Webster moves closer to NBA
New Zealand basketball player Corey Webster is pinching himself after signing a non-guaranteed contract with the New Orleans Pelicans that takes him a step closer to realising his NBA dream.
Webster, 26, is about to attend the Pelicans’ preseason training camp chasing one of a potential two roster spots that are still up for grabs with four players chasing those positions.
The first step was to sign a contract with the franchise to cover the training camp. The Breakers and Tall Blacks shooting guard confirmed he had put pen to that piece of paper in New Orleans on Wednesday. ‘‘Signed my first NBA contract today, such a surreal moment! #blessed #NBAdreams,’’ Webster tweeted. "So grateful and honoured to be a part of the @PelicansNBA an amazing organisation and basketball team!’’
Webster put things into perspective on Wednesday, admitting the hard work was still all in front of him.
‘‘Realistically I haven’t done anything yet. Obviously signing the contract makes it all real but I’m still fighting for a spot on the final roster,’’ Webster told TAB Trackside Radio.
‘‘I’m still realistic about this but today was a great day and signing the contract just makes it a little more real. It’s an unguaranteed contract right now. I’m on the roster for the training camp. There’s a possibility I don’t make the final roster. If they keep me, things on the contract change.
‘‘I’ve still got a lot to prove and I’m quick to realise what the goal is and the work there I still have to do. You have dreams and you have to keep pursuing them.’’
The training camp will be in Virginia.
‘‘I have to play better than the guys that I’m going up against. I have to prove to the coaches and players that I can play at this level consistently and prove to them that it wouldn’t be too much of a risk to put me on the roster.’’
Webster said if the Pelicans didn’t want him, history showed that other players in similar situations had been picked up by other franchises.
Otherwise he was likely to return to play for the New Zealand Breakers in the Australian NBL.
New Zealand already has Steve Adams set to play his third season in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder.