Four games into the season, Trendon Watford finally secured his Brooklyn Nets debut and made a huge first impression on the fans. He was superb in his minutes as he scored 11 points while grabbing four rebounds and dishing out four assists.
While relatively unknown in the NBA landscape, fans knew that Watford could contribute with his unique skill set of hard work, a good feel for the game, and a motor. He was waiting for his opportunity with the Nets and as soon as he got it, he made sure to impress.
“I remember out in Portland, I had a few moments like this where I came in and affected the game to get big wins on the road,” Trendon said in his post-game presser. “This wasn’t my first time, I know how to stay ready and how to attack every day with the right mindset.”
Trendon’s versatility helped the Nets get the win
Standing at 6’8”, Watford boasts a unique skill set, primarily occupying roles as a power forward or small-ball center. Notably, he excels in ball-handling, serving as a reliable playmaker and demonstrating proficiency as the roll man in pick-and-roll plays, showcasing his versatility and contributing to the team's dynamic on-court strategies.
In this game, Watford was everywhere as he was playing hard both on offensive and defensive part of the floor. His scoring was also superb in this game as he caught the Heat defense off-guard with his dynamic playstyle.
Trendon’s emergence improves the Nets’ bench depth
For the initial games of the season, Coach Jacque Vaughn favored a nine-man rotation, excluding Watford and Armoni Brooks until this game against the Heat. Their standout performances have now presented a strong argument for their inclusion in the regular rotation going forward.
“Trendon Watford, his ability to just make plays and be in the right place, and play multiple positions. Getting to the rim, being able to defend Bam Adebayo, but also push the pace and be the backup point guard,” coach Vaughn said about Watford. “This was a night where you saw the depth and versatility of our group.”
Watford's intangible contributions make him a highly valuable asset to the team. Throughout the remainder of the year, he'll have ample chances to showcase his abilities in the upcoming 78 games.
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