truebluefan

RYAN HOWARD spent nearly four seasons in the minor leagues before he got his first taste of major league action late in the 2004 season.

There's no way to know for sure, but it's doubtful that the Phillies slugger would have been named the 2005 National League Rookie of the Year or be favored to win 2006 NL Most Valuable Player honors had he not spent the time in the minors honing his skills.

Obviously, 76ers second-year guard Louis Williams didn't win NBA Rookie of the Year, and it's unlikely he'll ever contend for an MVP.

Still, you have to wonder how much further along Williams would be had he played last season in the NBA Development League instead of sitting at the end of the Sixers' bench.

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