<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He's the No. 2 rebounder in the league. He swept 21 off the glass Sunday night. His team is 4-2, in second place. He is Dwayne Jones, the former Saint Joseph's University big man. His league is the NBA Developmental League, affectionately known as the "D League.'' His team is the Florida Flame. Jones and Flame teammate Bracey Wright remain on the roster of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were in Philadelphia for last night's 90-89 overtime loss to the 76ers. Meanwhile, the Flame was en route back to Fort Myers from Austin, Texas, where it had pulled out a 95-93 victory over the Toros. Jones, you might recall, signed with the T-Wolves as an undrafted rookie free agent, amazingly getting a 2-year contract guaranteed at $1.1 million. Via a new NBA stipulation, Jones and second-round draft choice Wright (the league's leading scorer, at 24.8) are among a small handful of players who have been assigned by their teams to the "D League.'' Players with 2 years or less experience can be optioned a maximum of three times during the season. The Flame also is affiliated with the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. Jones, who also had 12 points and four blocks Sunday, is averaging 12 rebounds, 9.2 points and 2.17 blocks in 28.2 minutes, starting five of the six games. "Dwayne and Bracey were a little hurt when they first got here,'' said Jeff Malone, the former Sixers guard who coaches the Flame. "I talked to them, told them why they were here. Kids don't always understand, but they were going to sit up there [with the T-Wolves]; I really think playing time is the best thing for them.'' At the opposite end of that spectrum, Louis Williams, the Sixers' 19-year-old second-round pick, has barely gotten off the bench. He played 1.2 seconds Friday night against the Charlotte Bobcats and 35 seconds the following evening against the New Jersey Nets. The Sixers believe Williams, a point guard, is better off remaining with the varsity, absorbing knowledge from coach Maurice Cheeks, Allen Iverson, Kevin Ollie and others. The Sixers have chosen not to designate anyone to play for their affiliate, the Roanoke (Va.) Dazzle. "There's an upside either way,'' Malone said. "I understand the value of practice but, to me, there's nothing like going five-on-five in a game.'' Malone, who played 13 years in the NBA, also logging time with the Utah Jazz, Washington Bullets and the Heat, said the Flame "runs mostly pro stuff.'' But he also said there's something of a difference from the NBA in lifestyle. "They're used to charter flights, the Four Seasons,'' Malone said, laughing. "Some nights, we're at the Comfort Inn.''</div> Source
