Miles Plumlee has said that he is used to having to work for his place on the team.
The 2012 first-round draft pick was traded to the Phoenix Suns in July, after playing just 55 minutes for the Indiana Pacers during his rookie season.
The 25-year-old told the team's website: "I had to work really hard [in college]. I wasn't the only big guy. I didn't get a whole lot of minutes [at first]. It was a competition all four years. That's really all I know, and I think that's the path that will make me the best player I can be.
"A lot of it was just being with the Pacers for a year, learning the system. My confidence is just higher. I've improved as a player for sure, but a lot of it was just going out there and being the aggressor and not worrying about making mistakes.
"I haven't gotten a whole lot of one-on-one time with big guys that have actually played in the league. I think that's just something that can only be taught, the little subtleties of the game, from a big guys' perspective. Already this past week I think I've made big strides."
Plumlee also spent time with the Pacers' D-League team last season.
Sian Cowper
