Their respect means a lot to me

A 24-year-old rookie chosen in the 13th pick of the NBA Draft. So began the story in the league of Dominican Chris Duarte, who reviewed his first season in his exit interview.

“It was unbelievable. Opening night, it was a dream for me. It was what I dreamed of, to be in the NBA and to play like that in your first game, it was incredible. A great feeling, my teammates cheering me on, making me participate, I really enjoyed that moment, I will never forget it,” Duarte told the Pacers channel.

Duarte scored a season-high 27 points in his first night in uniform against the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 27 points in the starting five.

“The confidence (made the stage not seem too big). It’s something I really believe I have, I believe I can do anything. That gave me that level and all the work I put in to get to that point, a lot of time on and off the court. I prepared myself mentally for that moment and when I got it I took advantage of it,” expressed the Puerto Plata native.

One of the highlights of Chris Duarte’s rookie season was the reaction he received from many of the league’s biggest stars, including none other than Lebron James and Kevin Durant.

“The NBA is something I dreamed of, just going up against the best. Kyrie, LeBron, Giannis, KD, getting respect from them means a lot to me.” I’ll never forget those moments, it’s what I worked for and what I dreamed of. LeBron talking about me, Westbrook showing me his respect, Curry telling me how I should defend. Those moments I really enjoyed,” Duarte recounted.

Other aspects mentioned by the Dominican in his end-of-season interview was the support he received from his country, something he values and takes into account to give the best of himself on and off the court.

“It’s an incredible feeling. I have a whole country, a whole community, supporting me, wishing me the best. Representing in the best way, at the highest level, means a lot to me. I’m just doing what I can, opening doors for more Latinos and Dominicans, trying to help in some way… There’s no better way, than doing it the right way, at the highest level in the NBA,” Duarte concluded.

Duarte will focus on working on his physique in the offseason and trying to be 100% healthy for his second season in the league, adding that he will spend time with his family in his native Dominican Republic.