With Media Day and the primary day of coaching camp now over, the Brooklyn Nets’ fan base is ready to get a glimpse on how numerous gamers match for the upcoming 2022-23 NBA season. With stars like Ben Simmons saying he’s prepared for coaching camp and Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant’s optimistic outlook on the group’s objectives, the Nets new “Big Three” appears set.
Other than showcasing the staff’s star gamers, Media Day additionally offers followers an opportunity to welcome among the newcomers like Yuta Watanabe, who was signed as a free agent late in the summertime. Last season, Watanabe averaged 4.3 factors and a pair of.4 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per contest for the Toronto Raptors. Not a giant deal, however Watanabe was a fan favourite north of the border … and stays an enormous fan favourite in Japan due to his effort. His jersey is the highest vendor in Japan. (The Nets have been second final yr but when Watanabe stays in Brooklyn, they need to develop into Japan’s staff this season.)
At Media Day and Day 1 of camp, Japanese media was available in giant numbers. There have been about 15 journalists — TV and print — representing a few of Japan’s greatest media manufacturers available at HSS Training Center. Compare that to Australia which had three Aussie-born gamers available, however just one journalist.
“I’m happy to be back,” Watanabe mentioned of Brooklyn, referring to his time as an undrafted Nets Summer League participant in 2017. “I’m very grateful the Nets gave me another opportunity to play for them. I still remember the summer league when playing for this organization. I’m very happy to be back.”
Despite not having eye-popping stats, Watanabe might probably be a beneficial piece for the Nets on the defensive finish. During his stint with the Raptors, the 6’9” ahead had one of many NBA’s highest block percentages on the staff at 3.5 % per RaptorsHQ. With the sort of paint presence, Watanabe ought to be capable of add some shot blocking to enrich the rim safety prospects of Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe. He can also be proficient at switching and never afraid to surrender his physique.
If individuals search Watanabe’s title on any social media platform, the video of Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards posterizing him will come up. It was, in some individuals’s minds, the dunk of the yr…
But within the recreation of basketball, a participant who’s keen to threat his physique in a powerful defensive stand goes to be widespread together with his teammates and followers alike. He might develop into as a lot beloved by Brooklyn as he as soon as was in Toronto. As one Nets insider mentioned on the time of the signing, bringing Watanabe again “should be celebrated” if just for that.
At Media Day, Watanabe spoke extensively in his native tongue with Japanese reporters about his pleasure about becoming a member of the Nets and the place he sees himself becoming in.
“My role is the same as when I was in the Raptors. It’s about playing with full energy and bringing energy on defense to the team. There are many players on this team who can score and there are many other players who can do various things,” Watanabe mentioned, in accordance with a machine translation of his feedback on NBA Japan, referring to the Nets as a staff “filled with superstars.“
“So I think that it will be especially important for this team to be able to thoroughly carry out one’s role. I want to find out what I need to do in this team as soon as possible, and use that as my strength to become a player that the team needs.”
Actually, he might want to, since as he famous, his contract shouldn’t be assured. According to studies, it’s an Exhibit 10 which implies that if he’s waived earlier than Opening Night on October 19, he might wind up in Long Island with the G League Nets, simply as he did in Memphis and Toronto.
“First of all, I’m really looking forward to working with this team,” he added, in accordance with the interpretation. “There are so many star gamers, and there are different gamers who can play an energetic position in numerous conditions, so I’ve questioned how I’d play, what position I ought to play, and so forth. When I take into consideration such issues, I’m actually very excited, and I’m actually trying ahead to it now.
“As for how I ended up with Brooklyn, I received several offers in the same form from other teams, but it was through my agent that I felt the most passion and saw myself as needed here. After talking about it, I decided to go to Brooklyn.”
Other than blocking pictures, Watanabe is a little bit of a defensive rebounding gem. He ranked within the 94th percentile in that division final season per @cleantheglass. With the Nets coming in final with a 70.4 share fee in defensive rebounding in 2021-22, Watanabe ought to be capable of present some assist on this space too.
Offensively, Watanabe informed Japanese reporters that he needs to enhance his 3-point capturing which dropped final yr in Toronto.
“Also, final yr, my 3-point shot share dropped barely in comparison with the season earlier than final, so if I can repair that and shoot with a chance of not less than 40 %, I hope the staff will want me. I believe I can develop into a terrific participant. In that regard, it’s the identical as earlier than, however I believe it’s going to be vital to attain open pictures…
“I don’t think it’s going to be that easy again this year, but I think if I do my job well, I’ll be able to get good results. It’s tough, but I hope I can enjoy it and get on with it.”
One indication of how assured Watanabe is: he introduced his new spouse, Japanese TV presenter, actress and mannequin Akiko Kuji with him to New York.