NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets forward RaiQuan Gray has been with the organization for the past two seasons in some way, shape, or form. However, he has primarily been in the NBA G League honing his game for the day that he would get his opportunity to show what he can do on the big stage. Sunday was the time he was waiting for.
“Yeah, I mean, it was great,” Gray said after posting 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in Sunday’s 134-105 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Brooklyn announced that they signed Gray to a two-way contract on Saturday and from there, he had to take a flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida just to play for the Nets on Sunday. “I felt comfortable. I think I belong here. You know, these group of guys, I’ve been here in the summertime,” Gray continued. “So, I’m familiar with some of the faces, but it was good to get out there and experience that, you know? I think it’s like a dream come true. But, I felt comfortable, confident. So, trying to go out and play my game.”
Gray played 35 minutes in Sunday’s loss, but in the losing effort, he showed what he could do at the NBA level when given the playing time. It was already know that Gray could score at the rim and rebound the basketball, but Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn wanted to see more from Gray in terms of three-point shooting. Gray shot 2-of-5 (40%) from three-point land and as an added bonus, he dished out seven assists. Gray showed a lot against the 76ers and it may be something that the team looks forward to seeing in the Summer League and beyond.
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