Dion Waiters is attempting an NBA comeback after a three-year hiatus that came with dark days because of depression and anxiety.
The 31-year-old guard held a private workout on July 10 at Victoria Fertitta Middle School in front of a dozen or so NBA scouts and executives organized by his agent, Daniel Hazan of Hazan Sports Management.
“I honestly had to go through what I was going through the last couple of years by not playing,” Waiters told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. “I feel like it made me a better person. It made me a better man and a better father because now I’m able to tell my son like, ‘Yo bro, it’s not just about talent, it’s about your attitude, and what you’re doing out there on the court is not going to work.’
“I told him, ‘Bro, your dad is not [out of] the league because of talent. It was my attitude, my character, and not understanding that it’s bigger than me.’ I feel like I had to go through this so I could explain that to my son, and that’s the dead truth.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dion Waiters & Miami Heat Updates
Waiters has appeared in 419 NBA games with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. He has career averages of 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 41.2% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc and 69.4% from the free-throw line.
“I’m healthy,” Waiters said. “I just want that opportunity just to show I’m not who I once was. And I know a lot of people talk about that, but for me, I think it’s more about showing that I’ve changed. That’s why I’m here, man. I still got that love. I still got that itch.
“I know I can still help a team win at the highest level on the court and even in the locker room as a veteran presence. So why not just give it a go and just see what happens? You never know.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Dion Waiters & Miami Heat Updates
Waiters last played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season with the Lakers. He appeared in seven games. Los Angeles won the 2020 championship over the Heat in six games at the Walt Disney World bubble in Orlando, Florida.
It will be interesting to see if Waiters is on a team next season.
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