There’s no substitute for experience in the NBA. With the exception of the top-tier of rookies ready to vault into stardom from day one, most players need time to get used to the speed, athleticism, length and overall skill level of the league.
↵For Cavs G/F Christian Eyenga, that process is still ongoing. From D-League to starter to bench player, Eyenga’s year has been chaotic. But for Eyenga to become a regular player in the NBA, he has to filter out the noise and get better every day—in game time and on the practice floor.
↵In a recent article by Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal, Eyenga said:
↵↵↵‘’My first season has been kind of tough,’’ Eyenga said. ’’It’s not just hard on me. I think for every rookie coming from Europe or college, coming to the NBA is going to be hard. I come every day trying to learn something. Next year will be better. Every day you get better.’’
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Eyenga has all the athleticism in the world—height, reach, jumping ability, an explosive first step—he just has to put it all together. It was puzzling to hear his name called when he was drafted, but it’s clear that if he is able to get it all under control, he could be around for awhile.
↵But it’s up to him and the coaching staff to make that happen, one adjustment at a time.