Dion Waiters Says He’s the NBA’s Next Great Shooting Guard

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters believes he’s destined for greatness — entering his second year in the NBA, Waiters says he will follow a similar path to the Kobes and Wades of the League. Per Hoopsworld: “I’m coming,’ Waiters said in a phone interview. ‘I just feel as though I’m next up as far as shooting guards. If you look around, you know, Kobe [Bryant] and [Dwyane] Wade and those guys, they paved the way for a player like me and they’re almost done. It’s not like that, but I’m just saying, I’m coming. I just want everybody to know that. Without a doubt, I really believe that [I’ll eventually be the best shooting guard in the NBA]. This year, I’m going to show a lot of people who doubted me and still doubt me. I’m going to show them. And I don’t need praise and all of that. I just want to be respected. I’m coming. That’s all I have to say. I’ve taken my work ethic to another level and I feel as though I still have something to prove. So, watch out.’ Last season, Waiters averaged 14.7 points per game, ranking second among all rookies. With elite shooting guards like Bryant and Wade in their 30s and on the decline, the 21-year-old believes he can become the best two guard in the league over the next few years. It’s certainly possible, especially since the number of top-notch shooting guards has decreased in recent years. Aside from players like James Harden and Klay Thompson, there really aren’t many up-and-coming stars at the position. ‘I always have that confidence,’ Waiters added. ‘I’m just preparing and working hard. I’m taking my work ethic to another level. I’m working on everything, especially staying balanced when I shoot the ball. That’s the biggest thing, as well as taking good shots within the offense.’ […] ‘It’s been crazy,’ Waiters said of his offseason workouts. ‘I’ve been in the gym constantly. Two or three times a day, I’ve been working on my game. I’ve been playing a lot more. I was in L.A. playing with guys out there. I was in Las Vegas. I’m just trying to get it, man. We have a big year coming up and I need to be ready for my team and the organization.'”