Memphis Grizzlies swingman Yuta Watanabe said Friday that he will play in his native Japan next season.
The 29-year-old revealed his plans on Instagram Live after the Grizzlies missed the playoffs in their sixth NBA season. This is the longest period for a Japanese player in the world's top league.
The star of the men's national team, who is set to compete at this summer's Paris Olympics, has hinted at a move to Japan's as-yet-unnamed B-League in a desire to get more playing time and enjoy the game more.
“I just want to play basketball. I want to go to games and do what I do in practice,” he said. “I had a hard time in my 20s, but now I want to play basketball the way I want to.”
Memphis Grizzlies forward Yuta Watanabe (12) controls the ball with Phoenix Suns guard Troy Daniels (30) during the second half of an NBA basketball game on October 27, 2018 in Memphis, Tennessee. do. (AP News/Kyodo News)
Watanabe appeared in just five games in his second stint with the Grizzlies after being traded midseason from the Phoenix Suns in February. The injury led to his time on the sideline, but he also revealed that he missed a series of games for mental health reasons.
“Things were feeling difficult,” he said.
The 6-foot-6 wing averaged 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 13.3 minutes per game during his NBA career, which also included stints with the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets.
After playing at George Washington University, he made his NBA debut with the Grizzlies on a two-way contract in October 2018, becoming the second Japanese player to play in the NBA after Yuta Tabuse, who briefly played for the Suns in 2004. Ta.
#18 Yuta Watanabe of the Brooklyn Nets takes a 3-point shot during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers held in Portland, Oregon in November 2022. (Getty/Kyodo)
Although Watanabe had to compete for playing time at each stop, he carved out a career as an NBA role player thanks to his sharp shooting and dedication to defense.
“My goal in my 20s was to continue working in America no matter what the circumstances. Never give up no matter what,” Watanabe said. “It was fun at times, but it was also hard work.”
Watanabe will be the B. League's biggest player given both his accomplishments in the NBA and his leading role in leading the men's national team to qualify for the Olympics as co-hosts of last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup.
“Japan's level is rising,” he said. “I want to participate in high-intensity matches.”
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