Colombian Jaime Echenique made his NBA debut as part of the Washington Wizards, becoming the first player from his country to play at the highest world level in basketball, adding three minutes in his team’s most recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Here we tell you everything you need to know about his presence in the team and his chances of staying.
Like multiple players over the last two weeks, Echenique signed a 10-day contract in the face of the urgency of having players to fill in absences due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the NBA. This deal guarantees you an opportunity with the organization, earning $ 53,176.
The outlook for both Echenique and the rest of the young players who have signed this type of contract is the same, an opportunity to show the best of their potential and perhaps attract the attention of the coach, in search of another 10-day contract and subsequently an agreement for the rest of the season.
The first ever Colombian-born player in @NBA history! Congrats to Jaime Echenique on making history. ?? #NBACallUp pic.twitter.com/3GBhzj7cTY
– NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 31, 2021
Realistically speaking, Echenique will most likely not be renewed, as there are leading figures such as Daniel Gafford, Montrezl Harrell and Thomas Bryant ahead of him. However, it may be that if he manages to add some quality minutes he will be worthy of another contract of this type, be it in the Wizards or in another organization.
After what were his first minutes on an NBA court, coach Wes Unseld dedicated a few words to the young player, emphasizing his attitude. “We have had him since the Summer League and he is another one of those children who, from day one, you saw him improve. His effort, attention to detail, brings a smile every day,” he commented at a press conference.
Similarly, players Bradley Beal and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were very happy about the opportunity for the 24-year-old. “He always has great energy, always with a smile on his face. That’s a great guy,” KCP commented.
