Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld shed some light on Dion Waiters, who was selected with Cleveland's fourth overall pick in this year's draft. The former Syracuse standout averaged 12.3 PPG in three games during the Las Vegas Summer League and drew praise last month from head coach Byron Scott for appearing to have improved his conditioning level since then. Waiters says that he is now in Cleveland working out with teammates and is determined to prove that the Cavaliers made the right decision in drafting him. Here are some more of the highlights from Waiters' interview with HoopsWorld.
On being able to play along side Kyrie Irving:
“Potential wise, the sky is the limit for us…We’re still young and we’re still getting better every day. We’re building on the bond that we already had. Coming out of high school together, we clicked right away and we were always together. We met in tenth grade and from that day on, we’ve been close friends. When we get on the court, it’s all about how we can make each other better. We’re going to push each other.”
On how his game will adapt to the NBA:
“I think [my game translates well to the NBA]. There’s more space and you have to be able to break your man down and get to the basket, which I can do well.”
Regarding his expectations for the Cavaliers this season:
“Hopefully we can make the playoffs…We want to achieve that. We have to work our way up to that next level. That’s the main thing. For us to do that, it’ll take hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Everybody has one goal in mind and that’s to make the playoffs. We’re young, but we’re going to do whatever it takes to get there and keep building off of each other. Hopefully we can get there.”
On the Rookie of the Year award:
“I try not to talk about my personal goals, but that’s definitely one of mine…Making the playoffs is the biggest thing, but I’m definitely thinking about [winning Rookie of the Year]. I have to put the work in and earn it though. It’s not just going to be given to me. I have to earn it and that’s something that I’m going to try to do, game in and game out.”