Albuquerque, N.M., July 1, 2008 – The 2008 NBA Draft presented by Sprite was conducted last Thursday night at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Miami HEAT and the Dallas Mavericks, Albuquerque’s parent teams for the 2008-2009 season, selected three players altogether. NBA teams are allowed to assign players with less than 2 years experience to their NBA D-League affiliate. Players sent to the NBA Development League will continue to count on a team’s inactive list.

Miami’s first round draft pick was projected favorite Michael Beasley, a 6-10 forward from Kansas State who went second overall and who has been nationally recognized for his talent with numerous awards and accolades. Late transactions by the HEAT in the second round saw Beasley being joined by 34th pick Mario Chalmers, a 6-1 guard from the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Chalmers was traded to the HEAT by the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for two future second-round picks and cash considerations.

The Dallas Mavericks made the most of their only pick by choosing Shan Foster, a 6-6 guard from Vanderbilt. Foster was Vanderbilt’s all-time leader in scoring (2,011 points) and three-pointers made (367, 2nd in SEC history) and attempted (872).

Eligible players from the Miami HEAT include draft picks Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers. Returning HEAT players Joel Anthony, Daequan Cook, Stephane Lasme and Kasib Powell are all possible candidates for play with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. Anthony, Cook, Powell, and Lasme all played in the D-League last season, with Powell earning MVP honors and Lasme earning Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors.

The Dallas Mavericks, who have an excellent reputation for utilizing their D-League affiliate team, currently have Shan Foster as a potential Development League player. More Mavs may become available for Development League play as the season approaches and contract negotiations are finalized.

Don’t miss your chance to see these NBA stars in action. Thunderbirds season tickets are now on sale for the 2008-2009 season. Call (505) 265-3865 to reserve your seats today!