Jazz G Keyonte George Unveils Favorite NBA Player to Watch Growing Up
As a young rookie entering the NBA, there’s always going to be guys to look up to and model your game after. It’s no different for this year's 16th overall selection for the Utah Jazz, Keyonte George.
During his interview with The Frozen Rope, Keyonte explained his favorite player to watch growing up, revealing it to be none other than current Los Angeles Clippers guard, Russell Westbrook.
“For me, it was [Russell] Westbrook, growing up, watching him play,” Keyonte said. "I mean, just the energy that he has when he plays. In between the lines, it’s his squad versus the other squad. He might have someone on the team that he may be close with, or knows. But, just because of his intensity and his competitive nature, you can’t tell."
As one of the most tenacious and competitive players we’ve ever seen touch an NBA floor, it’s not a shock to see Russell Westbrook be George’s favorite player. The 2017 league MVP has always been a player who keeps his heart on his sleeve, making his presence felt through unmatched energy and intensity.
"I try to take that into my game,” George continued. "Growing up, just trying to be competitive each, and every game, no matter where I was playing. Playing with the same fire. Playing with the same tenacity on both ends of the floor. I’m still trying to get better at those things, but that’s what drew me to him growing up and watching the game of basketball."
Throughout his 15-year career, Westbrook has earned nine All-Star nods, nine All-NBA appearances, and secured a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. When looking at players to model your game and mentality after, it's hard to get much better than Mr. Triple Double.
George got to match up with Westbrook twice earlier in the year in the Jazz’s matchups against the Clippers, two games in which Utah did not quite find the result they wanted. However, Keyonte will get a couple more chances this season come April to face off against him.
If George can develop into the type of competitor Westbrook has been through his Hall of Fame career, Salt Lake City could be in for their newest fan favorite.
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