Yuta Watanabe, who was traded from the Suns of the NBA (American professional basketball team) to his old team, the Grizzlies, gave his first interview since the transfer and expressed his enthusiasm for his new position, saying, ``I'm really looking forward to it because I'm sure I can do it.''
Watanabe, who signed with the NBA's Suns this season, was traded to his old team, the Grizzlies, where he played for two seasons since his debut in 2018, on the 8th, the day of the trade deadline.
On the 10th, the game against the Hornets was held in Charlotte, the opponent's home base, and Watanabe, whose jersey number was 18, which he has worn since his second year as a professional, was on the bench for the first time since his transfer.
Watanabe, who did not play in the game, was interviewed after the game and said, ``The trade was a whirlwind as I was not informed of anything.When I heard about it, I was shocked for a moment, but I am familiar with the Grizzlies. I was relieved when I heard that," he said of his feelings when the trade was decided.
The Grizzlies' main players, including ace player Ja Morant, are out due to injury, and they lost today's game as well, resulting in eight consecutive losses, and are currently in a difficult situation, ranking 13th in the Western Conference with 18 wins and 35 losses.
There are about 30 games left in the NBA regular season, and Watanabe said, ``The team has told me that he will be playing from the next game onwards for the rest of the season. I wasn't thinking about it, so I want to try my best again with a new mindset.''
He then expressed his enthusiasm, saying, ``I'm just going to show what I've done so far and prove myself again.I'm sure I can do it, so I'm really looking forward to the challenge from now on.''