LOS ANGELES — It’s a dream most young athletes have growing up — making it far enough to play in the league. But the chances are slim in the NBA and few actually get the opportunity to play basketball professionally.
One Inland Empire hooper is beating the odds. Malik Fitts was born in Los Angeles and raised in the Inland Empire. Now he's fighting for a permanent spot on the Clippers' roster.
From the moment he picked up a basketball at the age of 4, Fitts has been working relentlessly to get to where he is today. Chasing his dreams in a pandemic means he can’t even play basketball at an outdoor court without something getting in the way.
The rims are blocked, but Fitts is no stranger to barriers. In fact, he’s been pushing past obstacles all his life.
"I would say it’s been a real tough journey, just going to play basketball and just not being one of those guys that a lot of people know or really talk about," he said. "So I had to really fight hard get to where I’m at today.”
Today, he’s officially signed with the Clippers' G-League still has a lot to prove. He went from fighting for a scholarship in college to fighting for a spot in the league during a year unlike any other.
Typically, the NBA would start its summer league in July, then training camp in September and preseason in October. This gives the new guys like Malik a chance to earn a permanent spot on the roster.
But in the year of COVID-19, everything has been expedited. There was no summer league, and his training camp was just one week before their first preseason game against the Lakers.
“It’s still pretty new to me. I mean, just because I watched a lot of these guys, some of these guys being a couple of my favorite players I watched growing up," Fitts said.
He refers to guys like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George — superstars in the NBA, but also teammates the 23-year-old said he knows he now belongs next to.
It’s been a long time coming. Fitts was born in L.A. and grew up in the Inland Empire, moving several times through childhood and even after college at St. Mary’s in the Bay Area. He’s a pastor’s kid, raised on the importance of working hard and giving back.
These are arguably some of the most important days of Fitts' life, yet still he found time to plan his first toy drive at his dad’s church in South Central on Sunday, December 20.
“I grew up at that church," said Fitts. "I was there pretty much my whole life. That area hasn’t been known as fortunate, but being able to give back is always a good feeling.”
Fitts said he wouldn’t be where he’s at now without his family: his brother DeAntwan and three other siblings. He feels the support of his community as well and said he’s grateful for the opportunity to carry out his dreams right here at home.
“I’ve always had dreams of playing in the NBA and getting the opportunity to do it now," he said. "I’m just really looking forward to the future, and I’m just ready to be one of the greats."
Confident, but humble, excited and ready — Fitts has turned doubt into determination and is now paving the way for the next hometown kid with big dreams just like his.
“No matter what, always just keep the grind," he said. "You just want to go somewhere that you’re wanted, and somewhere that you feel welcome. Somewhere you feel comfortable — just stay working.”