4. Building Confidence
It says something about Cleanthony Early that he was willing to accept what’s essentially a one-way ticket to the NBA D-League. He could’ve gone overseas and played for more money, but he instead accepted an opportunity to work his way up the ranks.
One can rationally expect Early to be the most productive player on the Westchester Knicks—a great way to build some of the confidence he’s been lacking.
Early has compiled averages of 4.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.5 3-point field goals made in 14.3 minutes per outing in 56 regular season NBA games. He’s done so on a slash line of .346/.263/.750.
Those numbers traditionally belong to one of two players: one who doesn’t belong in the NBA or one who has the talent, but doesn’t have the confidence.
The jury is still out on Early, but it’s often looked as though he’s the latter. For perspective, in 10 career NBA D-League games played, Early has averages of 17.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.4 offensive boards, 1.4 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 1.4 3-point field goals made.
Along with an efficient field goal percentage of .450, it stands to reason that there’s upside to explore.