The NBA Development League, known simply as the D-League today, was established in 2001. Its main purpose was to give players who were not offered NBA contracts the opportunity to polish their skills competing in a minor league system in order to one day achieve their dream of playing for an NBA franchise.
Since its formation, the D-League has been a kick-start to many productive NBA players today. Chris Andersen, Danny Green, and J.J. Barea are just a few of the players who have used the D-League to reach the NBA, and these players went on to win NBA championships as well.
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There’s another player who is determined to be a part of the list of players who came from the D-League and went on to win an NBA title, and that’s Jarrid Famous. His journey has been a long one to say the least, but this upcoming season, he is looking to suit up in an NBA uniform while living his dream each night.
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After a two-year stay at Westchester Community College in New York, Famous committed to finish his college career at the University of South Florida. Through his two season with the USF Bulls, Famous averaged 9.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. When his senior season came to an end, declaring for the NBA Draft was next on Famous’ agenda.
In a very deep 2011 draft, Famous was not selected. After attending training camp of the Indiana Pacers, he decided to instead signed with SKP of Slovakia. His stay overseas wasn’t long though. After playing just two games for his Slovakian team, Famous was drafted by the Iowa Energy of the D-League.
It only took him a little over a month to get his first NBA call-up by the Pacers. After being sent back to the D-League, Famous began focusing on improving his game so that his next NBA call-up would be his last, so that he could be on an official roster for the remainder of his career.
Fast forwarding to his most recent season in the D-League with the Texas Legends, Famous has built the reputation of being a demanding presence in the paint whether it comes to scoring or grabbing rebounds. His successful season in the D-League helped land him a spot on the Washington Wizards Summer League team.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Famous to ask him what he did to have his breakout season for Texas this past season.
CG: After dominating the D-League last season averaging 18 points and 14 rebounds a game, what would you say helped you most in order to have a breakout Summer League this year?
Jarrid Famous: “Changing my mind set. I made a goal for myself, which was to lead the league in rebounding no matter what it took. So it was motivation for me every day to go out there and make it happen.”
Changing his mindset didn’t only show in the D-League, he carried it over into Summer League play with the Wizards. In five games, Famous averaged 10.2 points and 6.8 rebounds while displaying a relentless motor on both sides of the floor. A statistic that pops out about Famous’ game is his free throw percentage, which was 84 percent for the Summer League.
It is a rare skill for NBA centers to be as efficient as Famous is at the free throw line. When a player hits the offensive glass as hard as he does, it is expected to get to the line often, and that is crucial to have in a big man, especially off the bench in the NBA.
As the NBA Summer League concluded, the Wizards had filled all 15 spots on their roster, meaning they would be unable to sign Famous to a deal. That didn’t stop other NBA teams from going after Famous’ services to benefit their team. The Dallas Mavericks were one of the first to make a call to the 6’11” big man and signed him right away. Famous will attend training camp for the Mavs in hopes to be a part of the final 15-man roster.
CG: What did it mean to sign with the Dallas Mavericks and have a chance to make the final roster?
Jarrid Famous: “It’s a blessing knowing that all the hard work I put in didn’t go unnoticed. Knowing that I have a real shot at making it makes me want to work harder and make it happen because I’ve been the underdog all my life.”
Heading into training camp this season, Famous has more momentum than he has had his entire career. He’s coming off his most successful seasons in both the D-League and the NBA Summer League.
This offseason, the Mavs came up empty in the DeAndre Jordan deal as he decided to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. That decision opens up roster opportunities that Famous looks to take complete advantage of.
CG: During training camp, what do you want to show the Mavericks and head coach Rick Carlisle what you can bring to the team?
Jarrid Famous: “I just want to go out there and show them the things that got me to this point. Playing hard running the floor and rebounding.”
At 27 years old, this is Famous’ opportunity to begin making a name for himself in NBA conversations. With the league always favoring the younger players with high potential and upside, it leaves players such as Famous who can be productive players for championship teams out to dry, but this time is different.
As Famous has gotten older, he too has gotten wiser and has realized his real motivation behind becoming an NBA player.
CG: Ever since you graduated from South Florida, you have been playing professionally both in the D-League and around the world, what motivates you and makes you believe that this is your time to start a lengthy career in the NBA?
Jarrid Famous: “My motivation has been my kids. To not only give them a better life than I’ve had, but to show them that what ever you want to do in life, you can do it with hard work and dedication. What makes me believe that it’s my year is all the hard work I put in is finally showing and I’m starting to hit all the right buttons. I’m more focused than ever.”
Famous realizes this time, he is playing for more than just a roster spot. He is playing for his family. Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to the non-stop grind each day hoping that it would bring him one step closer to his dream of playing in the NBA. Now that is has, expect nothing but more determination from Famous to be suiting up each night for the Dallas Mavericks.
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