Chris Douglas-Roberts: 'Sometimes, NBA isn't just about basketball'

Chris Douglas-Roberts is a swingman for the Texas Legends who Najera will lead in his first season as a head coach — or any type of coach, for that matter.

CDR, as he is known, played his first two seasons in the NBA with Najera at New Jersey. Now Douglas-Roberts is being relied on as a key component of the Legends, who open their National Basketball Development League schedule Friday in Tulsa.

Douglas-Roberts is a prime example of what life in the NBADL is about. He has NBA talent and has been a part-time starter during his three-year career.

Now, he’s trying to get back.

“Sometimes, the NBA isn’t just about basketball,” Douglas-Roberts said. “It’s about business and it’s about being in the right place at the right time and the right system at the right time. I feel I’m an NBA player. So instead of going overseas and chasing the money, I’m going to be here for however long I’m here.

“It’s a humbling experience. We don’t stay in hotels I’m used to. The per diem envelope is a little thinner. But overall, this can’t do anything but make me better and stronger.”

“I’m going to try to help Najera get his coaching start on the right track,” Douglas-Roberts said. “He was a coach’s dream.
“I understand what is at stake. A lot of guys in the NBA eventually will be down here. And vice versa. I’m going to try to be a leader. But I can’t get away from my bread and butter, which is putting the ball in the basketball.”