Tyson Etienne stepped onto the court at Barclays Center with just under eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter against the Clippers, the game already decided. But for the 25-year-old guard, the moment carried a lifetime of weight. It was his NBA debut, just across the river from where he grew up.

On a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets, Etienne scored eight points and dished out an assist in 10 minutes of action. The New Jersey native had family in attendance, watching as years of effort, setbacks, and sacrifice materialized into a long-awaited breakthrough.

“Man, honestly, the feeling is indescribable. It’s one of those moments you never forget,” Etienne told RG . “Just a really special moment, something I’m really grateful for — being ready for my number to be called and ready to be on the court with my team.”

Etienne signed his two-way contract on March 4 after a strong season with the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn’s G League affiliate. In 25 games, he averaged 20.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals , shooting 50.6% from the floor and 47.5% from three-point range — good for eighth-best in the G League from deep.

Before Long Island, Etienne spent time with the Hawks organization, including a stint with the College Park Skyhawks after going undrafted in 2022. Through that journey, he developed a deep appreciation for the consistency and discipline required to break through.

“I think it’s really about what it takes to be successful at this level. It’s a lot of hard work and being consistent with that work,” Etienne said.

“I’ve seen that from different players I’ve played with and coaches I’ve learned from. I try to absorb everything from every aspect and just put it together in how I approach the game.”

Etienne began playing high school basketball at Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, New Jersey, before transferring to Long Island Lutheran in Brookville, New York. He later played a postgraduate year at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, helping the program reach the National Prep Championship semifinals. He committed to Wichita State as a four-star recruit, choosing the Shockers over offers from Auburn, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Seton Hall, St. John’s, and VCU.

At Wichita State, Etienne emerged as one of the top guards in the American Athletic Conference. As a sophomore, he averaged 16.3 points and was named AAC Co-Player of the Year. He followed that with 14.9 points per game as a junior, earning Third Team All-AAC honors before declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft .

“Going to Wichita, being from New York City, it’s just a different pace,” Etienne said. “But they welcomed me with open arms. I learned and developed a lot as a player and as a man while I was there. I was really able to be welcomed by a city and by a community that loves basketball. Being a part of a team like that — something I’m really grateful for — I’ll never forget.”

Locked In and Learning: NBA Grind

Etienne originally signed with Brooklyn in September 2024 for training camp, but was waived the next day. He rejoined Long Island, betting on himself, and let his play do the rest. The call-up came months later.

“A lot of gratitude. This journey that I’ve been on has come with a lot of ups and downs. I’ve been putting a lot of work in for a long time,” Etienne told RG . “Just to get that call — and for it to be where I’m from, New York — I’m just really grateful and excited to be a part of the team.”

Etienne’s current routine reflects the intentional habits of a player focused on staying ready — and getting better. Shooting is his foundation, but his preparation touches all areas of development.

His work has been guided by a Nets staff he says has embraced him fully. He singled out assistant coach Dutch Gaitley, his position coach, as a constant voice throughout his G League and NBA journey.

“Everyone’s done a great job of bringing me in, welcoming me, and giving me the tips of the trade to be successful,” Etienne said. “Dutch is my position coach. He’s been great with me when I was with Long Island and now that I’m with Brooklyn full-time. Really, everybody’s helping me. The whole staff, the whole organization does a great job with development.”

When reflecting on his journey, Etienne also credits veteran players — both past and present — for helping him shape his approach.

“ Trae [Young ], Dejounte [Murray], Bogey [Bogdan Bogdanović], Moe Harkless, Chris Silva — those are a bunch of guys I was in Atlanta with who taught me,” Etienne told RG . “And being up here with guys like DLo [D’Angelo Russell], CJ [Cam Johnson]… Kyrie [Irving] , obviously he’s not on our team, but I was working with him in the offseason. So just guys I’ve been able to learn from and continue to build my game.”

Etienne is proud of his NBA debut, but he remains focused on what comes next — staying ready for the next call and proving that he belongs in the league he’s chased for years.

“It’s just a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, you know? A lot of sacrifices, but things I wanted to do,” Etienne said. “This is the game I love to play. I want to play at the highest level possible.”