In a recent interview with nbacallups.com, NBA prospect Anthony Watkins talked about the process of declaring for the 2020 draft. As well as what lies ahead for himself. Including potential G League or overseas options, if the NBA doesn’t materialise.
19-year-old Watkins, who graduated from McCallie High-School in 2019, declared for the NBA Draft officially back in April. He spent the past season playing professionally in Germany. Where he represented Lowen and the Giessen Pointers, in the Pro B and Regionalliga, respectively.
“My plan was to definitely declare for the draft and test the waters. Get some feedback, because at this point in my career that’s all I want. It was definitely the plan to declare and go through as many workouts as possible, talk to as many NBA executives as possible. I sent in my stuff, sent in my paperwork, then got the call from the NBA, which I actually wasn’t expecting at all, just confirming everything.”
“If it’s meant for me to end up in the NBA, that’s going to happen one way or another. I’m just focused on being the best basketball player I can be and enjoying this draft process. It’s fun and a once in a lifetime opportunity for me.”
When presented the question of whether the NBA G League would be an option moving forward, Watkins stated his desire to take such opportunity. But then emphasized that he’ll take the best opportunity for himself. Whether that be in the G League, or overseas.
“Absolutely. If the best opportunity for me to develop my game as a professional is in the G League, I’m right there. If there’s a G League team in Alaska, I’ll be there. But the same goes for Europe, if I see the best opportunity for me to take that next step is in Europe, or Australia, or wherever, I’ll definitely take that opportunity.”
Furthermore, in the interview Anthony Watkins stated his modern NBA influences. Pinpointing Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart as being one of those that he looks up to.
“A guy like Marcus Smart, because I take a lot of pride on the defensive end. So I watch a lot of Marcus Smart. How he battles over ball screens, and just his engagement on the defensive end is something I really look at and study.. we’re built similarly and have, I think, the exact same size.”
You can watch the full interview with Anthony Watkins below:
