Keita Bates-Diop lands with the Brooklyn Nets as part of the league’s Thursday trade deadline moves this season. As he came from the Phoenix Suns in a package alongside multiple second-round picks, the three-team transaction with the Memphis Grizzlies required the Nets to give up Royce O'Neale.
For KBD, it was just a blink of an eye with how things have quickly transpired.
“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 the Nets' 123-103 victory over the Spurs at Barclays Center.
“But I’m happy to be here. Very, very happy. … 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.”
Excited for new growth
Now playing for his fourth NBA team but just the first time to experience the East Coast atmosphere, Keita is required to adapt to his new beginnings. But this transition he's taking couldn't be more welcoming as he sees similarities with what Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson experienced. In a massive package, both Mikal and Cam got shipped by Phoenix to Brooklyn in last year's trade deadline to complete the Kevin Durant mega deal.
KBD is also glad to reunite with Lonnie Walker IV, with whom he's been a teammate on the San Antonio Spurs for two seasons.
“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,” he said.
“I’m very excited to play with Lonnie again. He’s super energetic. He’s been my guy since Day 1 in San Antonio. We had a bunch of pre-draft workouts together, too, so we go way back. I’m excited to be back out there with him again.”
Embrace the challenge
A new situation offers a new challenge. As such, Bates-Diop is eager to fulfill the purpose of his Brooklyn landing as the team desires to flip its season back to relevance and on the competitive track.
Averaging 4.4 points and 2.5 boards this season, the all-around wing believes that he just added a new versatile element to the Nets’ already dynamic composition.
“[I bring] versatility, honestly,” KBD said. "A lot of us are of similar size and build, so that versatility on defense for sure. The switching one through five is going to be big for us and me individually.”
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