The NBDL started at the beginning of the 2001-2002 season and for many it has been a good system to help teams develop players for the NBA. When the Miami Heat signed Luke Jackson from the Idaho Stampede of the NBDL he became the 62nd player called up in the history of the D-League. If there had to be an "All-Call-Up Team", these guys would be the first ones on the court.

Point Guard – Rafer Alston, Houston Rockets

His nickname "Skip To My Lou" stemmed from his tendency to skip while dribbling the ball upcourt. Before his time in the NBA, Alston played in several prominent street ball tournaments including the Entertainer's Basketball Classic, the North American street basketball tour, the AND1 Mixtape Tour. Alston was drafted after his junior year by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round, 39th pick overall, of the 1998 NBA Draft. After not playing at all his rookie season and playing in street ball tournaments, Alston decided to turn his full attention to the NBA. He played the 2002-2003 season with the Mobile Revelers and quickly opened eyes in the NBA and signed with the Miami Heat in 2004 to be their starting point guard. Alston did not disappoint, averaging 12 points and 4 assists on a young Miami team that made it to the first round of the playoffs. In the 2006-2007 season, as the Rockets starting point guard, Alston averaged 13.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He finished the season ninth in steals among all NBA players, fourth in three pointers made, and 20th in assists.

Shooting Guard - Matt Carroll, Charlotte Bobcats

Unlike many players in the NBA, Matt Carroll had to take a different direction to get into the league. Carroll was signed as a free agent by the Portland Trail Blazers after being passed up by all the teams on draft night, but was quickly released a few months into his rookie season. Now entering his fourth full year in the league, Carroll has put together a solid run with the Bobcats, averaging a career-high 9.0 points per game while being a permanent addition in the lineup. Carroll finished his first full season in the NBA in 2005-06, playing in 78 games for the Bobcats while averaging 7.6 points and 2.0 assists. Once labeled a "journeyman" he is now considered one of the most lethal shooters this league has to offer. This past summer Carroll was rewarded for his continuing growth with a six-year, 27 million-dollar contract.
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Small Forward- Bobby Simmons, Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Simmons' NBA career got off to a very confusing start when he was drafted in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, but before he could get comfortable with the Sonics his draft right were traded to the Washington Wizards. Simmons was traded by the Wizards shortly before the start of the 2002-03 season to the Detroit Pistons. He was released by the Pistons and less than two weeks later, signed with the Wizards again. Simmons spent some time in the NBDL where he developed his game with the Mobile Revelers. Later, Simmons signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2003. The 6'6", 228 pound small forward had a breakout year during the 2004-05 NBA season with the Los Angeles Clippers in which he averaged a career-high 16.4 points per game. He was rewarded for his stellar play with the NBA's Most Improved Player Award. He signed a free agent contract with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2005 and for his career, Simmons has averaged 10.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steals.

Power Forward-Chuck Hayes, Houston Rockets

Hayes was not selected in the 2005 NBA Draft but was signed by the Houston Rockets prior to the 2005-06 season. Hayes led the NBDL in rebounding with 12.2 rebounds a game in his tenure with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. He quickly opened the eyes of the Rockets and he was granted an opportunity in the 2005-2006 season when he signed to a 10-day contract. Hayes made the best of the opportunity and hasn't looked back since. In his second game as a Rocket, Hayes posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds against the Chicago Bulls and at the end of his 10-day contract, the Rockets decided to sign him for the rest of the season. Known as one of the most underrated rebounders in the NBA, Chuck Hayes is able to do his job well with his strength, positioning, and determination.

Center-Mikki Moore, Sacramento Kings

Mikki Moore is known for being a journeyman in the NBA maybe more than his on the court abilities. But with playing for eight different teams in nine seasons, Moore learned he will always have a job in the NBA thanks to some faith and focus.  Moore has gotten better each year in the league and has made a name for himself as a player who does all the little stuff to get the win.  He has finally found a home in Sacramento after signing a three-year contract and so far this season averaging an impressive 7.6 points in 26 minutes, while starting 22 of the Kings 24 games this season. This veteran has kept himself playing for nine seasons in the NBA and even with all the obstacles along the way he has kept his head up and kept playing. Moore played in the NBDL during the 2003-2004 while rotating between the New Jersey Nets and Utah Jazz.

There definitely could have been a handful more of players who could claim their case to be in this starting five, but these former NBDL'ers represent the hard work, grit, and perseverance that made them an automatic choice for the "All-Call-Up Team."

What do you think?