Kenny Atkinson on David Nwaba: ‘I have the utmost respect for David’

Kenny Atkinson had nothing but good things to say about David Nwaba following the news of the wing being waived by the Brooklyn Nets.

Ever since David Nwaba tore his Achilles against the San Antonio Spurs last month, there has been speculation about how the Brooklyn Nets would make up for his absence. Not just in terms of what he brought to the team, but his roster spot, as well — since Brooklyn has dealt with so many injuries this season.

Prior to Thursday’s game in Dallas, a report surfaced indicating the Nets had taken a step toward filling the void left by Nwaba. They were waiving the wing following his season-ending Achilles injury and subsequent surgery.

When Kenny Atkinson was asked about the move by reporters following Thursday’s loss, it became clear — if it wasn’t already — this was not an easy decision for the Nets:

I knew we were gonna take a hit without him. He was playing that well. I thought he was playing great — not good, great. So I knew that and [he was] a guy that bought in, a guy that was playing at a high level, you just don’t feel great about it. Obviously, with all our injuries we need the roster spot and we’re in discussions to see who we bring in. But that roster spot was important. I have the utmost respect for David. He understands more than anybody how this league works. Just can’t wait for him to get healthy and get back to the level he was playing.

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