Joe Alexander Makes All-NBDL First Team

After being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks 8th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, Joe Alexander has not found a spot in the NBA. After not being resigned by the Bucks and getting cut by the Hornets prior to this season, Alexander signed with the Texas Legends of the NBDL. The Legends are an affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. 

Alexander led the way for the Legends this season by being named to the All-Star team and earning Player-Of-The-Week honors during the last week of the NBDL regular season. He was led his team in points and was second in rebounds, averaging 20.2 points and 8.9 rebounds on the way to an NBDL Playoff appearance. 

Today, Alexander was named to the NBDL's All-NBA First Team for his work this past season. Alexander is also in the running for league MVP honors as well. 

The Bucks drafted Alexander as a small forward and tried to mold his skill set to that position. Joe had a hamstring injury that caused him to miss training camp his second season, and he never quite fit in with Scott Skiles' style of play. Alexander was unable to crack the lineup, and after he couldn't live up to the Bucks' expectations, Alexander was traded to the Chicago Bulls with Hakim Warrick for John Salmons. He played six games in the NBDL that season for Fort Wayne before being traded. The Bulls did not resign him.

Prior to last season, he spent his time growing his hair out, and latched on with New Orleans for fall practice, and they decided that Joe's skill set might translate better to the power forward position. Joe is a little on the small side for that position (6'8", 220lbs.), but he played well during the preseason, but ran into the same problem he had with Milwaukee: too many established players on the team at his position. 

He went on to sign with the Legends where he played PF for the entire season. He dramatically improved on his defense, 1.4 BPG to go along with the increased rebound numbers. He was on the Gatorade Call-Up list for most of the season, which is a list of players that Gatorade considered were most deserving of a call-up to play on an NBA squad. 

With the accolades that Alexander has received this year and improvement in his all-around game, look for Alexander to be on an NBA roster this fall... if they don't have a lockout like the NFL.