Noah Clowney Admits His Biggest Surprise Since Joining the NBA

Becoming an NBA player is the highest level of basketball anyone can reach. There are other professional leagues around the world, but the best players come to the NBA. That’s why so many former NBA players are around the globe dominating in other international professional basketball leagues. The talent level in the NBA is simply unmatched. 

That’s why some players are shocked when they join the league. The amount of talent you are surrounded by every day is simply wild. 

Young NBA forward Noah Clowney was recently asked about his biggest surprise upon joining the NBA. 

"How good people are. Like, you don't realize how good people are until you're here. As you look at it, you're like, "Okay." Like, and I think being young and that perspective I had, it's like, okay, I'm a first-round pick. Like, when I get here, I should be like, I mean, better than other people that's here that weren't first-round picks that might went drafted, but you don't really under you don't realize how good people are until you really get here. How strong people are, how fast, how people can think the game, make you do what they want you to do based on how they play. Like you don't realize how good they are until you hear, that's probably the biggest thing."

Clowney’s trajectory in the league makes sense following these comments. As a rookie, he averaged 5.8 points and 3.5 rebounds; it was obvious that he was still adjusting to the league. In his third season, however, things seem to be starting to click. He’s upped his scoring average to 12.2 points per game and is showing career highs in assists and steals. 

While Clowney may have been shocked about the talent in the league when he entered, he is starting to show that he belongs.