Bates-Diop seeing familiar faces in B’klyn
Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson had to make the abrupt transition from Phoenix to Brooklyn at last year’s trade deadline. Now it’s former teammate Keita Bates-Diop’s turn.
The Nets traded veteran Royce O’Neale to the Suns to get three second-round picks, cap relief and BatesDiop, a 28-year-old going through the same dizzying process Bridges and Johnson did a year ago.
“I got a call from my agent at like 11, [he said] something might go through. Then it happened and it’s been a blur ever since,” Bates-Diop said before Saturday’s 123-103 victory over the Spurs at Barclays Center. “But I’m happy to be here . ... It’s honestly just been a blur, from when it happened to flying out here, the time change, going through essentially media day, half kind of practiced [Friday]. So honestly I’m excited for the game. That’s the only thing that’s normally easy for me.”
Bates-Diop spent last season in Phoenix, teammates with Bridges and Johnson until they were dealt for Kevin Durant at the deadline. Before that he spent three seasons in San Antonio where he played alongside Lonnie Walker IV.
“I see a lot of potential [here], a lot. A lot of the guys are around the same age, they move the ball, they play together. I’m familiar with [Walker], Cam, Mikal from way, way back. So I’m excited to get ready with the guys,” said BatesDiop, who in his Nets debut Saturday made his lone shot attempt in three minutes of action.
➤ Ben Simmons had a season-high 13 points with his five assists, three steals and two blocks. He shot 6-for-7 and went to the rim hard.
“Feeling better. It takes time. It’s one of those things where it’s just up and down each day. But I’m just staying with it. The storm doesn’t last forever,” Simmons said. “I’m gonna get back to where I was. So just staying on it. And each day is a day to get better.”
➤ Rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama had 21 points but made just 7 of 16 and was held to four rebounds after coming in averaging double-digit boards.
“He’s special, very unique,” said Simmons, who guarded the Frenchman when Nic Claxton didn’t and was physical with the rookie. “Being the number one pick, I experienced guys going at you every night, so it’s part of the duty as older players to push those young guys, whether it’s somebody on your team or somebody on the opposite team. So I’m excited to see his growth, and I think he’s gonna be great.”