Despite sitting out during the 2015 NBA D-League Slam Dunk Contest, Ra'shad James has been thriving for the Reno Bighorns most recently.
Counting down to NBA (D-League) All-Star Weekend in New York City, there wasn't much minor league action going on. In the days leading up to the festivities, most D-League teams were only able to log one or two games, at best.
With some teams resuming play as soon as Tuesday, it's clear D-League teams are not benefitting from the extended rest NBA teams uniquely received following the All-Star break as well this season. But after all, the minor league's respective fifty game season is thirty-two contests shorter.
But in any event, one team did happen to play more than any other last week. It was none other than the high-octane Reno Bighorns, who played three contests. And while Reno only boasted a 1-2 record at week's end, there's no doubt that one player was heads and shoulders above the rest when push came to shove.
Though Ra'shad James was forced to sit out during the D-League's 2015 Slam Dunk Contest due to an injury, he still managed to impress prior to retreating to the sidelines. In three games last week, the guard averaged 23.3 points on 47% from the field and 52% from deep, to go along with 6 rebounds and 1 assist.
While such efforts may not translate into much of a stat-sheet stuffer, there's no doubt that James continues to assert himself on the offensive as of late, not quite like ever before. Last season, he served as a human-highlight. In his second D-League season, he's been able to embrace more recognition as a primary scorer in the Bighorns' ever unique offensive system.
For his most recent display of offensive prowess, James is honored with RidiculousUpside.com's "Top Prospect of the Week" award for dates ranging from February 8th - February 14th.
There's no doubt James' continued development suggests a special effort along the way, one that might warrant an NBA gig of some sort leading up to next season, at the very least.