In South Dakota, Matt Zimmer reports the Heat have "purchased a controlling interest" in their NBA D-League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. The Heat and Heineman family, which owns the Skyforce, will be partners in the team and will "continue to run the team as they have over the past four seasons." The Heat, led by Skyforce GM and Heat Assistant GM Adam Simon, will "maintain full control of basketball operations" while Skyforce Owner & President Mike Heineman and his family will "continue to run the team's off court business relations and community initiatives." There was "some concern that the Heat may look to end their affiliation with Sioux Falls" in favor of a putting a D-League franchise in the southeast (Sioux Falls ARGUS LEADER, 6/2). In West Palm Beach, Anthony Chiang wrote the Heat are "pushing away any thoughts about moving it to Palm Beach County or another part of Florida" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 6/1).
EVERY DAY I'M HUSTLIN': In Memphis, Ronald Tillery reports the Grizzlies' new D-League affiliate will be called the Memphis Hustle. The Hustle, which is "intended to be an extension of the Grizzlies' brand," will debut for the '17-18 season. The Hustle will "practice in FedExForum and play 24 home games at the 8,400-seat Landers Center in Southaven beginning this fall" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 6/2).
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? In DC, Todd Dybas reports Monumental Sports & Entertainment is "in line" to purchase a D-League affiliate for the Wizards "soon." A planned sports and entertainment arena for the Wizards has a September '18 target date for "'substantial completion' to occur, providing a certificate of occupancy opportunity." Plans for the project "remain moving forward, though a front-end loader is yet scoop out a chunk of soil to begin arena construction." Work is "expected to begin" early this month. Dybas notes keeping to that timeline is "crucial for the Wizards' plans there." Opening the facility in September or October "would also allow a D-League team to begin play" in the '18-19 season (WASHINGTON TIMES, 6/2).
