Being a rookie in the NBA comes with an incredible amount of pressure. There are expectations that can't be avoided. And the higher the player goes in the draft, the worse it is. Plus, getting into the rotation is difficult to say the least. There's always a battle for minutes.
A good mentor can mean everything for a rookie. Finding someone who has been in the league for a minute or two who's willing to help a young player find their way is a big deal. Someone who's been there before, offering guidance, can make all the difference in the world.