In a recently increased role, Denver Nuggets forward Trey Lyles is taking full advantage of his opportunity
Trey Lyles is the latest NBA example of a player who is making the most out of the opportunity given to him.
On every team, players fall out of the rotation and they don’t get the playing time that they think they deserve. This can happen for various reasons. Every year there are players who emerge, and sometimes, it seems out of nowhere.
In the NBA, you have to be ready every single day, despite the amount of playing time that you may be receiving. Because when that opportunity presents itself, it’s your time to shine. When your number is called, you need to take full advantage of that moment. Injuries often lead to these opportunities. In the case of Trey Lyles, the injuries to Paul Millsap and Nikola Jokic have opened the door up for him.
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Without Millsap for months and Jokic for at least the immediate future, the Nuggets need Lyles. But Lyles doesn’t feel like much has changed, other than the increase in playing time.
He stayed ready. And now he is ready.
"[via Denver Post]“(I’m) just trying to carve out time,” Lyles said. “So that even when Paul comes back, Coach knows that he can still count on me.”"
Lyles has now recorded back to back 20-point outings. Before these last two games, Lyles only had two 20-point performances for his career.
vs Indiana: 25 points (career-high), five rebounds, 9-15 from the field, 5-7 from 3-point range, 26 minutes
vs Detroit: 20 points, four rebounds, 7-7 from the field, 3-3 from 3-point range, 27 minutes
What has been so impressive is the efficiency. He is shooting extremely well and is establishing himself as a legitimate stretch-four guy.
Career-high 25 points, five rebounds and five 3-pointers for @TreyLyles last night! Just needed an opportunity and now he’s taking advantage. #NBACats
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) December 11, 2017
The NBA is a brutal league. Even if you make a roster, that doesn’t guarantee anything when it comes to playing time.
"[via Denver Post]By the season opener, Lyles had been squeezed out of the rotation.Frustrated and somewhat confused, Lyles nevertheless maintained the same approach fostered as a child. He arrived to practice early and stayed late. He picked the brains of assistant coaches and veterans such as Richard Jefferson while on the bench during games.“He didn’t feel sorry for himself,” Malone said. “He didn’t drop his head. He didn’t have that self-pity that I hate to see.”Added Lyles: “It kind of just added fuel to the fire.”"
If you put in the work at practice, take extra reps at the gym, maintain a great attitude, and consistently hone in on your craft, you will be prepared to take advantage of the opportunity when it comes to you. Trey Lyles has done exactly that and it’s paying off for him on the basketball court. These types of stories will never get old.