As much as David Nwaba might have understood the Nets’ predicament, understanding did not make his situation easier.
Nwaba was just starting his rehab from an Achilles injury that had ended his best season in the NBA. The Nets needed a roster spot. He had exceled with his fourth team in four years, having searched for a role and home he had seemed to have finally found.
Then, he was hurt and on waivers, the better portion of a year before he would be able to play again.
“At the time I had no offers from any team, but (the Rockets) showed interest before in the past,” Nwaba said. “I was excited about the opportunity here. I'd like to style of play that they have going on, run and gun, play defense, shoot 3s. It sounded like a pretty easy role. I thought I could definitely fit.
“I was kind of surprised (to have been released,) but they were dealing with a lot of injuries at the time, and they needed the roster spot. It definitely hurt but I'm ready. I'm a Houston Rocket now. I’m ready to compete here and show (the Nets) what they're missing, I guess.”
The Rockets signed Nwaba in June, knowing he would not be able to play in the NBA restart but thinking of how he could fit their plans and style. With the season’s start delayed because of the Coronavirus pandemic and last season’s summer schedule, Nwaba had time to complete his rehab. When the Rockets begin training camp this weekend, he could consider himself at 100 percent and able to show if last season’s breakthrough start to the season will carry over.
Even before much of the league’s offenses had evolved to place a premium on 3-pointers and shots on the rim, the Nets had used a system similar to the Rockets’. Last season, nearly 40 percent of Nwaba’s attempted shots came from beyond the 3-point line, by far the most in his career, with almost no attempts from 10 feet to the 3-point line.
While taking more 3-pointers, he also made a career-best 42.9 percent.
“I was feeling good,” Nwaba said. “My shot was feeling good. I was shooting (with) high confidence. I think I’m going to (pick up) where I left off and just do the same.
“I like to play in transition, just go out there and play with a high pace. I’ve been known as the defensive guy, just taking the defensive role of guarding every team’s best guy. I just play with a high motor, high intensity, just bringing the energy. Knock down the corner 3 or open 3, a 3-and-D guy. I think that’s what I bring to this team and I plan on playing at a high level.”
The speed runs in the family. Nwaba’s sister Barbara was the top American finisher, 12th overall, in the heptathalon in the 2016 Olympics. Nwaba said he and his sister often talk about who should be considered the best athlete in the family, but he allows “she might have a slight edge over me.
“I think she’s been avoiding races lately,” Nwaba said. “She’s a competitor. We usually don’t compete against each other as far as on the track. She goes hard.”
He also has something in common, a similarity he would rather not share, with new teammates John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins. They each have to overcome Achilles injuries. It’s a large club. Nwaba said he heard from Rudy Gay and Rodney Hood, who also have had to overcome Achilles injuries, after he was hurt. Nwaba said he began to feel confident he would make it back when he began dunking about six months after the injury, but there is still a determination to prove it.
“There’s a lot of guys that are hungry to prove they’re back to their old selves,” Nwaba said. “I’m one of them, those guys (Wall and Cousins) as well. We’re all going to go out and compete at a high level and showcase what we bring.
“It’s been 11 months The Achilles has come a long way. I feel strong. I feel like I got my strength back. Mentally, I think I’m there. So, I’m excited to just go out there and compete. I know by the time the season starts, I’m ready to go, just go out there and play my game.”
jonathan.feigen@chron.com
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