76ers guard Maalik Wayns undeterred by benching

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Maalik Wayns remains positive despite not finding his way off the bench for most of the season thus far. Wayns impressed the Sixers as an undrafted rookie out of Villanova in the preseason, but has been unable to crack the lineup through the first 11 games of the season.

Wayns understands that he has to be patient and his time will come. "This is all part of the NBA," Wayns said. Rather than getting down about playing time, he remains upbeat about improving in practice and learning from the players around him. Wayns said he feels blessed to be on the 76ers and thinks he can build a future for himself in the NBA.

"If you come early, stay late, keep a good attitude, be a good teammate, you can have a successful career in this league," said Wayns. He added that he knows there is a place for role players and he will keep working hard to improve as much as he can.

Wayns has only appeared in five games this season, playing just 21 total minutes.