Yuta Watanabe of the Brooklyn Nets is having an important time.
Watanabe, who was recognized for his hustle play, defensive ability and shooting ability early this season, has successfully entered the rotation with a team that is considered to be one of the favorites to win. At one point, he ranked number one in the NBA for his 3-point shot (3P) success rate, and has become one of the most popular players in Brooklyn.
Yuta Watanabe in his 5th year in the NBA with the Nets
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Initially, it started with a non-guaranteed contract, but on January 10 (local time. The same applies below), a contract of about $ 1.97 million (about 260 million yen) for the 2022-23 season was guaranteed.
However, it is not always smooth sailing in a long season of 82 games. Watanabe’s highly accurate 3P gradually became wary of the opposing team and began to be studied. Since 2023, the only game in which he has scored two or more 3Ps is the New York Knicks game on January 28 (three). Although he continues to contribute stably in defense, there are games where the playing time is less depending on the matchup.
The team, which boasted overwhelming strength with 12 wins and 1 loss in December last year, has stagnated with 3 wins and 6 losses since ace Kevin Durant left with a right leg injury on January 8th. The Nets, who are aiming for the championship, are expected to reinforce their strength by the trade deadline on February 9, and Watanabe’s position in the team cannot be said to be secure.
How does 28-year-old Watanabe, who has reached his fifth year in the NBA, see the current situation? How will he adjust to the situation without Durant and how will he play in the second half? Not only about himself, but also about his Nets teammates, including Kyrie Irving, and his ally Hachimura Rui, who has decided to transfer to the Los Angeles Lakers, in an exclusive interview. rice field.
[Impact of Durant withdrawal]
Q: Has the team’s play changed significantly since Durant’s injury?
Yuta Watanabe (hereafter YW): It’s true that KD (Durant’s nickname) played a big part in the team. Whether it’s offense or defense, KD was doing it at such a high level, so each one of us has to step up after leaving.
Immediately after KD’s departure, I felt that the thinking of the entire team had gone in a strange direction. Neither the ball nor the people were able to move much, and I felt that I had to do something about it, both in a good way and in a bad way. However, it is a member who has enough power to win even without KD. Recently, it’s a major premise that Kylie is pulling me, and the ball is moving, which is a part that has changed for the better.
