The experience of entering the NBA as a young rookie is an exhilarating feeling that only a few lucky people in this world get to feel. However, out of the hundreds of players who can even enlist their names on draft day, the NBA selects only 60 or fewer. So, this experience of getting your name called out on the NBA draft day is probably the most stressful moment for the athlete and his family.
In a recent interview, a former NBA veteran talks about his NBA Draft day experience.
2x All-Star Recounts Humbling Encounter
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Former NBA big man Carlos Boozer recently had a candid interview on the ?Juneau Afternoon? show. The former NBA star was promoting his new book called ?Every Shot Counts: A Memoir of Resilience? which talks about the hurdles he faced in life.
After the host asks him if he can talk about one such hurdle on the show, he recalls the time when he was having his NBA draft day experience. Carlos Boozer explains, “I went to Duke University and had a pretty good college career. We won a championship in my sophomore season. I was named ?Big Man of the Year?, an All-American in my junior year. And draft night, I?m excited. I got the suit, the fresh cut.?
He further elaborates, ?And I?m waiting for my name to get called and as a 19-20-year-old, I thought I had a great career in college. I had the wrong perspective initially.? Boozer explains, ?I felt like I was a little bit entitled?like I deserved a first-round spot?well guess what happened, first round went by and my name didn?t get called.?
The retired NBA veteran states that that was a humbling experience. He was under the false impression that the hard work he had done was enough. He mentions in that moment after the first round got over, he felt heartbroken.
Carlos Boozer then admits, ?I was in the wrong mindset. After 5 picks in round 2, my name gets called. And in the moment I had a rush of emotions. Obviously, I was upset that I didn?t go in the first round but that quickly subsided. I was grateful and excited to start my journey with the Cleveland Cavaliers.?
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Carlos Boozer mentions how he went back home that night and reflected heavily.
Carlos Boozer?s NBA Career
As an NBA player, Carlos Boozer definitely delivered a lot more than what was expected of him. Despite not winning any NBA championships in his career, he was an NBA All-Star and a two-time Olympic medalist (Gold and Bronze).?He played with an insane amount of passion on the court and was the kind of player who made his teammates feel fearless just with his sheer presence. He had a great career and earned millions to secure his and his family’s financial future.
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What are your thoughts on Carlos Boozer?s humbling experience on the day of his NBA Draft? Let us know in the comments below!