Nene Hilario looking to play a mentor’s role at the Washington Wizards – NBA Update
Washington Wizards have greatly strengthened their centre position after roping in Nene Hilario and the veteran, although surprised at being traded, seems ready to help the Wizards rebuild into a formidable unit.
Wizards are amongst the bottom feeders in the Eastern Conference and are already out of the playoffs race. This has not gone down well with the Brazilian big especially after skidding down from potential playoffs contenders, Denver
Nuggets.
Nene admitted he didn’t expect to be traded, especially after the Nuggets had signed him to a bumper five year contract during the off season.
He said he didn’t know exactly what transpired.
“It was crazy. It was tough. I don’t like to mention much because I still have no clue what happened,” said Nene. “But I trust my Lord, my God. He put me here and I know when he trades me to somewhere or for somebody, it’s for
better things”.
Wizards are confident that Nene will prove to be a low-post scoring threat and will do wonders in the court with leading scorer John Wall.
Nene however has had an injury prone career. He had successfully won a war against testicular cancer and recovered from a right knee injury, which had threatened his career, compelling him to sit out in the entire 2005-06 season.
So far he has only played one complete season in his 10 years of professional basketball career and now he will lead a team that encompasses young stars, having 8 players with less than 2 years of NBA experience.
He vowed to help out the team;
“I understand God has a plan and the plan is to be here and I’m gonna do my best,” Nene said. “That’s all I can promise: Do everything possible to help the team, to help the young guys.”
On Monday Nene was introduced to the players during an optional practice that was also staged to welcome Brian Cook and Edwin Ubiles, who was signed to a 10-day contract with Washington. Nene first came into the international attention
in 2001 while playing for the Brazilian national team and later on he was picked by New York Knicks in 2002 NBA draft.
The 6-feet-11 centre is averaging 13.4 points and 7.4 boards in a total of 28 games in this season.
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