Darius Bazley:
The rookie has blossomed into a media star without even trying. He’s humble with a genuine nature and a million-dollar smile that endears him to everyone. Every time he speaks at a media session his teammates hang about teasing him and shooting questions at him in the background.
On this night, it was Chris Paul (who didn’t even play) and his BFF Gilgeous-Alexander. CP3 and SGA were moving the screen behind him, sticking their fingers in his ears and trying to unnerve him. You know- the typical thing players do who are super close which this trio certainly is.
A perfect example of his naive genuine nature was his response as to why the team shot the 3-ball so well.
‘We got good looks, we put them up and they went in’ He said this three times in a row laughing each time and dodging Chris Paul’s hand which kept darting in trying to stick his finger in his ear.
This kibitzing continued throughout Bazley‘s presser and had all those in attendance laughing along with them.
SGA then asks him what it felt like to score 20 points (his career-high by the way) despite his poor free throw shooting. It literally felt like fans were getting a behind the scenes moment with how these three typically cut each other up and joke around.
Bazley begins to answer “It feels good to know my hard work is paying off…” Chris Paul interrupts him and says ‘why you talking so soft like you do this?’
The rookie laughs and retorts back ‘it feels good to kind of feel like Shai, to kind of feel like Shai and Chris do for one night.’ To this, either CP3 or SGA responds ‘yeah because next game it’s over’. All three are laughing throughout.
Bazley seriously is so likable. Much like when fans see Roberson smile it’s a similar effect with Darius when he smiles. It’s no wonder SGA and CP3 have taken him under their wing because you truly want to see this kid do well.