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Mitch Creek, the Australian swingman signed by the Nets last week, has no preconceived notions about making the Nets ... although it seems that half of Australia seems to believe he will. It’s more a dream, he understands.
“My maturity and how I am as a man now has led me to a great point in my life, where I feel comfortable with anything,” he told Australian Associated Press Monday. ”If I’m living out of a suitcase for the next two years but living my passion at the same time then life is pretty good.”
Creek is 26, a year older than the average age of his teammates and at 6’5”, he’s part of the backcourt logjam. But he’s not selling his athleticism or shooting touch. He’s about his versatility and energy. How far will that take him in training camp? At best, he’ll wind up with the two-way deal, but he’ll have a lot of competition, including a couple of other versatile players like Theo Pinson, who’s four years younger.
“I don’t like to say I’m an NBA player just yet. I prefer to say I’m a rookie development player,” he said.
”But I’ve got an opportunity and that’s all that anyone ever wants in life. I believe in myself that I’m an NBA-worthy player and someone who can make any organisation better.”
Creek was in Melbourne for the ticket launch for the two-game series of “friendly” pre-World Cup games a year from now between Team USA and Australia’s national team, aka “the Boomers.” He’ll play with Ben Simmons, Patty Mills, Thon Maker and Aron Baynes, among others in two games that are expected to draw 50,000 fans. He’s been a mainstay for The Boomers in their World Cup Qualifiers.
On Saturday, he’ll be flying to New York to join the Nets for camp. He’ll see some friendly faces on arrival. Will Weaver, the Long Island Nets new head coach, is also an assistant coach on the Australian national team and the Nets directors of sports science and sports medicine are both veterans of the Melbourne sporting scene.
“I plan to just try and take it all as it comes,” Creek told AAP.
- Boomers Creek on verge of NBA dream - John Salvado - Australian Associated Press
- From Horsham to the Big Apple, Mitch Creek heads to Brooklyn - Roy Ward - Sydney Morning Herald