Miami Heat rookie Kendrick Nunn has made quite an entrance to the NBA.
The undrafted guard has emerged as perhaps the top rookie player in the NBA this season and is beginning to gain mainstream notoriety after his recent play. He is second in scoring average (17.6), second in total field goals (98) and second in 3-pointers (32) among all first-year players.
His success isn’t a coincidence, either.
Nunn essentially bet on himself last season after playing with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League. He could have opted to sign a lucrative contract overseas but instead took his skill set to the G League and the meager salary that comes with it.
Nunn worked for his chance in Miami, as he told Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype.
Just bet on yourself and stay ready. The opportunity will present itself eventually whether that’s through the G League or wherever you’re playing at. It’s a grind for sure and if you’re built for it and ready for it and can get through it, then you will have success.
As Nunn has seemingly introduced himself to the basketball world, his early success is here to stay. He has set goals for himself and believes he will one day achieve them.
“I’m an All-Star player. I’m a Hall of Famer,” Nunn said. “That’s my goal and I know that’s what I’m going to reach.”
Kendrick Nunn told HoopsHype: "I'm an All-Star player. And a Hall of Famer. That's my goal, and I know that's what I'm going to reach." pic.twitter.com/CAQeeh4K7J
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) November 22, 2019
Nunn continued his hot start on Friday by recording 21 points in a win over the Chicago Bulls, including 13 points alone in the first quarter. If he can continue his strong play this season, he’ll likely find himself in the mix for the Rookie of the Year award.
The Heat return to action on Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers.
[lawrence-related id=7184,7174,7153]