Throughout the 2022-23 season, the Nets have been sharing an all-access look at their team in a video series called "The Bridge."
The third episode, released on Jan. 3, covered the team's 12-game winning streak in December. It also dedicated a segment to Yuta Watanabe, which featured interviews with Watanabe, coach Jacque Vaughn and Kevin Durant.
Vaughn and Durant gave glowing feedback about his continued stretch of solid play.
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Yuta Watanabe on his growth with Nets
Watanabe was asked if he expected to be such an integral part of this Nets team. His answer reflected his humble nature.
"I guess no one expected [this level of production]. Even myself, in training camp, my goal was just to make the team in the first place, then slowly gain confidence and trust," Watanabe said. "I haven't changed anything since I got to the league. Just coming here every day, I work hard, just like I've been doing since Day 1.
"The coaching staff saw that every day. I think that's why they started trusting me."
Watanabe also expressed how happy he was to receive the full support of the Brooklyn crowd.
"I like to see people smiling. It's a great feeling," he said while walking toward the locker room.
Watanabe was touched at the response he received from the home fans after scoring 16 points in a win over the Grizzlies on Nov. 20.
How can you not love YUTA pic.twitter.com/G0cSyZXdRf
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 21, 2022
"When I hit four threes, that was, like, really indescribable," Watanabe said. "People are standing, clapping their hands, calling my name. I never had a moment like that in the NBA. That was an amazing feeling."
Watanabe was asked if this was the happiest he had felt with both his game and situation.
"I'm always a happy guy, no matter what, but definitely," Watanabe said. "Playing some minutes, playing with some greats — that's definitely, I would say, the happiest moment now."
Jacque Vaughn on Yuta Watanabe's character
Vaughn had high praise for Watanabe's selflessness.
"The first thing is, he's about the team — whether that is making shots, whether that's energy, whether that's being a great teammate," Vaughn said.
Vaughn first met Watanabe while he played with the Nets' Summer League team in 2018. Vaughn spoke of how much Watanabe had grown since then, both as a player and person.
"Yuta is 28 years old, so he's had some life experiences," Vaughn said. "He's married. He understands sacrifice. He's at a different place than when I first met him when I coached him in Summer League.
"For his teammates to see the sacrifices that he's made to put himself in the position that he's in, you cheer. You want guys like that to be successful."
Kevin Durant on Yuta Watanabe's versatility
Durant has spoken highly of Watanabe at various points throughout the season. He continued his high praise.
"He does all the little things," Durant said. "To be able to switch, guard guys with his length, rebound, cut to the rim — and then when he's knocking down shots, that just turns him into an incredible player."
