In an interview with a local Springfield paper, the leadership of the D-League Armor spoke glowingly about how both they and the Nets are excited about  the "hybrid" affiliation between the two teams starting next season, one modeled on the Rockets' successful partnership with its D-League affiliate in Texas.

"We can take advantage of a ton of resources and a ton of knowledge from our perspective," said Armor GM Alex Schwerin. "It's going to have a big impact on the basketball side of things. Instead of having a relationship with an NBA team, we're going to have a partnership.  "From the Nets' perspective, they're excited because they can create a bullpen of sorts at the developmental level."  The model, notes USA Today, is the Rockets' affiliate, D-League champion Rio Grande Vipers.

The GM's slot would be one of those the Nets would fill under the deal, worked out by Bobby Marks and Armor owner Michael Savit. With hybrid affiliation, the Armor will be the Nets' sole affiliate. Most other D-League teams have more than one. The Nets will take over the bulk of the basketball operations, including front office, coaching staff, trainers, all of whom would follow the big team's philosophy.

• Encouraging signs for Armor in franchise's second season - Chris Maza - Springfield Armor
• In recent development, NBA clubs value farm-out league - J. Michael Falgoust - USA Today