Like most NBA Draft selections, Tyshawn Taylor probably didn’t envision ending up in the NBA D-League.
But that is where Taylor, the 23-year-old former St. Anthony High School and Kansas University star, now finds himself.
Having been traded by the Brooklyn Nets and then released by the New Orleans Pelicans, the 6-foot-3 Taylor is playing for the Maine Red Claws in the D-League.
“It wasn’t a tough situation until I found out I got cut from the Pelicans,” Taylor told SNY.tv earlier this week. “My whole thing was to try to get somewhere where I can play. I gotta figure it out, where I can go next.”
Taylor is averaging 8.8 points and 2.7 assists in nine games with the Red Claws. In Thursday’s win over the Canton Charge, Taylor had 6 points and 4 assists in 13 minutes.
Former West Virginia star and Mount Vernon, N.Y., native Kevin Jones went for 26 points and 15 rebounds in the loss for Canton.
“I think this is more for my confidence and being able to play on a consistent basis,” Taylor said. “In the NBA, I only played one out of every 16 games.
He added of his D-League experience. “I’ve been playing alright. I’m transitioning to a new situation, new coaches and a new team. I played alright and I could play better.”
His ultimate goal, of course, is to get a call-up to the NBA.
“Of course,” he said. “That’s why I’m here, to try to get a call-up.”
As previously reported by SNY.tv, Taylor has signed with Atléticos de San Germán in Puerto Rico and will join that team after the D-League season ends in April.
Taylor said his former St. Anthony teammates Mike Rosario and Jio Fontan, both of whom have played in Puerto Rico, made him aware of the league.
“They brought it to my attention,” Taylor said. “It was just a way for me to try to get back to the league. When they play in Puerto Rico, most leagues are done. That’s the summertime. Most people are done as far as the NBA.
“It was a way for me to still play the whole season in the D-League if I don’t get a call-up and still make some money and get like a little vacation.”
