Justin Minaya Although not drafted in last month’s NBA Draft, many teams were still interested in the Summer League roster. Knicks, NetJazz and Thunder.
In the end, the Michael Jordan-owned franchise liked his defensive tenacity and skill set, so the 6-foot-6,210-pound Harrington Park native chose the Charlotte Hornets.
“I think Charlotte was the most interested,” Minaya said in a telephone interview. “It was a great opportunity for me. I know they loved my defense and toughness.”
“It’s crazy. It’s something I dreamed of when I was a kid. It’s crazy to be part of an organization owned by someone like Michael Jordan,” he added.
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Minaya, who played at Old Tappan High School, South Carolina, Providence, is her ex-son. Mets GM Omar Minaya plans to participate in some of Justin’s games when the NBA Summer League begins Thursday in Las Vegas.
The Hornets will open the Summer League on ESPN’s Friday at 6 pm (Eastern Time) on the second day of the match against the Indiana Pacers. The Hornets will face the Lakers on the NBA TV at 9:30 pm on July 10th.
Charlotte’s roster includes some of Minaya, former Patrick School, and Kentucky tycoon New Jersey products. Nick Richards And former Runny School and Florida Wing Scottie Lewis.. The team also features LiAngelo Ball, a ball brother between Ronzo and LaMelo, former Duke giant Mark Williams, former North Carolina Wing Brady Manek, and former UConn forward Isaia Wheely.
“I say it’s your chance to live your dreams,” said Ed Cooley of Providence, who coached Minaya last season when the monks won their first Big East Regular Season title.
“It’s an opportunity to grow, learn and meet other people. In the Summer League, everyone sees you, especially if you’re an undrafted player and someone else might try. Aiming [sign] Based on your it factor. If you have a good “it” element, you can put yourself in a good place. “
After moving closer to his home from South Carolina to Providence last season, Minaya was a key member of the Big East Regular Season Champion Friers and eventually reached Sweet 16 before losing to national champion Kansas. He was one of the best defensive players in the league, averaging 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds.
What he’s trying to show to the NBA team is a combination of defense and attack.
“I’m just trying to show that the team is a man who does whatever it takes to win,” Minaya said. “Whatever position they need to play for me, whatever player they need to protect me, whatever it is, I just try to do everything I’ve done throughout my career. Make a winner, be a great teammate, dominate the game defensively, knock down open shots, and be the only man to win. “
Coolie describes Minaya as follows: “Obviously, one of the best teammates in sports history, it’s not an exaggeration. [He brings] A defensive attitude, a victorious attitude, and someone who is just scratching the surface. When he plays with confidence, he is better than anyone there. “
Miami-based trainer Andrew Moran, who trained Donovan Mitchell, Zion Williamson, James Wiseman, Cole Anthony, Tim Hardaway Jr. and others, has Minaya significantly shot three points from a year ago. He said he could improve and help the NBA team.
“First, Minaya will be a” 3-and-D “man from the beginning,” Moran said on the phone last month. “A high-energy man, a great defensive man, a rebounder, hit that corner 3. He makes shots. A great locker room presence and great teammates.
“Also, I like the NBA because it can be terminated during the transition, so the team will come out and do it.”
Minaya, like fellow Garden State Native RJ Cole, People playing the Lakers and the Summer LeagueLook at Fred VanVleet, the Toronto Raptors point guard, for inspiration. VanVleet removed the draft from Wichita State University and won the NBA D League Championship in 2017 before winning the NBA title at the Raptors in 2019. He was an all-star last season.
“I would definitely say that,” Minaya said. “The way I see it is that I just take it every day, bow my head and try to get better every day. And know that everyone’s journey is different. We are all traveling differently.
“Who knows where I will be a few years later? That’s why I’m just keeping ground, staying at that moment, trying to drop chips everywhere. I’m even blessed with this opportunity. As a kid, you dream of playing in the Summer League, so I enjoy this experience and will experience it the most. “
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Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter covering NJAdvance Media’s Seton Hall and NJ College Basketball. Follow him on Twitter @Adam Zagoria Check out his website ZAGSBLOG.com..
