Walter Tavares recounts his humble beginnings, teaming up with LeBron James / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AP Photo/John Minchillo; Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP Credit AP Photo/John Minchillo; Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP

Walter Tavares, currently in his fifth season with Real Madrid, remains one of the dominant players in his position in Europe. The big man from Cape Verde reviewed his sports career, his time at Gran Canaria and the NBA, in an interview with Spanish network DAZN.

3-pointers this season

36%9,7Points made:9,7Accuracy:35,8%Place in standings:3Record max:18Record min:1Most made 3FGs:Rudy FernandezTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Tavares explained that his beginnings were not easy and said that he started playing basketball in flip-flops.

"The guy from Germany who gave me the opportunity brought me some flip-flops and they didn't fit. I had half of my foot out. But the only chance I had to play there was by putting them on," he said.

His opportunity presented itself at a moment when representatives of Gran Canaria went to see him in Cape Verde and he signed with Gran Canaria.

After three seasons at Gran Canaria, from 2012 to 2015, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks. Later he moved to other teams of the North American basketball league such as the Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, although he didn't have the NBA success everyone was expecting.

"When they knew that Cleveland were going to wave me, there were many clubs in Europe that wanted me to come, but I wasn't thinking about it back then," Tavares said.

His signing with Real Madrid materialized in November 2017. "When Real Madrid appeared, I had to think about it, because before I left for the NBA, I was waiting for them to make me an offer to stay in Europe for another year and then go there (NBA). Then, when that opportunity appeared, it was incredible," Tavares recounted.

During the interview with DAZN, Tavares also talked about what it meant for him to coincide with LeBron James at the Cleveland Cavaliers, his close relationship with his country and revealed that his great passion is his son.

Talking about what impressed him the most about LeBron James, Tavares mentioned the way 'The King' worked and how amazing it was to "see him up close".

"He has won everything, but he is the first one who arrives and the last one who leaves. In addition, he is very approachable, a very charismatic and a very fun guy," he pointed out.

Finally, the Real Madrid center uncovered his great passion outside the courts, his son: "My son is one of the best things that has happened to me in life because every day, I enjoy being his father. I never expected that I would have such a feeling for something so tiny. "

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