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The Grand Rapids Gold are an American professional basketball team in the NBA G League based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and are affiliated with the Denver Nuggets. The Gold play their home games at Van Andel Arena. They began play as the Anaheim Arsenal in 2006, before relocating to Springfield, Massachusetts, in 2009, becoming the Springfield Armor. After five seasons in Springfield, the franchise moved to Grand Rapids in 2014 and were subsequently renamed the Grand Rapids Drive, before changing their name again to the Gold in 2021.

Key Information

Franchise history

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2006–2009: Anaheim Arsenal

[edit]

The franchise began in 2006 as the Anaheim Arsenal as an expansion team in the NBA Development League (NBA D-League). Based in Anaheim, California, and playing at the Anaheim Convention Center, the Arsenal were an affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers.[4][5][6] However, the Arsenal era was mainly marked by futility, never having a winning season or a playoff berth. On March 31, 2009, the Arsenal announced that they would relocate to Springfield, Massachusetts.[5][7]

2009–2014: Springfield Armor

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On July 29, 2009, it was announced that Dee Brown would become the head coach.[8] On September 2, the Armor picked first in the 2009 NBA Development League expansion draft, selecting center Marcus Campbell.[9] The team ended their inaugural 2009–10 season with a record of 7–43 (.140), the worst record in D-League history. They also became the first (and so far only) team to lose every road game, as they went 0–25. No team won less than 20% of their games until the 2019-20 Northern Arizona Suns (.190); the 2020-21 Iowa Wolves broke the dubious record by going 2–13 for a percentage of .133 before the 2023-24 G League Ignite went 2–32 to set a new mark for futility.

During the 2010–11 season, the Armor started by picking fifth in the D-League Draft, and selected La Salle's Vernon Goodridge.[10] The Armor would end up finishing with a record of 13–37, sixth in the seven-team Eastern Conference. After the season, head coach Dee Brown opted to leave the team to join the Detroit Pistons.[11] Brown was replaced soon after by Bob MacKinnon Jr.[12] During the 2010–11 season, the team was an affiliate of the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.[13]

For the 2011–12 season, the Armor entered into a single affiliation partnership with the Brooklyn Nets, giving the Nets full control over the basketball operations of and making them the sole affiliate for the Armor. The Nets became the second NBA team to enter into a single affiliation with an NBA D-League team, joining the Houston Rockets and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.[14][15]

2014–2021: Grand Rapids Drive

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On April 15, 2014, it was announced that the SSJ Group purchased the Springfield Armor and would relocate the team to Grand Rapids, Michigan for the 2014–15 season. The Grand Rapids franchise would be locally owned and established a single-franchise "hybrid" affiliation with the Detroit Pistons.[16] The affiliation between the Pistons and the Drive was the third between the two cities as the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League and the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League also share an affiliation, as do the Detroit Tigers of the American League and the West Michigan Whitecaps of the Midwest League.[17]

The team launched a name-the-team contest shortly after the formal announcement. The contest produced four finalists: Drive, Chairmen, Horsepower, and Blue Racers. The community was encouraged to vote online in order to determine which of the four names would become the official team name.[18] Out of those names, the Grand Rapids Drive was selected.[19][20]

On July 29, 2020, the Pistons announced that the organization had officially purchased the Northern Arizona Suns from the Phoenix Suns and were relocating the franchise to Detroit for the 2021–22 season. It was also announced that the affiliation between the Pistons and Drive would end after the 2020–21 season. The ownership of the Drive were stated as looking for an option to continue operations once the affiliation was set to end of after the 2020–21 season.[21] The Drive would be one of several G League teams to opt out of the single-site shortened season held in Orlando. On January 8, 2021, the Drive stated they were negotiating with a new affiliate and could include a new name and logo.[22]

2021–present: Grand Rapids Gold

[edit]

On April 27, 2021, the Drive announced a new affiliation agreement with the Denver Nuggets.[23] As part of the new affiliation, the Drive were rebranded as the Grand Rapids Gold, with the name, logo and color scheme announced on July 7.[1] The organization operates under a hybrid model with the Nuggets controlling the basketball operations and SSJ Group, with Steve Jbara as owner and president and Nate Quicke as Vice president, controlling the team's business operations and community engagement.[24] On August 19, the Gold named Jason Terry as its new head coach.[25]

With the DeltaPlex Arena set to close before the start of the 2022–23 season, the Gold announced on June 2, 2022, that they had signed a five-year lease with Van Andel Arena to serve as their new home.[26]

Season-by-season

[edit]
Season Division Regular season Postseason results
Finish Wins Losses Pct.
Anaheim Arsenal
2006–07 Western 4th 23 27 .460
2007–08 Western 4th 23 27 .460
2008–09 Western 6th 15 35 .300
Springfield Armor
2009–10 Eastern 7th 7 43 .140
2010–11 Eastern 6th 13 37 .260
2011–12 Eastern 1st 29 21 .580 Lost First Round (Canton) 1–2
2012–13 Eastern 5th 18 32 .360
2013–14 Eastern 3rd 22 28 .440
Grand Rapids Drive
2014–15 Central 4th 23 27 .460
2015–16 Central 4th 21 29 .420
2016–17 Central 4th 26 24 .520
2017–18 Central 2nd 29 21 .580 Lost First Round (Raptors) 88–92
2018–19 Central 1st 28 22 .560 Lost First Round (Raptors) 90–91
2019–20 Central 3rd 25 18 .581 Season cancelled by COVID-19 pandemic
2020–21 Opted out of single-site season
Grand Rapids Gold
2021–22 Eastern 7th 17 15 .531
2022–23 Eastern 14th 9 23 .281
2023–24 Eastern 16th 11 23 .324
2024–25 Eastern 12th 15 19 .441
Regular season record 354 471 .429 2006–present
Playoff record 1 4 .200 2006–present

Current roster

[edit]
Grand Rapids Gold roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Player Height Weight DOB From
G 23 Trey Alexander (TW) 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 2003-05-02 Creighton
F 45 Joey Baker 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 205 lb (93 kg) 2000-09-13 Michigan
C 14 Charles Bediako 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 2002-03-10 Alabama
G 10 Andrew Funk 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1999-09-21 Penn State
G 8 Amauri Hardy 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 1998-04-30 Oregon
G 9 Ithiel Horton 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 2000-06-26 Texas
F 11 Deante Johnson 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 2000-06-02 Cleveland State
F 21 Spencer Jones (TW) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 2001-06-14 Stanford
F 5 Tevian Jones 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 2000-06-29 Southern Utah
G 0 Will Richardson 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 1999-09-03 Oregon
F 2 Jaylin Williams 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 2000-07-26 Auburn
Head coach
Assistant(s)
Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • (P) Prospects
  • (NBA) On assignment from NBA affiliate
  • (TW) Two-way affiliate player
  • Injured Injured

Roster
Updated: February 21, 2025

Head coaches

[edit]
# Head coach Term Regular season Playoffs Achievements
G W L Win% G W L Win%
1 Reggie Geary 2006–2008 100 46 54 .460 — — — —
2 Sam Vincent 2008–2009 50 15 35 .300 — — — —
3 Dee Brown 2009–2011 100 20 80 .200 — — — —
4 Bob MacKinnon Jr. 2011–2013 100 47 53 .470 3 1 2 .333
5 Doug Overton 2013–2014 50 22 28 .440 — — — —
6 Otis Smith 2014–2016 100 44 56 .440 — — — —
7 Rex Walters 2016–2017 50 26 24 .520 — — — —
8 Robert Werdann 2017 12 4 8 .333 — — — —
9 Ryan Krueger 2017–2019 88 53 35 .602 2 0 2 .000
10 Donnie Tyndall 2019–2020 43 25 18 .581 — — — —
11 Jason Terry 2021–2022 32 17 15 .531 — — — –
12 Andre Miller 2022–present 100 35 65 .350 — — —

NBA affiliates

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Anaheim Arsenal

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Springfield Armor

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Grand Rapids Drive

[edit]

Grand Rapids Gold

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Grand Rapids Gold

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Grand Rapids Gold is a professional basketball team competing in the as the primary developmental affiliate of the of the (NBA). Based in , the team plays its home games at , a multi-purpose venue in downtown Grand Rapids. Owned by SSJ Group LLC and led by president Steve Jbara, the franchise was established in 2014 as the Grand Rapids Drive, initially affiliated with the , following a relocation from , where it operated as the Springfield Armor. In 2021, the team rebranded as the Gold after the entered a hybrid affiliation agreement, marking a shift in NBA oversight and aligning the club with the Nuggets' championship-caliber organization. Since its inception in Grand Rapids, the Gold has prioritized player development, community engagement, and business innovation, becoming one of the league's most successful franchises off the court. Under Jbara's leadership, the team achieved profitability in its inaugural 2014-15 season—a rarity for G League clubs at the time—and has consistently ranked among the top performers in merchandise sales, sponsorship revenue, and attendance. The franchise thwarted a potential relocation to in 2018 through strategic local partnerships, solidifying its role as a of West Michigan's sports landscape. On the court, the Gold has produced numerous NBA call-ups, including players like and who contributed to the Nuggets' 2023 NBA Championship victory, underscoring its vital pipeline for professional talent. The team's operations emphasize elite basketball alongside regional impact, hosting over 50 games annually from to while investing in youth programs and economic growth in Grand Rapids. In recent years, the Gold has earned prestigious league honors, including the 2024 Award for exceptional fan experience and business operations, as well as back-to-back NBA G League Executive of the Year awards for Jbara in 2023-24 and 2024-25—the first such achievement in league history. As of the 2025–26 season, the Gold maintains a competitive presence in the Eastern Conference, fostering the next generation of NBA stars through rigorous training and on-court opportunities.

History

Origins as Anaheim Arsenal (2006–2009)

The Anaheim Arsenal joined the NBA Development League as its sixteenth franchise in 2006, marking the league's expansion into . The team was officially announced on April 11, 2006, with plans to play home games at the . Ownership was held by Anaheim Basketball LLC, a group led by Tom and Louise Jones as majority stakeholders. The franchise served as the primary affiliate for the [Los Angeles Clippers](/page/Los Angeles_Clippers) throughout its existence. The team name, Anaheim Arsenal, was unveiled on June 16, 2006, evoking the region's industrial heritage and proximity to military sites. NBA veteran Larry Smith was appointed as the inaugural on July 17, 2006, bringing experience from his playing career and prior coaching roles. The Arsenal's debut season in 2006–07 ended with a 23–27 record, placing fourth in the Western Division and failing to qualify for the . Midseason, in January 2007, Smith was relieved of his duties, and assistant coach Reggie Geary assumed interim responsibilities. In the 2007–08 season, the Arsenal maintained a similar performance, finishing 23–27 and again fourth in the Western Division without postseason play. The team's NBA affiliations expanded that year to include the and alongside the Clippers. Notable roster contributors included guards like Andre Owens, who appeared in multiple games while splitting time with NBA assignments. The 2008–09 season brought further changes, with former NBA player and coach hired as head coach on July 30, 2008. The Arsenal struggled on the court, posting a 15–35 record and finishing sixth in the Western Division, once more missing the . Standout performer Cedric Bozeman earned All-NBA Development League Honorable Mention honors and an East Conference All-Star selection for his contributions. Despite these individual highlights, the franchise faced operational hurdles at the , prompting the league to relocate the team after the season to bolster its East Coast presence; it reemerged as the Springfield Armor for 2009–10.

Springfield Armor era (2009–2014)

In 2009, the Anaheim Arsenal franchise relocated to , becoming the Springfield Armor and marking the city's entry into professional basketball since the departure of the American Basketball Association's Springfield Famous Five in 1972. The move was announced on March 31, 2009, by the NBA Development League (D-League), with the team selecting its name and logo—featuring a metallic knight in armor to evoke the region's industrial heritage and the historic —on June 30, 2009. The Armor entered a multi-team affiliation with the New Jersey Nets, , and , playing their home games at the , a 6,800-seat arena in downtown Springfield. This relocation aimed to leverage the city's basketball legacy, including its role as the birthplace of the sport, while providing a developmental pipeline for NBA talent on the East Coast. The Armor's inaugural 2009–10 season under head coach Dee Brown was challenging, finishing with a league-worst 7–43 record and failing to qualify for the playoffs, setting a D-League mark for futility at the time. The team struggled with defensive issues, allowing 108.3 points per game, and roster turnover as several players were called up to NBA affiliates. Attendance averaged around 3,000 fans per home game early in the season, reflecting modest local interest amid the economic . The following year, 2010–11, saw slight improvement to 13–37, but the Armor again missed the postseason, concluding Dee Brown's tenure with a cumulative 20–80 mark that highlighted operational and roster instability. A coaching change brought renewed success in 2011–12, as Bob MacKinnon Jr. was hired by the Nets as a single-affiliate , leading the Armor to a franchise-best 29–21 record and their first playoff appearance as the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed. This turnaround—winning 15 more games than the prior season—earned league-wide recognition as the largest single-year improvement in D-League history. In the playoffs, the Armor lost in the conference quarterfinals to the Canton Charge, 1–2. Notable contributors included forward Jordan Williams, who averaged 12.0 points and 8.8 rebounds, and guard , providing steady backcourt play. Performance declined thereafter, with MacKinnon departing after the 2012–13 season (18–32 record, no playoffs) amid roster flux and injuries. Doug Overton took over as head coach for 2013–14, but the Armor finished 22–28, again missing the postseason in a season plagued by inconsistency and limited NBA call-ups. Forward Tony Mitchell emerged as a standout, averaging 15.3 points and 7.7 rebounds while earning All-Rookie Second Team honors, but overall team struggles, including a mid-season coaching staff shakeup and average attendance dipping below 2,500, contributed to the franchise's decision to relocate once more after the campaign.
SeasonRecordFinish (Eastern Conference)Playoffs
2009–107–436thDid not qualify
2010–1113–376thDid not qualify
2011–1229–212ndLost conference quarterfinals (1–2 vs. Canton Charge)
2012–1318–325thDid not qualify
2013–1422–283rdDid not qualify

Relocation to Grand Rapids as Drive (2014–2021)

In 2014, the SSJ Group, led by local entrepreneur Steve Jbara, acquired the NBA Development League franchise previously known as the Springfield Armor and relocated it to , renaming it the Grand Rapids Drive. The team made its debut in the 2014–15 season at , marking the return of professional basketball to the city after a period without a major league affiliate. The relocation was driven by Jbara's vision to establish a stable NBA affiliate in the Midwest, leveraging Grand Rapids' growing sports infrastructure and community interest. The Drive entered into a single-affiliation partnership with the , allowing the NBA team full control over basketball operations while local ownership handled business aspects. This arrangement, announced on April 15, 2014, aimed to develop Pistons prospects in a nearby market, fostering synergy between the two franchises. In their inaugural season, the Drive finished with a 23–27 record, placing fourth in the Central Division and missing the playoffs. The team showed gradual improvement in subsequent seasons. The 2015–16 campaign ended at 21–29, again without postseason play. In 2016–17, the Drive achieved their first winning record at 26–24 but fell short of the playoffs as the fourth-place Central Division team. The 2017–18 season marked a breakthrough, with a 29–21 finish that secured the Central Division title and the franchise's first playoff appearance, where they lost in the conference quarterfinals to the Raptors 905. Building on this momentum, the 2018–19 Drive posted a 30–20 record, again winning the division but lost in the conference quarterfinals to the Raptors 905. The 2019–20 season began promisingly with a 25–18 record when the suspended play on March 12, 2020, due to the , canceling the remainder of the schedule and . The pandemic severely disrupted operations, forcing the team to pivot to virtual community engagement and player development amid venue closures. In 2019, the Pistons explored purchasing and relocating the Northern Arizona Suns to , threatening the Drive's affiliation and prompting discussions of moving the team; however, local ownership and partnerships ensured the franchise remained in Grand Rapids, solidifying its community roots. For the 2020–21 season, the Drive opted out of the league's centralized hub format in Orlando, effectively ending their affiliation with the Pistons after seven years. During the Drive era, the team integrated into the Grand Rapids community through partnerships with local organizations, such as collaborating with the Van Andel Institute for awareness initiatives tied to home games. This local focus, under Jbara's leadership, helped build fan support and establish the franchise as a key part of the city's sports landscape.

Rebranding to Gold and Nuggets affiliation (2021–present)

In July 2021, the Grand Rapids Drive underwent a rebranding to become the Grand Rapids Gold, coinciding with a shift in NBA affiliation from the Detroit Pistons to the Denver Nuggets. The new name and logo drew inspiration from Colorado's mining history and the Nuggets' gold color scheme, symbolizing a fresh identity tied to the parent club's heritage. This change marked the team's integration into the Nuggets' player development system, emphasizing talent pipelines and shared operational strategies. The 2021–22 season marked the Gold's debut under the new affiliation, finishing with a 17–15 regular-season record and placing seventh in the Eastern Conference, narrowly missing the . Subsequent seasons saw mixed results: 9–23 in 2022–23 (14th in the East) and 11–23 in 2023–24 (16th in the East), with no postseason appearances in either year. The 2024–25 campaign improved slightly to 15–19 (12th in the East), continuing the focus on developing Nuggets prospects. As of November 20, 2025, the 2025–26 season is underway with the Gold at 3–0, including a 130–124 victory over the Noblesville Boom in the opener on November 7. The Nuggets' 2023 NBA Championship elevated the Gold's profile, fostering a "winning culture" that enhanced player development and . This success spurred greater integration, including frequent two-way assignments and call-ups; for instance, guard , who excelled with the Gold in 2024–25 (averaging 21.8 points per game), was assigned to the Nuggets and achieved his first NBA triple-double (17 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) in April 2025. Other notable call-ups include Adonis Arms in 2022–23. Coaching has seen transitions for stability and alignment with Nuggets staff, with appointed head coach in August 2025 after 10 years as a Nuggets assistant, succeeding . Community efforts through Gold Charities have grown, supporting youth clinics, maternal health partnerships, and inclusive outreach programs to build local ties. These initiatives, including theme nights benefiting children's organizations, underscore the team's role beyond the court.

Seasons and performance

Season-by-season records

The season-by-season records of the Grand Rapids Gold franchise, which began as the Anaheim Arsenal in 2006, are summarized in the table below. This includes regular season results through the completed 2024–25 season, with playoff outcomes where applicable. The franchise has appeared in the three times, compiling a 1–4 postseason record. The 2011–12 season was shortened to 50 games due to an . The 2019–20 season was suspended after 43 games due to the , with no playoffs held. The franchise opted out of the 2020–21 season amid protocols, resulting in no games played.
SeasonTeam NameRegular Season RecordWin %FinishPlayoffs
2006–07Anaheim Arsenal23–27.4604th Western DivisionDid not qualify
2007–08Anaheim Arsenal23–27.4604th Western DivisionDid not qualify
2008–09Anaheim Arsenal15–35.3006th Western DivisionDid not qualify
2009–10Springfield Armor7–43.1406th Eastern ConferenceDid not qualify
2010–11Springfield Armor13–37.2606th Eastern ConferenceDid not qualify
2011–12Springfield Armor29–21.5801st Eastern ConferenceLost Conference Quarterfinals vs. Canton Charge, 1–2
2012–13Springfield Armor18–32.3605th East DivisionDid not qualify
2013–14Springfield Armor22–28.4403rd East DivisionDid not qualify
2014–15Grand Rapids Drive23–27.4604th Central DivisionDid not qualify
2015–16Grand Rapids Drive21–29.4204th Central DivisionDid not qualify
2016–17Grand Rapids Drive26–24.5204th Central DivisionDid not qualify
2017–18Grand Rapids Drive29–21.5801st Central DivisionLost Conference Quarterfinals vs. , 0–1
2018–19Grand Rapids Drive30–20.6001st Central DivisionLost Conference Quarterfinals vs. , 0–1
2019–20Grand Rapids Drive25–18.5813rd Central DivisionSeason suspended; no playoffs
2020–21Grand Rapids Drive–––Did not participate
2021–22Grand Rapids Gold17–15.5314th Central DivisionDid not qualify
2022–23Grand Rapids Gold9–23.2816th Central DivisionDid not qualify
2023–24Grand Rapids Gold11–23.3245th Central DivisionDid not qualify
2024–25Grand Rapids Gold15–19.4413rd Central DivisionDid not qualify
As of the conclusion of the 2024–25 season, the franchise's cumulative record stands at 356 wins and 469 losses, yielding a .431 . Comprehensive home and road splits across the franchise's history are not uniformly available in aggregated form, though recent seasons show balanced performance with slight home advantages in most years.

Playoff history

The franchise has made three playoff appearances in its history, all exiting in the first round, for an overall postseason record of 1 win and 4 losses as of the 2024–25 season. In the 2011–12 season, as the Springfield Armor affiliated with the New Jersey Nets (later Brooklyn Nets), the team earned its first playoff berth with a 29–21 regular-season record, securing third place in the Eastern Conference. They faced the Canton Charge in a best-of-three quarterfinal series. After losing Game 1, the Armor evened the series with a 125–116 overtime victory in Game 2, highlighted by Jerry Smith's 40 points. However, they fell in Game 3, 115–106, ending their run. This remains the franchise's deepest playoff advancement, winning a single game. The Grand Rapids Drive, affiliated with the , qualified for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons during their Central Division titles. In 2017–18, with a 29–21 record, they entered as the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference and lost a single-elimination first-round game to the No. 4 , 92–88. The following year, 2018–19, the Drive posted a 30–20 mark and again fell in the first round, dropping a 108–90 overtime decision to the No. 4 [Long Island Nets](/page/Long Island_Nets). These appearances marked improved postseason contention under the Pistons affiliation, though both ended swiftly. Since rebranding as the Grand Rapids Gold and affiliating with the in 2021–22, the team has not qualified for the through the 2024–25 season, finishing outside the top eight in the each year with of 17–15 (2021–22), 9–23 (2022–23), 11–23 (2023–24), and 15–19 (2024–25). The lack of postseason success correlates with transitional challenges post-relocation and rebranding, despite contributions from Nuggets-assigned players like and in recent campaigns.

Facilities and operations

Home arena

The Grand Rapids Gold have played their home games at in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, since the 2022–23 season. Opened in 1996, the multi-purpose arena has a seating capacity of over 12,000 for configurations and serves as a premier entertainment venue in , hosting professional sports, concerts, family shows, and comedy events. Managed by ASM Global, it features modern amenities such as diverse concession options including burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and personal pizzas; premium suites with private food and beverage service, restrooms, and balcony access; and accessible accommodations for guests with , including seating and assisted listening devices. Prior to the move to , the franchise—then known as the Grand Rapids Drive—played at the DeltaPlex Arena in Grand Rapids from to 2022, a facility that met initial G League standards but closed in 2022, prompting the relocation. The shift to aligned with G League requirements, including dedicated locker rooms for players, coaches, and officials, enhancing the professional setup for the Gold's operations. In 2020, the arena's exterior plaza underwent renovations in partnership with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., improving public access and event staging areas, though no major interior overhauls specific to G League have been reported post-2021. The franchise's earlier history includes stints at other venues following its inception as the Anaheim in 2006. The Arsenal played at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim (now known as the ), an indoor arena opened in 1993 with a basketball capacity of approximately 18,600 seats, located in . From 2009 to 2014, as the Springfield Armor, the team was based at the in , a multi-purpose venue opened in 1972 with an arena capacity of 8,000 seats and 19,000 square feet of floor space, which also hosted conventions and other sporting events. These relocations reflect the team's evolution within the G League, with each venue providing varying scales of facilities tailored to demands.

Ownership and administration

The Grand Rapids Gold is owned by SSJ Group, LLC, a local investment entity established in 2014 by entrepreneur Steve Jbara, who serves as the team's founder and president. The SSJ Group comprises more than 28 high-level business leaders from the Grand Rapids area and surrounding communities, reflecting deep ties to the region's entrepreneurial network. Under Jbara's leadership, the organization has emphasized sustainable growth and community integration since acquiring the franchise. The franchise's ownership evolved significantly upon its relocation to Grand Rapids in 2014, when SSJ Group purchased it from prior holders associated with the Springfield Armor era. Previously, the team operated under local ownership in , led by principal owner Michael Savit starting in 2009, with shifting NBA affiliations including a hybrid partnership with the Nets from 2010. The 2014 acquisition by SSJ Group marked a transition to fully local control, aligning the team with the as its primary affiliate and distancing it from earlier corporate influences like , which had sought a closer D-League presence for the Pistons. No major ownership changes have occurred through the 2024–2025 season, with Jbara continuing to guide operations amid expanded Nuggets integration. Administratively, the Gold operates with a streamlined executive structure focused on business operations, player development, and fan engagement. Steve Jbara oversees overall strategy as president, while Chad Iske serves as , also holding the role of vice president of pro personnel for the . Nihal Kolur acts as assistant general manager and director of strategy for the Nuggets, supporting dual-affiliate coordination. The support staff includes key roles such as Trey Conner and various sales and marketing managers, ensuring efficient day-to-day administration. This setup has evolved from the post-relocation years, incorporating more NBA-aligned personnel to enhance operational synergy since the 2021 rebranding. Key initiatives under the current administration include Gold Charities, launched following the 2021 affiliation with the , which supports youth basketball programs, skill-building clinics, and inclusive outreach for young athletes in . The organization also runs a dedicated program to aid community causes, alongside events like school visits, dance clinics, and theme nights that donate proceeds to local nonprofits focused on children and families. These efforts, amplified post-2021, underscore the Gold's commitment to community engagement, with recent partnerships—such as a 2025 jersey collaboration with AlumniFi for financial education—further expanding impact.

Personnel

Current roster

As of November 20, 2025, the Grand Rapids Gold's 2025–26 roster consists of 14 players, including G League veterans, undrafted free agents, three players (Curtis Jones, Spencer Jones, and Tamar Bates) signed with the , and one NBA assignment. The team finalized its training camp roster on October 27, 2025. Nuggets forward , the 22nd overall pick in the out of Dayton, is on assignment with the Gold after recovering from an Achilles injury sustained in the 2024 Summer League. Notable additions include undrafted rookie forward , who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Nuggets after a college career at Kansas State (following time at ), providing versatile defense, and veteran center , a 7-foot-2 rim protector with NBA experience across multiple teams. Recent additions since the season opener on November 7, 2025, against the Noblesville Boom include guards James Akinjo, Javante McCoy, and Bryce Wills. No major injuries have been reported. The roster is organized below by position, with jersey numbers, heights, and statuses where available. All players are active unless noted.

Guards

No.PlayerHeightStatusNotes
11James Akinjo6'1"ActiveG League veteran from Baylor; provides quick guard play off the bench.
1Curtis Jones6'3"Two-wayIowa State product who averaged 12.5 points per game in limited 2024-25 G League action; provides scoring off the bench.
13Javante McCoy6'5"Active alum with G League experience; adds perimeter defense.
5Bryce Wills6'6"ActiveStanford wing with athleticism; rookie focusing on transition play.
7Tamar Bates6'4"Two-way transfer who averaged 13.4 points in 2024-25 college season; rookie with quick-release shooting.
23Dane Goodwin6'6"ActiveNotre Dame forward/guard hybrid; known for rebounding and shooting.

Forwards

No.PlayerHeightStatusNotes
246'7"ActiveUndrafted rookie out of ; versatile defender with international youth experience for .
206'8"ActiveWing with NBA experience from and Sacramento; known for three-point shooting and defensive versatility after college at Pepperdine.
2Terrence Hargrove Jr.6'4"ActiveSt. Louis alum and G League veteran; excels in transition scoring.
146'9"NBA assignmentDynamic scorer and rebounder from Dayton, selected 22nd overall in 2024; rehabbing injury with Gold to build NBA minutes.
22Justyn Hamilton6'11"ActiveG League veteran from Kent State, where he averaged strong rebounding numbers; brings size to the frontcourt.
336'10"ActiveUndrafted 2025 free agent out of Kansas State (after ); offers stretch-four skills and defensive versatility on Exhibit 10 with Nuggets.
21Spencer Jones6'7"Two-wayStanford who hit 40.3% from three in college; 2025 undrafted free agent focusing on perimeter defense.

Centers

No.PlayerHeightStatusNotes
347'2"ActiveVeteran big man with 104 NBA games across multiple teams; dominant rebounder averaging 8.8 per game in 2023-24 G League.

Head coaches

The Grand Rapids Gold franchise, originally founded as the Anaheim Arsenal in 2006, has seen 13 head coaches across its various iterations, with frequent changes reflecting the team's relocations from Anaheim to Springfield, then to Grand Rapids, and its shifting NBA affiliations. These coaches have collectively posted a regular season record of 360–472 (.433) and a playoff record of 1–4 (.200) as of November 20, 2025. The role has emphasized player development, particularly in the Nuggets-affiliated era since , where coaches have focused on skill refinement and NBA readiness for players. There have been 12 coaching changes since 2006, including several mid-season transitions in the early years. No coach from the franchise has won G League Coach of the Year, but several have advanced to NBA roles post-tenure, highlighting the position's value as a stepping stone.
No.CoachTenureRegular seasonPlayoffAchievements
1Larry Smith2006–20078–21 (.276)0–0Led inaugural Arsenal team; fired mid-season after poor start.
2Reggie Geary2007–200823–27 (.460)0–0Stabilized team defense, ranking 4th in opponent scoring; later NBA assistant.
32008–200915–35 (.300)0–0Former NBA coach; focused on young talent integration before team's relocation.
4Dee Brown2009–201120–80 (.200)0–0Oversaw Armor launch; worst two-year start in franchise history (7–43 in 2009–10, 13–37 in 2010–11).
5Bob MacKinnon Jr.2011–201336–64 (.360)0–2Dramatic turnaround in 2011–12 (29–21, franchise-best win total); led to 2012 playoffs, losing in semifinals.
62013–201422–28 (.440)0–0Emphasized veteran leadership; prepared team for Grand Rapids move.
7Otis Smith2014–201644–56 (.440)0–0First Drive coach; reunited with Pistons staff, prioritizing transitions.
82016–201718–32 (.360)0–0Implemented up-tempo offense; later assistant.
9Rob Werdann2017 (partial)4–10 (.286)0–0Short tenure focused on defensive schemes; stepped down for family reasons mid-season.
10Ryan Krueger2017–201957–45 (.559)1–1Interim to full-time success; 2018–19 Central Division title (28–23); franchise's only playoff win (2019 quarterfinals). NBA assistant post-tenure.
112019–202125–18 (.581)0–0Pressing defense specialist; 2019–20 record before COVID bubble/opt-out; later college head coach.
122021–202217–15 (.531)0–1NBA veteran transition; led rebranded Gold to playoffs, losing in 2022 quarterfinals; earned NBA assistant role with .
132022–202535–65 (.350)0–0Development emphasis in Nuggets system; oversaw 2022–23 (9–23), 2023–24 (11–23), 2024–25 (15–19) seasons.
142025–present6–1 (.857)0–0Former Nuggets assistant; hired for continuity in player development pipeline.

NBA affiliations

Historical NBA partnerships

The franchise's historical NBA partnerships trace back to its inception as the Anaheim Arsenal from 2006 to 2009, during which it operated as a development affiliate for the , , and under a multi-team model common in the early NBA Development League era. This arrangement positioned the Arsenal as a player development pipeline, hosting invitees and providing G League exposure for NBA fringe players from its Southern California base. A key example was forward Guillermo Diaz's call-up to the Clippers on a 10-day contract in January 2008, marking one of several instances where Arsenal players transitioned to NBA rosters during this period. The partnership emphasized skill refinement and injury rehabilitation, though the diverse affiliations sometimes led to challenges in aligned market strategies given the geographical spread of the parent teams. In 2009, following a sale and relocation to Springfield, Massachusetts, the team rebranded as the Springfield Armor and forged a primary affiliation with the New Jersey Nets, which evolved into a single-team operational control by 2011 and persisted until 2014 despite the Nets' move to Brooklyn. This era focused on draft pick assignments, with the Nets directing recent selections and sidelined players to Springfield for targeted development and game minutes. Notable impacts included multiple call-ups, such as guard Tyshawn Taylor, who appeared in 29 games for the Nets after assignments in 2012–13, and forward Tornike Shengelia, recalled twice in 2013–14 for a total of 38 NBA games. Overall, the partnership advanced at least seven players to Nets rosters through assignments or call-ups, underscoring its value in building depth. However, the roughly 250-mile distance between Springfield and the Nets' New York-area operations posed logistical hurdles, limiting joint practices and increasing travel costs for evaluations. The affiliation concluded with the franchise's relocation to Grand Rapids in April 2014, driven by new ownership seeking stronger local support and market viability in Michigan. Upon arrival in Grand Rapids as the Drive, the team established a hybrid affiliation with the from 2014 to 2021, leveraging the teams' shared roots for enhanced collaboration. This partnership emphasized integrated player pathways, with the Pistons assigning draft picks, players, and veterans for conditioning; examples include center Donta Hall's call-up in February 2020 after leading the Drive in rebounding, and guard Khyri Thomas's multiple stints contributing to 49 NBA games. In total, over a dozen players cycled through the Drive to Pistons rosters during this span, bolstering Detroit's bench production. Proximity—about 150 miles between Grand Rapids and —facilitated shared scouting networks, joint evaluation sessions, and occasional overlaps at the Pistons' facilities, streamlining talent identification. The arrangement ended in 2021 when the Pistons acquired their own G League team in , prompting the Drive to seek a new partner amid the league's push toward full ownership models.

Current NBA affiliation

The Grand Rapids Gold serves as the primary affiliate for the , facilitating player development, two-way contracts, and roster sharing between the teams. This partnership enables Nuggets players to gain experience in Grand Rapids during rehabilitation assignments or for skill enhancement, while Gold players can be called up to the NBA roster as needed. The affiliation began with the 2021-22 G League season, following an agreement announced in April 2021 that also prompted the team's from the Grand Rapids Drive to align with Denver's identity. It remains active as of the 2025-26 season, with the Gold continuing to host Nuggets-affiliated players and participate in joint training initiatives. Under this arrangement, the Gold benefits from Denver's scouting and coaching resources, contributing to the Nuggets' status as NBA in 2023 by providing a pipeline for talent like undrafted rookies and international prospects.

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