D’Angelo Russell spoke after his first game back on the Brooklyn Nets, as the team lost 113-130 to the Toronto Raptors. One reporter tried asking him to compare JJ Redick and Jordi Fernandez as head coaches. However, Russell stayed professional refusing to engage in the matter and outright turning down the reporter’s request, wanting to focus on his present and the future.
“I’m not gonna do that. I’m not gonna do that. I mean, I think where I was and where I’m at now is completely two different situations. So, I’m just grateful.”
On the Nets coaching staff preparing him for his first game back:
“I think the coaches gave me the best preparation I could [have] on short notice. I felt like I can go out there comfortable, organizing the guys, getting the guys where they need to be to capitalize on the unit that was out there… I think he [Jordi Fernandez] has done a good job in knowing where to put me to help the team. In this short stint, I found myself in a position to be me and help the team at the same time. That’s a credit to a team.”
Whether the Nets players are taking to him as a leader:
“It’s hard to tell. I was just focusing on being out there in my short time and feeling free to hoop. I was just so grateful to be out there and play basketball.”
On the injury to Maxwell Lewis:
“Prayers go out to both of those guys, especially Max. I know him well. Unfortunate, but that’s what comes with the game, playing hard and being out there. Prayers up to him and best wishes. Sad to see honestly.”
On what he has learned in his short time with the Nets:
“Heck yeah, I won’t share them, but heck yeah. It was just a tease, I’m not really familiar with a lot of these guys’ games. To get that tease, watch film, definitely something I can bring tomorrow.”
Russell was smart to avoid the question, as comparing the two coaches would have opened him up to face a barrage of insults and comments from both fanbases that would amount to an incredibly toxic experience, all for sharing his opinion. Overall, it seems as though Russell has made a home with the Nets very quickly.
He had a strong showing against the Raptors, as he came off the bench to put up 22 points (9-13 FG), two rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two blocks. He followed that up last night with a mediocre performance in his first start, scoring just 11 points (3-11 FG), three rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals in the Nets’ 113-110 win over the Bucks.
This is the second time in his career that Russell has been traded from the Lakers to the Nets, marking yet another moment in his wild trade history. Russell spoke after the trade, sharing his gratitude for a new opportunity. It seems like feelings are positive on both sides, as Lakers head coach JJ Redick claimed that the Lakers would miss him.
Dwight Howard, a former Lakers star in his own right, suggested that it was LeBron James’ decision to trade D’Angelo Russell. Regardless of whose call it was, it appears to have been the right move for both sides, as the Lakers got what they needed, and Russell gets an opportunity to start fresh after a tough start to the season.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
