Scottie Reynolds didn't just want the money. He wanted a shot at the NBA. And to get one, he left Italy last fall -- and guaranteed money -- for the NBA's D-League -- and far less money.
The Herndon graduate and ex-Villanova standout is also transitioning from scorer to facilitator. That's what his coach, ex-NBA point guard Dee Brown, said NBA teams wanted him to become.
"I've scored enough points," Reynolds told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "In fact, I'm sick of scoring."
Yes, that line probably will shock those who have watched Reynolds play since high school. He's not a selfish player, but he has been a prolific scorer.
So now he's learning when to look for his own shot and when to dish.
He's averaging 14.5 points and 5.6 assists. But in his past five games Reynolds is averaging 9.4 assists and 12.2 points (and only two turnovers).
"He has to find that balance," Brown told the Inquirer. "He went through one stretch where he didn't shoot. I said, 'Scottie, I'm not saying don't shoot. Don't take away what you do.'?"
Reynolds quickly discovered Italy wasn't a good fit for him.
"Every night, I go home, I've got the [NBA] League Pass, I watch every game that can be seen on TV until I fall asleep basically," Reynolds said. "I usually wake up [during the night] with NBA TV on. I'm a basketball junkie. That's what I do. That's what I'm here for."