Inside The Nets

Why Trendon Watford is a game-changer for the Brooklyn Nets

Watford signed with the Nets after getting waived by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Peter Sunjic

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After going undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, Trendon Watford was picked up by the Portland Trail Blazers on a two-way contract. He earned his way into a regular contract with the Blazers while becoming a regular contributor to head coach Chauncey Billups’ squad.

The Brooklyn Nets picked up Watford during the summer of 2023, and he’s a potential high-level contributor to head coach Jacque Vaughn's system. Trendon believes so because he has a unique skill set for a big man.

“I pretty much talked about coach Jacque about what positions I played in Portland and being a versatile guy that can do multiple things at multiple positions,” Watford said in his 2023 Media Day presser. “I think my best attributes are just being able to play both positions and being able to do multiple things.”

Watford is a unique and versatile big man

During his time in Portland, Watford was one of the most underrated players in the league. He was playing as a backup big man who could change the offense with his solid screens and passing ability.

He could also bring the ball down the floor and function as the primary playmaker when needed, often thriving in dribble hand-off situations.

During his time in Portland, Watford averaged 7.5 points, displaying a refined floater. He proved adept in the pick-and-roll alongside Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, excelling in both finishing plays and making sharp short-roll passes.

Watford is a good personality to have in the locker room

Aside from his impact on the court, Watford is a well-known positive presence in the locker room. When he was with Portland, he was often by Lillard’s side as one of the biggest personalities on the team.

In Brooklyn, Trendon is making a notable presence in the locker room, forming connections with former teammates like Dennis Smith Jr. and Cameron Thomas from his time in Portland and LSU, respectively.

This positive influence extends beyond the locker room, setting him up for a promising future with the Nets, where he can play a pivotal role in Coach Vaughn's system.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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