PHILADELPHIA — As a rookie with the Nets last season, Chris Douglas-Roberts sat and watched. A lot. And he also viewed a lot of film. But there was more than just watching involved.
There was learning — about the game itself and the right approach to the game.
“I’ve been emphasizing that all pretty much all season,” Douglas-Roberts said before scoring a game-high 20 points in a 93-92 loss to the Sixers, his second straight start filling in for Courtney Lee (ankle). “I feel a player’s approach to the game will tell you how good a pro he’ll be. I learned from watching Kobe [Bryant] and [Kevin] Garnett, those guys’ approach to the game. How they prepare, how they conduct themselves off the court. Everything they do says ‘professional.’ ”
The second-year pro from Memphis — part of the Nets’ stockpile of young, athletic wings — is set on mastering a mid-range jumper to supplement his aggressive, attack-the-rim style he says just comes naturally. It’s a style that led team president Rod Thorn to call Douglas-Roberts the surprise of preseason.
“My ability to get to the rim is my natural gift,” Douglas-Roberts said. “What I’ve going to be striving to do this year is shoot the mid-range jumper.”
Douglas-Roberts had 21 points in the exhibition opener, shooting 15 free throws along the way. His style is winning him fans — and not just among those who pay to get in.
“He’s real clever getting to the basket and he’s a good finisher and he gets it to the foul line,” Sixers GM Ed Stefanski said.
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Point guard Devin Harris suffered a sprained left ankle early in the third quarter and did not return. The injury is not considered serious. . . . The Nets blew a 17-point lead.