NATHAN Jawai will throw himself into summer league action over the next 10 days in a bid to save his NBA career.
The first indigenous Australian to be drafted into the NBA, Jawai was yesterday traded by Toronto to the Dallas Mavericks as part of a massive four-team deal.
While he has a guaranteed contract this season, Jawai is no certainty to be added to the Mavericks roster and will use the short NBA summer league season starting today to push his hopes.
The 22-year-old Bamaga behemoth said he had "no idea" he was set to be traded until he received a phone call from Toronto Raptors head coach Jay Triano, who was apologetic about the move.
"I said: ‘Coach, it’s not your fault, it’s the way it is, I’ve just got to move on’," Jawai said.
The main target of the deal was former Orlando big man Hedo Turkoglu, who the Raptors gained in a "sign and trade" which also netted the Canadian club forward Devean George and swingman Antoine Wright from Dallas.
Jawai and Raptors teammate Kris Humphries were sent to the Mavericks, along with forward Shawn Marion in another sign and trade deal.
"It is a tough thing. I liked Toronto but I can’t worry about that and let it affect my game right now," Jawai said.
"I’m OK, I understand it’s a business. I can’t whinge about it."
Jawai, who played six NBA games last season after sitting out the opening four months of the season with a heart irregularity, was set to turn out in the Raptors’ opening summer league match against the Los Angeles this afternoon (AEST).
He was looking forward to the clash against fellow Far Northern big man Aron Baynes who will play for the Lakers as he continues to press for an NBA contract despite already having a Euro League deal.
Once the trade is ratified, Jawai will turn out for the Mavs’ summer league team which starts competition this afternoon against the Milwaukee Bucks.
"I am confident that I can do it," Jawai said of forcing his way on to the Mavericks’ roster despite a front-court glut that includes Dirk Nowitzki and now Marion.
"Just my 10 days at summer league I’ve got to be as good as I can, as sharp as I can so I can get that roster spot."
Taipans coach Aaron Fearne said fringe players such as Jawai were often "thrown in" to trade deals to help teams equalise the value of contracts being dealt from club to club.
"What are Dallas’ plans for Nate? I guess we’ll find out," Jawai’s former mentor said.
Fearne said Jawai’s recent performances for the Boomers against China would have helped his cause.
"He was probably underdone going into the Boomers series and those two games but to put up the numbers he did showed he can play," Fearne said.
Jawai in the news:
- July 10: Jawai traded to Mavericks
- July 2: Jawai stars for Boomers
- June 8: Hoop Dreaming star
- May 26: Pumped to flex muscle
- February 20: First NBA points
- January 23: NBA debut
- January 8: Quest for fitness
- 2008: Bamaga to the big time
