Cory Joseph Commends Time In D-League With The Toros For His Maturity

Apr 10, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (left) talks with guard Cory Joseph (5) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 96-86. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph has been a proven fact that time in the NBA’s Developmental League will and truly does pay off for a player.  Joseph has had many stints with the Austin Toros and as he told Scott Coleman of Hill Country News, he gives all credit to his time in the developmental league, even though he was ready to play right away for the team that drafted him.

“Obviously I wanted to play for the team that drafted me,” said Joseph. “But I did end up playing in Austin (again) and I’m happy I did.”

During his rookie season, Joseph was sent down to the Toros three times.  While there he averaged 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.29 steals per game.  What matters the most is game experience.  While in Austin, Joseph averaged 32 minutes a game.  This shows when his number is called upon.

Joseph is a different guard than one Tony Parker.  Parker is a scoring point guard and does a great job with it.  He does though set his teammates up for good shots.  Joseph on the other hand, looks to pass. He is what you would call a pure point guard.  Waiting for the game to come to him, not forcing shots, being patient.

Continuing in the article, Joseph has seen much improvement in his game since going to Austin that later in this year he asked Gregg Popovich if he could go once again.  He went on to state that the best thing about the Spurs being able to run the Toros from top to bottom, running their plays, so on and so forth really helped him when he was brought back to the team.

“The coaching staff, the system … it’s very, very similar to being in San Antonio,” said Joseph.

Stepping up and playing with determination and confidence as he does, any other player would be upset to be sent down to the D-League.  To this day, he still gives all the credit to the system that is in place.

“I couldn’t stress it enough,” said Joseph. “It paid off a lot.”