Some NBA players have more difficult backgrounds than others. The Queen of Travel is clearly one of those who had a hard time before joining the big league.
The new recruit from Philadelphia has not only experienced the antechamber of the NBA, the G-League, like so many others, he has especially been on the street when he was younger!
“I was homeless for a week and was in a tough part of Oakland”he tells Sixers Wire. “In a few days, I went from hoping for a scholarship, to being comfortable playing basketball, to being on the streets…I’m in East Oakland, there are drug addicts, daily flights. I’m trying to find ways to go to school and to eat, but I’m also worried about myself. The lesson I learned from all this is: do I really want to play basketball, do I really like this sport? »
During these already complicated times, Queen also lost her grandmother. His motivation then grew even more, like the satisfaction when he finally managed to sign in the NBA.
“My love for this sport got me through it all, and my family. I told myself that I could not give up, because my ambition was bigger than me. So when I arrived in the NBA, it was like a huge relief, like having 1000 kilos lifted off my shoulders. It’s hard to be in the NBA, but it’s even harder to stay there. That’s my goal now. »
“I don’t want to be just passing through the league”
He will continue to think like that later, in Houston. Last season, he played 10 games with the Rockets and especially distinguished himself in the G-League, being elected MVP of the season.
“I am not satisfied with the papers, the contracts. I’m more concerned about longevity. I want a long career, I want to win the title. I don’t care about money. So I wasn’t totally satisfied with having a two-way contract, I know I was better off. But I was also in shock, with an NBA contract in front of me. The emotions and the tears were there. It was crazy, but I aim further. I want to protect my family and I don’t want to be just passing through the league. »
Here he is now in Philadelphia, an ambitious franchise and a context that he likes.
“I told my agent that, this summer, whatever he finds, I will sign. He called me to tell me he had a deal with the Sixers and to ask me if I was motivated. I said yes. I’m ready to work and it doesn’t matter if it’s a two-year contract, not guaranteed… I want to work and then get the best possible contract. I like this team because there are dogs, players who give their all. And not just the players, the fans too. If you’re not good, they whistle. I love that. »
| The Queen of Travel | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Until | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | NEW | 10 | 7 | 45.5 | 37.5 | 100.0 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 4.3 |
| Total | 10 | 7 | 45.5 | 37.5 | 100.0 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 4.3 | |
