Davis Bertans has risen to prominence seemingly overnight, and he thinks that his dietary habits deserve a lot of credit.
In a feature by Candace Buckner of The Washington Post this week, the Washington Wizards forward discussed cutting animal products and processed food out of his diet.
“After I cut it, my body was feeling so much better,” said Bertans. “I’m quicker, faster than everybody else in my position, and that’s what I try to use. I can run from one side to the other side. I’m probably covering more ground this way, sideways on the court, than up and down. It’s tough on defense. I’ve heard defenders complain to me in the game, ‘Can you stop for a second?’”
The 27-year-old Bertans had been vegan for the last several years but added fish to his diet last summer, in part because he says the NBA travel lifestyle can be difficult for a vegan. The Latvian native also believes he has become one of the league’s marquee sharpshooters by staying vigilant about his diet.
It is hard to argue with the results — after posting 6.2 points per game on 40.4 percent from deep in his first three NBA seasons, Bertans has skyrocketed to 15.3 points per game on 43.4 percent from deep despite taking over twice as many three-point attempts.
The former San Antonio Spur is drawing significant interest from contenders ahead of the February trade deadline, and if that interest materializes into a championship for Bertans this year, the pescatarian lifestyle may be to thank.
