Marques Bolden is working for a roster spot with the Cleveland Cavaliers, particularly with training camp opening next month.
In an interview with Ben Stinar of Amico Hoops, Bolden talked about getting his body ready and preparing himself mentally for the pros.
“It’s really just a learning process,” Bolden said. “You don’t want to take anything for granted during this process, and just try to enjoy each moment.”
Bolden was signed in June by the Cavs to an Exhibit 10 contract after he went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft. His teammates at Duke University, Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish, all entered the NBA via the draft.
Playing under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski in college, he should be more ready than many of this year’s rookies. Perhaps more importantly, Bolden has the self-confidence to succeed in the professional ranks.
“I know what I can do,” he said. “As long as I stay confident in myself, that’s all that matters.”
If his recent performance is any indication, Bolden could be a defensive cog for the Cavs coming off the bench. He averaged 1.4 blocks during Summer League play while adding 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.
Nevertheless, Bolden believes he can do more than just be a good defender in the league.
“Whatever the Cavs want out of me and expect out of me is what I plan to give them,” he declared.
Versatility is the name of the game in the NBA these days and Bolden knows he needs to expand his game. It helps that he is healthy now after injuring his knee last year.
“I’m feeling as best as I’ve felt before,” he said.
A 2016 McDonald’s All-American, Bolden averaged 5.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in his final college season. He shot 57.9 percent from the field in 35 games as the 6-foot-11 center manned the paint for the Blue Devils.
