Drafted in 25th position by the Knicks with a four-year contract (with the first two seasons guaranteed), at 19, the Frenchman Pacôme Dadiet is expected to continue creating surprises, after leaving France at 17 and spent the last two seasons in Germany. Interview for French Basketball and Le Quotidien Du Sport.
Who did you think of first when you heard your name in the draft?
Just for my family because I’m going to change their lives too. Let them be proud of me as I am proud of myself.
Being drafted in the first round will change your life. How do you keep your feet on the ground?
It is very important to remember where I am from and the people I am doing it for. After that, in my entourage, I have people who are able to put my feet back on the ground. Being in the NBA is definitely a life changer, I’m aware of that and you have to be ready for it.
How do you see the transition between Germany and the NBA?
The transition from France to Germany was not so simple because in France it is more athletic than in Germany where it is more based on shooting. In the NBA, I think it will be easier for me because there is a lot of space.
Many of the scouts describe you as a very versatile player. Do you think there is any aspect of your game that could make a difference in the NBA?
The creative side with the ball. It’s a part of my game that I haven’t shown much this year, but basically it’s one of my biggest strengths. After that, I know that I have to work on the defensive side and that I can be even better in the game without the ball.
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“I think I deserve my place”
Have you been working on anything specifically to be NBA ready?
Yes, several things. I worked a lot on my body, I gained a little compared to previous years. I have been working on my shooting a lot in the last two years. Since I arrived in Germany, I have worked on it a lot, especially when I couldn’t play. For about 5 months I was actually going to the gym quite often to work on my burn. I learned a lot during this time.
Are you feeling ready for the NBA today?
Today, I feel completely ready. I had no plan B, only plan A!
Tickets are expensive!
I know, but I think I deserve my place.
Your brother Maxence also plays in Nationale 1 at Stade Toulousain. Was he drafted in the NBA too?
I come from a family where there are several basketball players. When you are a basketball player, the NBA is a goal and a dream. Being in the NBA makes them happy.
Who are the players you dream of meeting?
There is of course LeBron James. After that, my favorite player was Kevin Durant so that will be weird for me. It will be something to play against!
Was there a team that made you dream when you were younger?
I don’t have a favorite team. I watched all the teams.
Pacôme Dadiet fan of Kévin Durant
How do you see this era of French basketball players sweeping the NBA?
It is true that we have a great generation. Previous generations showed us that we could go to the NBA, that we could survive there and do great things. They were examples. There is a strong French community in the NBA today and it’s great to see that and be a part of it.
French basketball is a good mix between the athletic side of the Americans with the IQ of the Europeans. This is what makes the difference and I am proud to be French!
Are you in contact with French players who play in the NBA?
I have contact with Olivier Sarr who plays at Oklahoma. Above all, he told me that the hardest part isn’t getting to the NBA, it’s staying there! I have no intention of resting. There is a lot of work to be done.
And Victor Wembanyama, do you know him?
I played with him and others (Tidjane Salaün, editor’s note) when I was 15 (one season at INSEP in 2020/2021, editor’s note). Many good players came out of it (Dieng, Ajinça, Rupert, Traoré, editor’s note).
You went through Paris Basketball. What inspires you about their season marked by victory in the Leaders’ Cup, the EuroCup and the final of the competition?
It is impressive for such a young club to move so quickly. They are going to play the Euroleague, it is a more impressive and very fast course. I am very happy for them. There are still members of the staff who were there when I was there. I’m just happy for them. It is still my city so I am happy that there is a club in Paris that is in the Euroleague.
If you had stayed, wouldn’t you have had the same evolution as the club?
Everyone has their own way. After that, there are choices we make for our personal development and I think I really made the right one.
Another Frenchman plays in Ulm, Germany, Noa Essengue. Did you promise yourself you’d be in the NBA?
We know we will meet again one day. I believe in him a lot, I think he’s going to do great things so I know I’ll see him again at some point.
2024-08-04 18:15:00
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