After missing for most of his 2021-22 rookie season due to various injuries, Rockets big man Usman Garuba knows the 2022 offseason is an important one. Besides making up for lost time, Houston is also expected to have two new first-round draft picks, which potentially could be adding to the competition for playing time among young players.
“This summer is probably the most important one of my life,” Garuba tells Raul Barrigon of HoopsHype in a new Q&A. “It’ll likely determine my future in the NBA, and I’m very excited to face this challenge.”
Besides obvious factors such as conditioning — Garuba admits that the rigors of an intense, 82-game NBA season require better eating and rest — he says there are clear points of on-court emphasis this summer.
I don’t think I was at 100 percent (last season). I can do much more, and I want to prove that I can become one if not the best defensive players in the league. That’s why I’m going to work hard this summer in Houston to take a huge step forward in that direction. I want to also improve on the offensive end so I can help my teammates with a better outside shot.
Usman Garuba: 'Jalen Green is going to be the NBA's leading scorer in a few years' @Usmangaruba @JalenGreen @HoustonRockets https://t.co/qNyAIqCQfZ
— Raúl Barrigón (@BarriHoopsHype) May 9, 2022
Now 20 years old, Garuba pointed to Golden State veteran Draymond Green as an example of a player he is closely studying — particularly given how Green can dominate games through defense and facilitating and not necessarily by creating his own shot attempts.
“I want to be in the team’s rotation,” the 6-foot-8 big man said in his comments to HoopsHype. ”I want to make sure the coach wants me to play every game. The franchise wants to help me develop my game, they know I can contribute to the team, especially with my defense.”
Barrigon’s complete interview with Garuba, who plans to compete this offseason in Houston’s summer league games and for his native Spain at the EuroBasket 2022 tournament, can be read here.
