The Brooklyn Nets assigned forward Chris McCullough to the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s NBA Development League affiliate, Monday, then six hours later recalled him. The 6’11” forward was the first Net assigned to the Long Island affiliate, then became the first recalled!
Then, they did it again on Tuesday.
The Nets offered no rationale for the quick turnaround, however, one league source provided a little context.
Chris McCullough quick turnaround, down & back to LI Nets, a bookkeeping move. It permits him to practice with DLeague club, return to Nets.
— NetsDaily.com (@NetsDaily) November 8, 2016
Told to expect more of the same as NBA and DLeague clubs try to maximize development for CMC and presumably others
— NetsDaily.com (@NetsDaily) November 8, 2016
As we've noted, there's advantages to having NBA and DLeague team practice and play on same courts at HSS/Barclays
— NetsDaily.com (@NetsDaily) November 8, 2016
Three weeks ago, Kenny Atkinson told reporters that it was likely McCullough and rookie Isaiah Whitehead would spend time in a Long Island Nets uniform. Whitehead, of course, is now starting for Brooklyn, with Jeremy Lin (hamstring) and Greivis Vasquez (ankle) out and Randy Foye (hamstring) just getting back in shape. He’s unlikely to be sent down until at least two of those are back on the court.
McCullough doesn’t have to change much about his schedule, either going or coming. The NBA and D-League teams both practice at HSS Training Center and play at Barclays Center. McCullough continues to count against the Brooklyn roster and cap space, but not against Long Island’s.
McCullough has appeared in two games for Brooklyn this season, recording averages of 1.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 6.9 minutes per game.
The Syracuse product has been playing behind Trevor Booker, Luis Scola, Justin Hamilton and Anthony Bennett up front.
Meanwhile, the Long Island club waived five players Monday.
The Long Island #Nets have waived Devin Brooks, Brent Jackson, J.J. Moore, center Palpreet Singh Brar and forward Austin Witter, per team.
— Reed Wallach (@ReedWallach) November 8, 2016
Palpreet Singh Brar, a 6’9” Indian national, was taken by the L.I. Nets in the fourth round of the D-League Draft. J.J. Moore, also taken in the draft, is a Long Island native.
Long Island’s roster now stands at 11 players, one more than the maximum. The L.I. Nets play their only preseason game Wednesday vs. the Westchester Knicks in White Plains, then travel to Chicago for opening night of the regular season Friday vs. the Windy City Bulls.