Creek’s dream
Horsham basketballer Mitch NBA dream is now a reality. The 196-centimetre forward made his NBA debut on Saturday morning local time after signing a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
He scored one point after splitting a pair of free throws in two seconds of official court time in his debut against the New York Knicks, but played 19 minutes in his second game against the Boston Celtics yesterday.
Creek finished the game with six points on 2-5 shooting, grabbed five rebounds and one steal, and did not commit a turnover.
Adding to the significance of the occasion was the fact Creek’s mother Bev and sister Shannon flew to Boston to watch the game in person.
His first NBA field goal came with two seconds left in the first quarter, as he launched a floater over Boston defender and fellow Australian Aron Baynes.
Creek was overjoyed to make his NBA debut after striving to play in the world’s top professional basketball league his entire adult life.
He thanked his friends and supporters via social media after signing his contract. “It’s official – happiest day in my life,” he said. “I’ll cherish this moment for the rest of my life. “Never let anyone tell you you can’t do anything – dream big, work hard and love the process!
“The work starts now. Huge love to all my fans, friends and anyone else who’s supported me!”
In a video posted by the Long Island Nets – Brooklyn’s NBA G-league development team – on social media, Creek was audibly emotional when called by Long Island general manager Creek’s Trajan Langdon telling him he had been offered a contract.
He told the brooklynnets.com website he nearly avoided answering the call.
“It was late at night and I almost didn’t answer the call because I didn’t know what it was going to be,” he said.
“Thankfully, it was a call that you dream of as a young man. For me to experience that, and the feeling of emotion afterwards, was something I’ll never forget.”
Creek has played for Long Island since October in his pursuit of an NBA roster spot.
He signed his contract with Long Island after taking part in Brooklyn’s summer league program on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract.
He was waived by Brooklyn after appearing in one pre-season game.
Brooklyn will play three more games before Creek’s 10-day contract expires on Monday.
The Nets play the Chicago Bulls today at 11.30am local time, the San Antonio Spurs on Friday at 12.30pm and the Orlando Magic at 11am on Sunday.
After Creek’s contract expires, Brooklyn can sign him to another 10-day contract, sign him for the rest of the season or decline to offer him another contract.
If he is not re-signed by Brooklyn any other team in the league with a free roster spot can offer him a contract.
Creek’s 10-day contract is worth about $66,000 Australian.
Any future 10-day contracts would pay him the same amount, while if he is signed to a team for the rest of the season he could earn about $1.2-million Australian.