Basketball: Kyshawn George is already a sensation with Washington in the NBA

The NBA has resumed for less than a month and Montheysan has already proven that he has the shoulders to make the big leap. Selected in 24th position in the draft by the Wizards, it didn’t take long for him to be given responsibility. In nine matches, including four as a starter, he spent an average of 28.7 minutes on the floor. Among the other rookies in his vintage, only his partner Bub Carrington does better (30.1 minutes).

Kyshawn George is also 9.6 points per evening (the 5th highest total among neophytes, tied with the same Carrington). A mark inflated by his card against Golden State, during which he made no less than six three-point shots. No rookie had achieved such a feat in the history of his franchise.

His ability by far is his most notable asset thus far. If its overall success percentage in the exercise leaves something to be desired (28.8%), it has increased significantly over the past week. Before meeting the Warriors, he posted a mediocre 2/22 from long distance. Since then, he has been at 15/37. Or an address over the period of 40.5%, worthy of elite triggers.

At 20 years old, the new No. 18 of the Wizards is not afraid to try. He even happens, in sequences, to carry out the attack on his formation single-handedly. Like against Golden State, but also when he faced Orlando, on the night from Sunday to Monday. Where he scored 14 of his 15 points in the second quarter, including 8 in the space of a minute and three actions: after making two consecutive three-pointers, he recovered the ball following an unsuccessful opposing possession, made his way to the basket and finished in close range to add two new units to his tally.

With a good vision of the game and a serious ball handler, a legacy of his years as a leader among young people, Kyshawn George also shines in passing (2.6 per game on average). It is not uncommon to see him bring the ball up and initiate Washington’s offensives, or to create the additional shift to serve an unmarked partner.

Another notable quality: his interpretation of the game. The player trained at Chalon before joining the University of Miami is not the type to force his choices, he directs them according to what the situation requires. In other words, he understands when he must take initiatives and when he must step aside. In short, he is focused on the collective and this is valued, within a team without short-term sporting ambitions, mainly made up of young people, where everyone seeks to highlight themselves. Not to mention his encouraging defensive contribution (4.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 interceptions per outing).

“KG” further stood out for his chutzpah. Inveterate barker of the Warriors, Draymond Green revealed that the rookie did not hesitate to rub shoulders with him verbally during their confrontation. “Kyshawn came up to me and said, ‘You can’t shoot,’” he told a press conference, laughing. I told him that people already thought that when he was still in elementary school, watching me win a title. He told me, “I don’t care.” I like it!”

The four-time NBA champion had nothing but praise for his young opponent: “I’m a big fan of him and Bub (Carrington), the energy and the attitude they bring. This is the first time I’ve seen a Washington team play this hard in years and it’s because of these two. They don’t stop talking, trashtalking and I like it. […] They have the right attitude and what’s more, they are good. It’s not like they’re just talking into a void. They have earned my respect.”

At this stage, Kyshawn George was a successful bet for the Wizards who strongly wanted him this summer, to the point of having worked out a transfer in order to climb the draft and be sure of getting him back. In the ruthless and ultra-competitive environment of the NBA, landing on conquered ground does not ensure success, but it contributes to it.