Frustration for Freeland in Portland

By Sam Neter on November 29, 2012

GB star Joel Freeland, the newest Brit in the NBA, has admitted he is frustrated following the slow start to his US career.

Fifteen games into Portland’s season, the 6’10” forward has appeared in just 7 games, totalling 62 minutes and going just 1/18 from the field.

Talking to Oregon Live about his progress, Freeland said:

“It’s been slow. And to be honest, I’ve been frustrated with myself, because I hold high expectations for myself and I know what I’ve done in the past and what I’m capable of doing. I kind of expected to continue what I was doing in Spain.

“…when I came over here, I expected to be doing more than I’ve been doing. But now I know that this is a tough, tough league and, basically, I’m having to learn everything over again.

“Everything is an adjustment process. Everything that I’ve learned in Europe, I’ve had to rethink because it’s completely different here.

“…I’ve got to take this as a learning year and just keep progressing. And at the end of the day, that’s what this is: a process. I’ve signed a three-year contract and I’ve got time to improve and I’ve got time to learn. And I want to learn. I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing, keep working hard and stay happy. What else can I do?”

Head coach Terry Stotts says that even if it isn’t immediately visible, Freeland is improving, in particular defensively. Read the full article, which is a great read, over at Oregon Live.

What do you think about Joel’s progress so far? Do you see him getting better as the season progresses?

H/T @robscott33
Image Credit: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

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