The 2017-18 NBA season is just two weeks old, but Jordan Bell is already showing that he probably should have been drafted higher than No. 38.
Being selected higher in the draft obviously comes with more hype, money and job security. But for the Warriors rookie, he's perfectly happy being a second-round pick and he's got a few valid reasons.
"Just because of the team I'm on, the situation I'm in. Everybody looks at the first round, if you don't get drafted in the first round, you didn't accomplish whatever your mission was," Bell said on SiriusXM NBA Radio on Tuesday. "For me personally, I signed a two-year contract, so it's easier for me to get to my second contract than people who are expecting a four-year contract who went first round."
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Bell signed a two-year, $2.193 million contract with the Warriors after being drafted. He can become a restricted free agent following the conclusion of the 2018-19 season.
The 22-year-old has been active for six of the Warriors' eight games. So far, he averaging 5.3 points and 2.2 rebounds in 8.7 minutes. It's possible that on another team (perhaps the Bulls?) Bell might be playing more. It's something he has given thought to, but he's not concerned.
"Yeah, most definitely, but I wouldn't be able to learn from as many guys as I can on this team. This team, I have Draymond [Green], Steph [Curry], Klay [Thompson], [Kevin Durant], Zaza [Pachulia], David West, Andre Iguodala. I have so many vets on the team who have been in the league for a long time and been very successful in the league," Bell said. "I'd rather learn from this group of guys than any other group of guys. Obviously, playing is very important, but me being a rookie, I think the most important thing for this year is learning, so I just need to learn the game, learn the system, learn everything possible and I think I have a great group of guys to teach me that."
Bell and the Warriors are back in action Thursday night when they take on the Spurs in San Antonio. Coverage begins at 4pm PT on NBC Sports Bay Area.
