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County Executive Robert Astorino was joined by Knicks legends Allan Houston and John Starks to announce that starting in 2014-15, the Knicks D-League team will be playing its home games in Westchester.
Astorino said he was excited to have professional basketball at Westchester's most famous arena and it will be at no cost to the taxpayers. The Knicks already practice in Greenburgh. Dan Reed, president of the D-League said Westchester residents will be the beneficiaries.
"They will get to see the second best basketball league in the world," Reed said. "We are highly committed to giving back to the community."
Houston, who will be general manager of the team, said the D-League is a great way for players to develop professionally and personally.
"This is an integral part of the NBA's future," Houston said. "Not just for players, but for coaches, trainers and front office personnel. The D-League is thriving."
Houston said it would be a boost for the Knicks to have its D-League team so close to Madison Square Garden and the Knicks Greenburgh practice facility.
Houston played at the County Center when he was on the Knicks Summer League team and noted Westchester's ties with the Knicks, including former Knicks coach Joe Lapchick, who was from Yonkers.
The former All-Star also announced fans will be able to choose the team's name. From now until March 24, fans can go to nyknicksdleague.com to submit their names online. Following the submission process, fans will go back to the same website to vote for the final team name.
Astorino said this is part of the revitalization of the County Center.
"We wanted something more than stamp and coin shows," Astorino said.
The county and the Knicks agreed to a five-year lease with another five-year renewal.
Starks, who played minor league basketball before joining the Knicks and coached a minor league basketball team at the County Center, said the experience is invaluable.
"It gives you an opportunity to hone your skills and see if your cut out for the next level," Starks said.
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