Friday’s interviewees from Houston Rockets training camp were swingman David Nwaba, guard Ben McLemore, and rookie KJ Martin.
For Nwaba, it was his first interview session since signing with the Rockets in June. Now 27 years old, the 6-foot-5 defensive stopper detailed his ongoing recovery from a torn Achilles, adding that he expects to be ready for the start of the NBA’s 2020-21 season later this month.
For Martin, Friday’s chat was the 19-year-old’s first media availability since being drafted at No. 52 overall. The 6-foot-6 prospect, whose father is Kenyon Martin (an accomplished player and the No. 1 pick in 2000), offered candid thoughts on the role of his NBA lineage; transitioning to the league; and his potential role with the Rockets in the years ahead.
Meanwhile, McLemore shared perspective on how he plans to build off his breakthrough season of 2019-20 — when he led the NBA’s most aggressive team from 3-point range with a 40.0% clip on 3-pointers.
From Twitter, here’s a roundup of the key takeaways from Friday’s media sessions at Toyota Center. The Rockets are still in the “individual workouts” phase of training camp, but they will transition to full group practices on Sunday. All players are expected to be in attendance and available to play at that time, per head coach Stephen Silas.
Nwaba described himself as a 3-and-D player. He's known as a defensive player who guards the opposition's best player. He plays with a high motor and high intensity and looks to bring energy. He can knock down the open three. #Rockets
(covering him in CLE – I can confirm this!)
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) December 4, 2020
Nwaba said he was excited when the Rockets did claim him because of their playing style: "I'm a 3-and-D guy and I'm ready to play that at a high level here."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 4, 2020
Nwaba says that Rudy Gay and Rodney Hood reached out to him during his recovery process, since they've been through it, as well. "It helped a ton."
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 4, 2020
David Nwaba: "I've been known as the defensive guy. Taking the defensive role of guarding every team's best guy. Just playing with a high motor, high intensity." #Rockets
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) December 4, 2020
Nwaba on being cut by the Nets while rehabbing from an Achilles injury: "I'm a Houston Rocket now. I'm ready to compete and show them what they're missing."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 4, 2020
David Nwaba sounds extremely confident in where he is at physical roughly one year after his achilles injury, mentioned Rudy Gay and Rodney Hood were two guys that reached out to him when it initially happened.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) December 4, 2020
In terms of position, Martin says he sees himself as a "3 or 4" in the NBA. Pointed to P.J. Tucker as someone he wants to emulate, in terms of being versatile enough to play and guard multiple positions. https://t.co/F8dybsHCvk
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 4, 2020
KJ Martin says he's really excited to learn from the veterans. He worked a lot off of ball screens at IMG Academy so he's very familiar switching and guarding smaller players. He think he fits well in a system that runs the open court and spreads the floor.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 4, 2020
KJ Martin likens himself to PJ Tucker; a player that can guard multiple positions on the court, but he views himself as a 3/4.
Said he measured 6'7" in shoes at the draft combine.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) December 4, 2020
KJ Martin on Rockets trading into the draft to acquire him: "It's a great feeling. That means they're really interested. They really like what I can bring to the table… It was a great feeling for them to take that chance in me and bring me into this great organization."
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) December 4, 2020
KJ Martin mentioned that he worked out with a lot of pros, including Montrezl Harrell, Trevor Ariza, Pascal Siakam and also James Harden joined some of those games and workouts. He saw the change in the pros — bigger players, game more spread out.
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 4, 2020
On draft night, he told his parents he wouldn't cry but when he saw his father tear up, it really got to him. He said, all the hard work paid off and that the #Rockets acquired a pick to draft him left him speechless. He added, "it's all sinking in right now."
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) December 4, 2020
Ben McLemore on Harden, after the offseason reports: "James will be here, his leadership will be here. We're all excited to get back on the court."
(They're good friends.)
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 4, 2020
Ben McLemore says each year he has to prove himself but he continues to work hard, in any position he’s in.
“I just continue to do my job and be a pro, each and every year.”
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) December 4, 2020
I asked #Rockets @BenMcLemore about being back w/ @boogiecousins : "That's my guy. He's always been a big brother to me. Guys forget that DeMarcus has been a beast & still is a beast. From what I'm seeing in him now, he's in great shape. He looks like the old DeMarcus I know."
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) December 4, 2020
Ben McLemore says he knows teams will be running him off the 3-point line after the "shooting clinic" he put on last year, so he's worked this offseason at finishing through contact on drives.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 4, 2020
I asked Ben McLemore what he's learned about playing next to James Harden: "Be ready the shoot. Always be ready to shoot. He's a big leader on and off the court. He helped me a lot over this past season with my game and taking my game to the next level."
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) December 4, 2020
Ben McLemore: "I'm excited. We're all happy and ready to get going for this upcoming season." pic.twitter.com/SFLNyVd6kV
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 4, 2020
