New Sixer Watford “Trendon” still in shock “on the collaboration with the Tyrese intimate friend Maxey – NBC Sports Philadelphia

Trendon Watford and Tyrese Maxey will not have to make so many long distance calls now.

While Watford detailed on Thursday at his first press conference in Sixers, he was approached by Maxey over the years and has become used to face him.

“We were in a high school field together with I Think Seath Grade,” said Watford from the Hall of the Sixers training complex in Camden, New Jersey. “He says that the group of guys with whom I was I wasn’t really talking because he was not yet highly classified or anything. We closed ourselves since that moment. My family knows his family. We ended up being room for a room because I think the McDonald’s game (All-American).

“We ended up starting the kick -off. I know his sister, his uncle, his brother, all in the family. … I was able to talk to him about the garbage when we got the victory here last year … and (in Brooklyn). And now we are teammates, so I’m enthusiastic.”

Watford did not take a simple way for his free agent agreement with the Sixers.

The 24 -year -old striker played two seasons at the LSU, was not drawn up, joined the Blazer Trail and signed a two -way contract. Since then it has settled in the NBA and had its most productive season last year, with an average of 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the nets.

“It’s extremely useful,” said Watford about his relationship with Maxey. “I remember having talked to him my second year at college, who was his beginner year. And only to talk to him about some of the things he had to do with, I already had a good idea of ​​what I was entering.

“Friend, it’s fantastic. We can’t believe it, honestly. We are still in shock. He called me before this and it was like, ‘friend, I can’t believe that you are in Philly and will go to the structure.’ He is crazy.

Watford’s business card is versatility. He noticed Thursday that “came like a small ball with Portland and somehow has passed to play backup in the last two years, he points forward in the last two years”.

According to Watford, his father must thank for refining his skills to pass and management of the ball as a child (and not for having ever allowed coaches to attack him at the pole). The older brother Christian Watford has contributed to modeling him in terms of tenacity and willingness to talk about garbage.

“It has always been part of my game, friend,” said Watford. “Growing up, having an older brother of 10 years more than me who played college (in Indiana) and professionally, it was not easy. I had to get it, so I think it is only what it is in me … being that guy who mixes it and is not afraid to bring him wherever we had to take him.”

Obviously, the Sixer will not mind that edge at all.

Like Maxey, they hope Watford will continue to develop in Philadelphia.

“Continuing to sharpen everything,” he said. “He continues to become better defensively. Even after having a solid defensive year, he continues to improve