NEW YORK — Keyonte George was arguably the biggest standout from the 2023 NBA Draft at NBA 2K24 Summer League in Las Vegas.
George, a 6-foot-4 guard from Texas who played one collegiate season at Baylor, was named Big-12 Freshman of the Year. Then the Utah Jazz selected him at No. 16 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
On the court for the Jazz this summer, he averaged remarkable splits. He produced 28.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 8.1 assists and 2.0 steals per 40 minutes.
Unfortunately, however, George injured his ankle and will not play again while in Las Vegas.
KEYONTE GEORGE WITH THE ANKLE BREAKER?!?! pic.twitter.com/1fJfeVDFh6
— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) July 13, 2023
He was also one of the leaders in free-throws attempted and 3-pointers attempted during these games as well. George was frequently able to create his own jump shot off the bounce, sometimes even managing to drop his defender with nifty dribble moves.
This was nothing new for George, via CBB Analytics, who ranked in the 97th percentile for unassisted 3-pointers per 40 minutes among all players in college basketball last season.
But his ability to score as the ball handler in transition and in the pick-and-roll made him project well as the point guard of the future for the Jazz.
What was especially encouraging, per Synergy, is that George recorded as many dunks (3) in NBA 2K24 Summer League as he did during his entire career at Baylor.
Before the 2023 NBA Draft, For The Win met up with George, who shared more details about how his game will translate to the NBA and what he likes to do when he is not on the court.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Read more of our pre-draft interviews with NBA prospects.
What were you able to improve the most during the offseason?
Keyonte George: I just continued to get in elite-level shape and take care of my body each and every day. I polished up the handle and made sure the shot is consistent and made sure that everything is nice and tight going through the pre-draft process.
The ultimate goal was to make sure that I put myself in the best position possible to achieve my dreams, so that’s what I have been focusing on. I’m just excited to develop into the player that I want to become. It’s just the beginning, so I’m taking everything in and make sure I understand that everything is a blessing.
What is your most elite NBA skill going to the next level?
Keyonte George: I think my scoring ability. I’m able to score at all three levels, whether it’s finishing over length, getting to the midrange pull-up or the floaters or my trey ball. I feel like that is a part of my game that translates really well and then also my passing.
I’m just continuing with film, getting better at knowing what shots I’m going to take and what shots I’m going to have and what reads to make with a pass. I’m understanding those types of things and taking that next jump mentally with the game. I feel like everything will come together.
What are some of the things fans should know about who you are off the court?
Keyonte George: Off the court, I’m chill. I like to play video games. I have two cats and a dog. That puts stuff in perspective, being able to play with the animals. I recently got into journaling so do that. I like to go on hikes and walk trails. I got into yoga throughout the year. Those are a couple of hobbies that I really picked up on that take my mind off of basketball. I listen to a lot of Lil Baby and Gunna.
I would just say the most important thing about me is that I’m respectful, I treat everybody the same, I’m cool. I like to have fun. I like to interact with fans. I like to just be a regular person at times. You can make somebody’s day. So I just try to make sure I say level-headed and understand things that I’m going through and put things in perspective. That’s how I think.
What are some of the things you are doing off the court to raise your own brand?
Keyonte George: I’m here with Team OneBlade. It’s kept us nice and fresh. You know the whole story is to make sure that us as players are in between those lines feeling the best possible. You have heard the saying feel good, play good. I think they’ve done a good job with us to make sure we feel good to make sure we go out there and perform.
I have my morning routine. I make sure my sideburns are cut. I make sure I visit the barber every week. I’m starting to get into fashion so I know my clothes are going to be a big part of me going into the tunnel or walking around the city.
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