Yuta Watanabe tells what it means to represent Japan with Rui Hachimura / News - Basketnews.com

Yuta Watanabe says he wanted to prove people wrong about how they thought of themselves and the Japanese. He also opens up about the NBA-best 3-point shooting numbers, mentioning Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons behind the success.

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Brooklyn Nets forward Yuta Watanabe is one of the pleasant NBA surprises this season. He was leading the NBA in 3-point percentage (57.1% 3PT) when he was hurt after a victory over Memphis on Nov. 20.

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"It's crazy," Watanabe responded to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype when asked about the 3-point shooting numbers. "I've always known I could shoot, but 57 percent? That's impossible. I'm not expecting myself to keep up that number, but I'm going to keep shooting with confidence.

"The reason I'm shooting well is because of KD [Kevin Durant], Ben [Simmons], and Kyrie [Irving]. I'm playing with those greats. They get doubled all the time, so I'm always open, and my job is to make those wide-open shots," he added.

Watanabe then discussed what means to represent Japan with Washington Wizards' Rui Hachimura as the only two players from their country.

"I think it's really important for us to represent our country. When I was growing up, and I said I wanted to be an NBA player, people were like, 'Only one Japanese guy made it to the league, so it's almost impossible. You can't do that,'" he recalled the background.

"I wanted to change those people's perceptions. I wanted to change how they thought about themselves and the Japanese. I think more people started watching the NBA. I hope a lot of kids right now are starting to dream of being an NBA player," the 28-year-old said.

Last but not least, Watanabe remembered the tough moments when he thought he might not make it to a solid role in the NBA team.

"There was a time I thought I might not belong to this league. My family, friends, teammates, and coaching staff always encouraged me to keep my head up.

I wouldn't be here without those people who I've met on my journey. I really appreciate everything they've done for me," Watanabe said, also adding that he went through a lot of tough spots when he was always on the bench, not playing, and bouncing between the G League and NBA.

Yuta Watanabe averages a career-best 8.1 points and 2.9 rebounds throughout 14 games this season. He competes for a career-high 18.2 minutes per game.

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