Tyshawn Taylor wanted to see for himself what the hype was about when it came to the New York City streetball circuit.
Last summer he saw Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant play in multiple leagues along with Michael Beasley of the Phoenix Suns. Potential future teammate Sundiata Gaines is a regular along with Lakers star Metta World Peace, among others.
“I always heard about it,” the Brooklyn Nets rookie guard said. “Last year the park leagues were big because of the lockout. I knew it would be good competition, a good crowd. It’s something to do while I’m here for the summer, stay in shape, get some work in.”
The 6-foot-3 Taylor, who helped lead Kansas to the national title game last season, has played the last few weeks with R2K, one of streetball’s most established program, in EBC Rucker Park and Dyckman. His squad was upset by a young Brooklyn Stompers team 57-56 Wednesday night in the opening round of the Dyckman playoffs.
Taylor didn’t score, but spent much of the night feeding former Tennessee standout Brian Williams and Dexter Gray, who played at St. John’s and Iona. Taylor had a potential game-winning baseline drive blocked in the final seconds.
“I love the competitiveness,” said Taylor, a Hoboken native. “I grew up playing in parks like this all my life. I love stuff like this. The competiveness in the park is just a different level.”
The former St. Anthony’s (N.J.) star, taken with the 41st pick, raised his game with the Nets recently in the Orlando summer league. He and last year’s draft pick MarShon Brooks are expected to be the backups to Deron Williams and Joe Johnson. Taylor averaged 15.5 points over four Summer League contests and felt he gave people a taste of his talents. He believes the Nets want to see him make open shots, defend and prove he can run the point, things he’s always done.
Taylor, who knows he will have to adjust to the speed and size of the NBA game, has felt a lot of support from the Brooklyn fans already.
“My coaching staff loved me,” he said. “They think I’m going to get a lot better. It was really good for me to go out there and play well. I think I got off to the right start.”