D’Angelo Russell already has an idea of what playing for the Golden State Warriors is like.
It’s not easy. Contributing to a championship-contending team isn’t easy. The lights that follow playing for the Golden State Warriors and the spotlight that’s cast upon a young, up-and-coming prospect can not be easy.
However, it’s something that D’Angelo Russell must do elevate his “level” of play. After agreeing to a sign-and-trade, sending the 23-year-old to Golden State, Russell will be looking to find his role on the Warriors historic roster.
A team still filled with all-star talent in Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, Russell, who averaged 21.1 points per game last season and earned his first All-Star appearance, is filling big shows, replacing four-time scoring champion Kevin Durant.
Russell knows what to expect in Golden State, and he believes they can help springboard his game to a new height.
In a recent interview with GQ’s Kevin Lincoln, Russell went into detail about the environment of success that Golden State has bred and how he’ll fit in that environment.
"I think you can only get better from it. When you’re going to a championship organization, being around Hall of Fame players and Hall of Fame coaches, it forces you to be that level, too. You are what you’re around. I’m a believer in that. I think I have nothing but knowledge to learn from being around all those guys."
In that interview, Russell talked about fashion, his new team, his first real crack at free agency and much more. However, it’s important to highlight that Russell, behind the coaching staff in Golden State, is ready to be forced to a Hall of Fame-level.
When it comes to having “nothing but knowledge to learn,” Russell’s already providing a humble attitude as he sets to start training camp with one of the league’s all-time best shooters and one of the best point guards to ever play the game.
It’s important that he understands what value learning and being under the same roof as Steph Curry brings. That exposure could help Russell, as he’s set to explode onto the scene in Golden State.
This could be a big season from Russell, who is ready to compete for a title in Golden State.