[Not a valid template]The newest entry in the NBA Development League will bring two dozen home games to Newark, beginning in November.
Aaron Moszer, president of the Delaware 87ers, said the new team will bring an entertaining brand of basketball at the Bob Carpenter Center on the University of Delaware campus, with plenty of slam dunks and not too much defense.
And like minor league baseball teams, games will feature plenty of other attractions aimed at families, including chances to meet the team, he said. Ticket prices vary, but Moszer said the average Development League ticket price is $15.
The 87ers or ‘7s, are owned by the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s part of a trend toward NBA teams owning Development League franchises.
The affiliation will also bring “the second best basketball in the world” as players looking for NBA roster spots play in Newark, a short drive down I-95 from Philadelphia. A number of NBA player had stints in the D League, the best known being Houston Rockets and former New York Knicks player Jeremy Lin.
The team’s season will run roughly parallel with the NBA schedule.
Moszer said the team will also become active in the nonprofit community in Delaware. Moszer spoke at an event in Newark that introduced the 87ers, or the 7s, to potential season-ticket holders. The team has its offices in Wilmington.
Also on hand to promote the team was 76ers broadcaster, retired NBA veteran and Drexel University standout Malik Rose. First to buy a season ticket was Newark Mayor Vance Funk, who said he was excited to see the team come to Newark. Funk noted that his roots are in basketball-crazy Indiana.
Moszer said the team will hold small-scale events, but will also have upcoming announcements that will raise the local profile of the 87ers. Moszer came to the team after serving in a similar role with the Aberdeen Ironbirds.
Members of the team have not been announced, since the 87ers are a new team and have no members returning. A draft will be held later in the fall that will be used to build the roster.
On hand at the event were two representatives with the NBA League Office. The office will be on hand to assist in the launch of the team. The NBA has a similar role with the WNBA, which has been in the headlines, thanks to three high-profile rookies, include Elena Delle Donne from the University of Delaware.
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