“My mom been shot, my dad been shot, my grandma been shot” – LeBron James’ CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING teammate explains how gun violence shaped his confidence

Dion Waiters, in a recent interview, opens up about how he grew up with violence all around him.

“My mom been shot, my dad been shot, my grandma been shot” – LeBron James’ CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING teammate explains how gun violence shaped his confidence

LeBron James and Dion Waiters in the Cavs jersey (Image via Getty Images)

Dion Waiters has surely been in the news for a long time ever since he took a 3-year hiatus from the NBA due to mental health reasons. Recently, Waiters talked at many places about how his mental health affected his will to live. This long-forgotten player is eyeing a comeback as he recently concluded a private workout for some scouts.

In a conversation with Dan Le Batard on the LeBatard show, Dion Waiters opened up about where his confidence stems from and how he has such resilience built within himself “My irrational confidence comes from real-life situations like just growing up in the city of Philadelphia. I had to be tough. I had to have confidence. I couldn’t lack that because I’d get taken advantage of…In the city, I’ve seen a lot of stuff.”

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He continued, “In the city, I’ve seen a lot of stuff. My mom been shot, my dad been shot, my grandma been shot, I lost my best friend to gun violence, I lost three cousins…I had to grow up fast.” Philadelphia is no haven as it ranks 7th in the top 10 homicide cities in America. He talked about how going through all of this in Philadelphia built a sense of confidence within him and it led to him being fearless both on and off the court. “I’ve survived real-life situations that nobody can even think of.”

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Also Read: Former Lakers star SHOCKINGLY admits having suicidal thoughts after winning NBA title

What is Dion Waiters up to these days? Is he eyeing a comeback in the NBA?

Dion Waiters for the Cavs
Dion Waiters for the Cavs (Image via David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)

There have been rumors about him returning to the NBA as he did some private workout sessions in the recent past. The No. 4 overall pick from the 2012 draft was nowhere to be seen after his last season in 2019-20, when until recently he started doing interviews again, gaining the much-needed spotlight needed to make a comeback in the NBA. He hinted about it in multiple talks and even talked about the reasons for his sabbatical, ranging from anxiety to suicidal thoughts to depression.

“The shootings, the killings and all that. My story is dark. I feel like, if I had a therapist, my career would’ve been 10 times better. Plus, I feel so much better because I’m not holding anything in. You can exhale,” said Dion in an interview with Chris B. Haynes. This was said mostly because he doesn’t want any speculations and rumors going around as to why he missed those years from the NBA. He wants to set the record set.

As Waiters eyes a comeback in the NBA, it is hard to figure out whether teams will take an interest in a player who has not played professional basketball in the recent years. Regardless of whether he does get to play or not, he sure has transformed and made himself a better person. From frequent suspensions due to irresponsible behavior to talking with confidence and rationality, he has come a long way.

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