” Balogun Jr., Isaiah “Wavy.zay” Hancock, Joel “Lav” Lazu, and Charles “iiTzChas” Newell all enter the expansion draft player pool from NetsGC.
For the latest news regarding protected players from the remaining 13 NBA 2K League teams, stay tuned to Daily Esports!
Published: Aug 29, 2019 10:00 am