Versatile Watanabe continues impressive summer
LAS VEGAS — Yuta Watanabe could become just the NBA’s second Japanese-born player. But right now he’s just focused on becoming an NBA player.
If he keeps on impressing like he has in summer league, he might have a chance.
Watanabe has been the Nets’ most consistent player and had a third straight solid performance in Monday’s 78-69 loss to Minnesota.
Watanabe had a teamhigh-tying 14 points, four rebounds and two blocks.
If he reaches the NBA, he would join former Sun guard Yuta Tabuse as the only Japanese-born players in league history.
But Watanabe is more worried about simply making the Nets, either for G-League Long Island or possibly even Brooklyn.
“It means a lot to me,” Watanabe said. “But honestly I don’t really care about where I come from or who I am. I just want to prove myself, that I am NBA level. No matter who you are, if you can play, you’re going to be in the NBA. I just want to go out there with a lot of energy, compete and show what I’m capable of.”
Still, Watanabe — born in Kagawa — was excited about getting a shot with a team welcoming to international players.
If the 6-foot-9, 205pounder can impress in Las Vegas — and he appears on his way to doing so — he can earn a place with the Nets in some form.
“Right after the draft my agent called me and he told me you’re playing with the Nets. I was so excited,” the 23-year-old Watanabe said. “He told me there are going to be a lot of international players, so as an international player I was so hyped.”
After an eight-point, five-rebound debut Friday against the Magic, Watanabe backed it up with a 13-point, five-rebound encore against the Thunder on Saturday, playing both small and power forward. Most impressive might have been his defense. The two-time A-10 Defensive Player of the Year has blocked eight shots in three games.
“Defense is also my strength. I can’t remember how many blocks I had, but I’m glad I was able to show that I can play defense even at the four,” Watanabe said.
“You saw the weak-side block, the ability to block out, those little things,” Nets summer league coach Jacque Vaughn said. “You see instinctively he knows where to be.”
Jarrett Allen made his summer league debut, with eight points, a team-high 12 rebounds and game-high five blocks. Shawn Dawson added 14 points.
Caris LeVert, Juan Pablo Vaulet, Rodions Kurucs and Dzanan Musa didn’t play. LeVert ansd Musa aren’t expected to play in the summer league.
➤ The Nets tip off the preseason Oct. 3 against the Knicks, play Oct. 8 at the Pistons, face the Raptors two days later in Montreal and wrap up on Oct. 12 in the Garden.