It didn’t take long for Miami Heat big man Chris Silva to earn respect in the NBA.
In fact, after Silva’s impressive debut against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, Heat legend Udonis Haslem shouted out the rookie on Instagram.
Silva, 23, saw most of his minutes come in the fourth quarter on Wednesday night. In the Heat’s victory over the Grizzlies, 120-101, the power forward put up eight points, six boards and three blocks.
While the 6-foot-8 pro didn’t conduct any flashy plays, he stole the show by playing aggressively, swatting shots and exhibiting toughness on the floor.
Of course, the playing style emulated that of Haslem, who the rookie has already drawn comparisons to. In addition, both Silva and Haslem played under University of South Carolina coach Frank Martin at different points of their careers.