“I’m a competitor,” Taylor said. “I want to play. I know I’m confident enough to play. It’s just part of the business. … I just have to wait my turn and be patient. It’s definitely a lot easier said than done.”
Taylor, who has played almost exclusively in late blowout situations, has logged 98 minutes in 23 games. He’s averaging 12.5 points per 36 minutes, shooting 35% from the field and 46% from the free throw line. His player efficiency rating is 2.7.
Taylor lamented his inability to get into a rhythm. “I have to be mentally ready, because I never know when I’m going to get called upon. I have to pay attention to everything. It’s definitely more mentally than physically, because I know I have the talent to be here.”
Taylor, a product of Bob Hurley’s famous St. Anthony’s high school program and Bill Self’s Kansas college program, also credits Keith Bogans (who has the closest locker to him in the Nets’ locker room) with staying in his ear and his family (who he lives with) for helping him get through the difficult times. “It’s frustrating, because I’ve always been a competitor. But if I was somewhere else and I’d be there alone with no one else and not playing, it would be much worse.”
