Newly acquired Hawks Guard after becoming the first All-Star in the Spurs Dejounte Murray Excited to form a backcoat tandem with fellow All-Stars Trae Young Attempts to take Atlanta to the next level in the east.
Murray, who led the league in Steel (2.0) last season and finished second in triple-double (13), talked about his time in San Antonio, what to expect from a pairing with Young, and what to expect from the Hawks. I previewed New Balance. Player-only sneakers in an interview with Hoops Hype.
What made you join New Balance? Also, what do you think of the athletes on the list so far?
Stephen Liu-USA Today Sports
Dejounte Murray: To me, it’s just a human being, I just want to feel the desire and its love and support. You want it to feel real, and it’s really real and real. They were really supportive, even before I signed them. Everything changed when I signed, and it fit.I think they have been in the spotlight in the sports world since they signed Kawai (Leonard) Add a player. I think so more, so it was support. Whether you’re meeting each other in person, sending text messages, or making Zoom calls, you can feel love. Everyone wants the best of each other. For players, I think they’re doing very well in choosing the right people with great characters who can take responsibility from floor to floor and to grow and be better on behalf of the brand. increase. First and foremost, we represent ourselves and our brands. I think we are moving in the right direction. I love everyone, New Balance, love and support, and the direction we are heading.
I recently met New Balance Hoop teammates Zach LaVine, Jamal Murray, Darius Buzzley and Aaron Nesmith in Las Vegas. What would it be like to see the brand take off and grow with his fellow up-and-coming players?
DM: It shows that we are a lot of people with high personality and work ethics who are really proud of being good people. Many are not afraid to fail or be different. It’s not easy to start something new. You have other brands that have long been established in the sports world. We are moving in that direction. I think each and every one of us on the list is proud to help. From everyone on the New Balance team, it’s both as long as the roster players continue to be great people and work hard to show off everything in our skills, gear, shoes, and our lifestyle and outfits. All at once. I love the direction we are heading and our roster.
Player Exclusive (PE) is usually quite popular with fans. Can you work with the New Balance design team to see your personal touch come alive in your shoes?
DM: The great thing we do is that everyone has freedom. When I say, anyone who is part of our zoom call can have an input to give their thoughts, and we will be one. New Balance has watched over my life, and what is put out there is what they pay attention to, it’s important. They pay attention to small things like something about my daughter or my sister. It’s impressive that he told me such a story, and he was really careful. If you have a story from childhood to now, it will be shared and a nice design will come to mind. If I don’t like it, they don’t feel a particular way. I have the right to say, let’s talk about different colors and different stories.
Are there any new PEs you’re working on right now with the Atlanta Hawks?
DM: absolutely. You can see all the designs up to the Hawks organization, and you can see each color in a different design. Now I’ve added some representatives of Atlanta, Georgia, focusing on bringing it to life while hugging the city as they hug me.
If you have any doubts about being an all-star player to reach this point, what did you do?
Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images
DM: I think the biggest question is that no matter what you do, your best abilities are available. When I was injured, I think it was the only time I couldn’t even doubt it, but I was depressed while I was doing my best. I’m trying to get closer to my profession and maintain that mindset by doing individual training during training, during season practice, or before the match. My idea is that someone is always watching, whether it’s the young child or someone trying to make it. For me, the idea of always being hungry and doing whatever it takes to make it happen allows me to keep growing.
How was it when you became an All-Star in San Antonio last season and moved to Atlanta this offseason?
Scott Wahter-USA Today Sports
DM: It was really a credit to my diligence and being a wonderful person. Most importantly, it was my work ethic to handle everything, inside and outside the courtroom, to keep me focused, not to stop me. I loved my time in San Antonio, and I think it’s always memorable. I made the first All-Star game in San Antonio. Now I’m in Atlanta and look forward to becoming part of a whole new culture and new city. I can’t wait to get out there and play with my teammates.
How do you see you and Trae Young complimenting each other on the backcoat?
Bret Davis-USA Today Sports
DM: We are both Hoopers. We send text messages every day, whether it’s life, basketball, caring for the family and building that chemistry. He’s Hooper and he’s really smart. He is happy with what it takes to win. He is another all-star, a hard-working man. He wanted to make me as bad as I wanted to go to help. They already have the culture they have built up there. I have brotherhood. For me, it’s not difficult to get used to. I work hard, learn with my style of play, and am willing to work, and can adapt to any environment. It will be a smooth transition. I think we understand that. We are both smart and love games. Add them together and you’ll know how to win. The main goal is to win, which is what we both want.
What do you expect from the Hawks this season?
DM: Focusing on the Hawks, taking care of the body off the floor, taking responsibility for each other, and pushing each other out of all practice and movie sessions are expected to improve every day. I’m not a big fan of adding a lot of expectations. I live every day and try to be the next day. I’m excited. I think everyone else is excited. From day one, we have to work hard. It’s not easy. Life is difficult. We need to accept all the challenges, work hard and get better.
Where do you think you are ranked in the point guard in today’s game?
DM: I let you and your fans, coaches, players, and everyone else rank. There is no ranking. I really don’t fit into any of them. I love basketball. I love great players, watching basketball, studying and getting good at basketball. I get even better and let my game speak itself at both ends of the floor. I don’t apply to that (ranking). After all, the main goal is to win, so I don’t think it’s smart. So it is they that are rewarded for winning.
Do you have individual goals for this season? Also, did you think about the long-term future in Atlanta?
DM: I want to do the first practice first. They opened their arms and showed me only love and what I needed. The feelings they give let me know that it will be wonderful and special. I am finally going to the training camp, overcoming the seasons, and looking forward to the opportunities and situations that God has given me. I think it will be special and fun. I was already around a lot of people, coaches and front office people. I can’t wait to get started.
You can follow Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) On Twitter.
