Heat arrive in China for preseason games
MIAMI (AP) – LeBron James is visiting China for the ninth time, which makes him one of the resident Miami Heat experts about the world's most populous nation.
Specifically, the food choices there.
"If anyone comes back with any body fat from this trip, then I don't know what they were doing on their free time," said James, the NBA's MVP.
So maybe it's fortunate that the coming week won't exactly include a ton of free time for the Heat, who arrived in Beijing on Monday night (Tuesday in Manila) for a weeklong trip. The reigning league champions play the Los Angeles Clippers twice during the NBA China Games, starting in Beijing on Thursday (Friday) and then again Sunday (Monday) in Shanghai.
"Should be fun," James said. "It's a very long trip to be bonding together, but we're going to use it and not waste an opportunity."
The itinerary is hectic, with VIP receptions, a trip to the Great Wall of China and other excursions planned. The Heat are trying to ensure that players and personnel have time to experience some elements of Chinese culture on their own.
"You only have these type of opportunities so often," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "You want to take advantage of it. This is the preseason. We understand the big picture. It's a great program that the NBA runs when you have an opportunity to play overseas. Our last trip was tremendous when we went to Europe. Great team-building, and you get to see another part of the world and do it together."
The Heat played games in France and England during the 2008 preseason against the Nets, who then called New Jersey home.
Miami left on Saturday (Sunday) for Atlanta, played the Hawks there in the preseason opener for both teams on Sunday afternoon, then boarded a charter for the flight to Beijing, one that lasted a little more than 14 hours. The Heat landed around 9:30 p.m. local time.
Heat guard Mario Chalmers remembered to turn his phone's international plans on before leaving the US. Apparently, he forgot to account for the time difference halfway around the world – tweeting that he slept for about 11 hours on the plane, meaning he was rested and refreshed around what would have figured to be bedtime in China.
"I ain't gettin no sleep tonight," Chalmers wrote.
Which means he may be a bit groggy Tuesday morning (Wednesday in Manila), when the Heat are scheduled to hold their first practice in China. The team has set aside about six hours for a trip to the Great Wall later in the day.
"We're looking forward to the opportunity," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "I think as an organization, as players individually, once we get over there it will be a great opportunity to continue to grow our game."
Wade did not play in Atlanta on Sunday (Monday) as he continues recovering from offseason knee surgery. He is hopeful of playing at least once in China, and went for a late-night workout after the plane landed Monday night (Tuesday morning). He remembers what those Nets-Heat games were like in Europe four years ago, and said the element of facing the same team twice in the span of a few days helps raise the competitive bar a bit, even in an exhibition.
"The second one was a little bit more of a grind-out game, where you really wanted to win," Wade said. "The first game will be fun and will give the fans a show. The second one's going to be a little more intense. Guys will want to get at it and try to win. No doubt, you need some competitive situations. You need to be pushed, you need to feel fatigued, all those things."
The NBA allows teams that are traveling internationally during the preseason to open camp a few days earlier than everyone else, which Spoelstra said was helpful.
Sure, it's a logistical challenge, but Spoelstra isn't worried.
"There's a lot of good things about trips like this with the NBA, and that's why we're looking forward to it," Spoelstra said. "If we didn't have this training camp I'd be thinking that this is a tough thing, a lot of distractions and so forth. But we've had a full training camp. Now we get to go away, together, and spend an inordinate amount of time around each other in a place that's a little bit out of our comfort zone. That usually is good for team-building."
Those meals might create a team memory or two as well.
Chinese culinary options can seem unique - even though some on the trip are quick to point out there are American fast-food restaurants all over Beijing. But for those with more adventurous palates, some unusual choices can be had.
"I'm sure we're going to eat some funky meals where we can all say, `Oh, that was nasty,"' said Heat forward Shane Battier, who has endorsed the Chinese shoe brand Peak since 2006. "Those experiences are good. And for guys who have never been to China before, it'll be fun to see their reaction. And those things, I think, can build a team."
Photo above shows, from left, Miami Heat guard Ray Allen, forward LeBron James and forward James Jones walking after finishing NBA basketball practice last week in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
source:nba.com.ph
Specifically, the food choices there.
"If anyone comes back with any body fat from this trip, then I don't know what they were doing on their free time," said James, the NBA's MVP.
So maybe it's fortunate that the coming week won't exactly include a ton of free time for the Heat, who arrived in Beijing on Monday night (Tuesday in Manila) for a weeklong trip. The reigning league champions play the Los Angeles Clippers twice during the NBA China Games, starting in Beijing on Thursday (Friday) and then again Sunday (Monday) in Shanghai.
"Should be fun," James said. "It's a very long trip to be bonding together, but we're going to use it and not waste an opportunity."
The itinerary is hectic, with VIP receptions, a trip to the Great Wall of China and other excursions planned. The Heat are trying to ensure that players and personnel have time to experience some elements of Chinese culture on their own.
"You only have these type of opportunities so often," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "You want to take advantage of it. This is the preseason. We understand the big picture. It's a great program that the NBA runs when you have an opportunity to play overseas. Our last trip was tremendous when we went to Europe. Great team-building, and you get to see another part of the world and do it together."
The Heat played games in France and England during the 2008 preseason against the Nets, who then called New Jersey home.
Miami left on Saturday (Sunday) for Atlanta, played the Hawks there in the preseason opener for both teams on Sunday afternoon, then boarded a charter for the flight to Beijing, one that lasted a little more than 14 hours. The Heat landed around 9:30 p.m. local time.
Heat guard Mario Chalmers remembered to turn his phone's international plans on before leaving the US. Apparently, he forgot to account for the time difference halfway around the world – tweeting that he slept for about 11 hours on the plane, meaning he was rested and refreshed around what would have figured to be bedtime in China.
"I ain't gettin no sleep tonight," Chalmers wrote.
Which means he may be a bit groggy Tuesday morning (Wednesday in Manila), when the Heat are scheduled to hold their first practice in China. The team has set aside about six hours for a trip to the Great Wall later in the day.
"We're looking forward to the opportunity," Heat guard Dwyane Wade said. "I think as an organization, as players individually, once we get over there it will be a great opportunity to continue to grow our game."
Wade did not play in Atlanta on Sunday (Monday) as he continues recovering from offseason knee surgery. He is hopeful of playing at least once in China, and went for a late-night workout after the plane landed Monday night (Tuesday morning). He remembers what those Nets-Heat games were like in Europe four years ago, and said the element of facing the same team twice in the span of a few days helps raise the competitive bar a bit, even in an exhibition.
"The second one was a little bit more of a grind-out game, where you really wanted to win," Wade said. "The first game will be fun and will give the fans a show. The second one's going to be a little more intense. Guys will want to get at it and try to win. No doubt, you need some competitive situations. You need to be pushed, you need to feel fatigued, all those things."
The NBA allows teams that are traveling internationally during the preseason to open camp a few days earlier than everyone else, which Spoelstra said was helpful.
Sure, it's a logistical challenge, but Spoelstra isn't worried.
"There's a lot of good things about trips like this with the NBA, and that's why we're looking forward to it," Spoelstra said. "If we didn't have this training camp I'd be thinking that this is a tough thing, a lot of distractions and so forth. But we've had a full training camp. Now we get to go away, together, and spend an inordinate amount of time around each other in a place that's a little bit out of our comfort zone. That usually is good for team-building."
Those meals might create a team memory or two as well.
Chinese culinary options can seem unique - even though some on the trip are quick to point out there are American fast-food restaurants all over Beijing. But for those with more adventurous palates, some unusual choices can be had.
"I'm sure we're going to eat some funky meals where we can all say, `Oh, that was nasty,"' said Heat forward Shane Battier, who has endorsed the Chinese shoe brand Peak since 2006. "Those experiences are good. And for guys who have never been to China before, it'll be fun to see their reaction. And those things, I think, can build a team."
Photo above shows, from left, Miami Heat guard Ray Allen, forward LeBron James and forward James Jones walking after finishing NBA basketball practice last week in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
source:nba.com.ph
Warriors rout Lakers in exhibition game
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) – David Lee scored 19 points and Klay Thompson added 18 to help the Golden State Warriors beat the Los Angeles Lakers 110-83 on Sunday night (Monday in Manila) in both teams' exhibition opener.
Lee scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds in the third quarter when the Warriors outscored the Lakers 37-10, turning a nine-point halftime deficit into an 86-66 lead.
Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace and Jordan Hill scored 10 points apiece for the Lakers, who were without center Dwight Howard (back). Steve Nash had five points and three assists in his Lakers debut.
None of the Lakers' projected starters played in the second half.
Rookie Harrison Barnes and Carl Landry added 13 points apiece for Golden State. The Warriors were without starters Andrew Bogut (foot) and Stephen Curry (ankle), though both dressed.
Photo above shows Los Angeles Lakers' Steve Nash, right, looking to pass against Golden State Warriors defenders including Jarrett Jack (2) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Fresno, Calif., Sunday (Monday in Manila). (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
source:nba.com
Lee scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds in the third quarter when the Warriors outscored the Lakers 37-10, turning a nine-point halftime deficit into an 86-66 lead.
Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace and Jordan Hill scored 10 points apiece for the Lakers, who were without center Dwight Howard (back). Steve Nash had five points and three assists in his Lakers debut.
None of the Lakers' projected starters played in the second half.
Rookie Harrison Barnes and Carl Landry added 13 points apiece for Golden State. The Warriors were without starters Andrew Bogut (foot) and Stephen Curry (ankle), though both dressed.
Photo above shows Los Angeles Lakers' Steve Nash, right, looking to pass against Golden State Warriors defenders including Jarrett Jack (2) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game in Fresno, Calif., Sunday (Monday in Manila). (AP Photo/Gary Kazanjian)
source:nba.com
Allen welcomed by fans at Heat scrimmage
MIAMI (AP) – Ray Allen drew cheers for the first time in Miami. Someone wearing his old Boston jersey got booed.
Still getting used to things in Miami, Allen went to the wrong end of the court when lining up for the national anthem. But once play began in Miami's open scrimmage Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila), he was right at home, making the first 3-pointer he tried in Heat colors – albeit the practice-jersey variety – and scoring 13 points in his unofficial debut.
Most of the crowd of 11,221 cheered all night, except when two women were spotted in Celtics jerseys, one of them Allen's former No. 20.
"You're supporting the player, so I'm kind of mixed," said Allen, the former Celtics guard who will wear No. 34 in Miami. "I don't know how to feel about it. I think she thought she was with everybody because she was wearing my jersey, but everybody was like, `No, you've got to come in here correct.' It was pretty funny."
Chris Bosh scored a game-high 19 points, LeBron James had 15 and the teams combined to shoot 14-of-42 from 3-point range. The Red team beat the White team 69-56, which couldn't have been more irrelevant because many players switched jerseys during the scrimmage.
"We are excited to get this thing started again," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told the crowd.
It starts for real on Oct. 30, when the Heat will raise a second championship banner and get their rings, then open the season against Boston. The Celtics are still very much a rival - just ask the two women in Boston jerseys, one Allen's and one Rajon Rondo's, who were booed as they climbed stairs out of the arena.
Allen, however, is now welcomed.
"For a scrimmage to have that type of turnout on a Wednesday night, it just shows the type of support we have here, man," James said. "We give it all to our fans when we go out there. It was definitely surprising to see as many as we had tonight and the support of us, our first showing."
Bringing back memories of how the Heat hit 14 3-pointers in last season's NBA-title-clinching win over Oklahoma City, Miami was busy from the beginning from beyond the arc. The first points of the scrimmage came on a 3-pointer by Shane Battier; the next three were from Allen, who took a pass from fellow Miami newcomer Rashard Lewis and connected from the left corner, immediately in front of the Heat bench.
"Fitting," James said.
Heat owner Micky Arison couldn't contain his smile, nor could Allen. Of the 17 players who got minutes, 11 tried at least one 3-pointer.
"I like that the ball is moving," Spoelstra said.
Most of the Heat rotation players took part. The exceptions: Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony all sat out to rest ailments for the Heat, who open the preseason Sunday in Atlanta (Monday in Manila) and then fly to China that night for two games next week against the Los Angeles Clippers.
"I'm getting better every day. .... I decided not to go today, but I'm OK," Wade said.
While much of the night was about the fans - tickets were free, and players made their way down to the court through the stands, slapping high-fives along the way - there still was business for the Heat to address. Team president Pat Riley sat at Arison's table, occasionally scribbling notes, while Spoelstra and assistant Ron Rothstein sat on the other side to study the proceedings. Assistants Keith Askins and David Fizdale did the coaching from the benches.
All the attention wasn't always on what was happening on the floor, however.
The women in Boston attire created stirs in the stands at least twice - "Will all Celtics fans please exit the building?" Wade asked at one point, grabbing a courtside microphone as he and James spotted the commotion – and another man was booed for waving a Kobe Bryant jersey at the crowd.
"I'm curious how much more we get of that throughout the year," Allen said.
Photo above shows Miami Heat guard Ray Allen stretching out during NBA basketball training camp, Tuesday in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
source:nba.com.ph
Still getting used to things in Miami, Allen went to the wrong end of the court when lining up for the national anthem. But once play began in Miami's open scrimmage Wednesday night (Thursday morning in Manila), he was right at home, making the first 3-pointer he tried in Heat colors – albeit the practice-jersey variety – and scoring 13 points in his unofficial debut.
Most of the crowd of 11,221 cheered all night, except when two women were spotted in Celtics jerseys, one of them Allen's former No. 20.
"You're supporting the player, so I'm kind of mixed," said Allen, the former Celtics guard who will wear No. 34 in Miami. "I don't know how to feel about it. I think she thought she was with everybody because she was wearing my jersey, but everybody was like, `No, you've got to come in here correct.' It was pretty funny."
Chris Bosh scored a game-high 19 points, LeBron James had 15 and the teams combined to shoot 14-of-42 from 3-point range. The Red team beat the White team 69-56, which couldn't have been more irrelevant because many players switched jerseys during the scrimmage.
"We are excited to get this thing started again," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told the crowd.
It starts for real on Oct. 30, when the Heat will raise a second championship banner and get their rings, then open the season against Boston. The Celtics are still very much a rival - just ask the two women in Boston jerseys, one Allen's and one Rajon Rondo's, who were booed as they climbed stairs out of the arena.
Allen, however, is now welcomed.
"For a scrimmage to have that type of turnout on a Wednesday night, it just shows the type of support we have here, man," James said. "We give it all to our fans when we go out there. It was definitely surprising to see as many as we had tonight and the support of us, our first showing."
Bringing back memories of how the Heat hit 14 3-pointers in last season's NBA-title-clinching win over Oklahoma City, Miami was busy from the beginning from beyond the arc. The first points of the scrimmage came on a 3-pointer by Shane Battier; the next three were from Allen, who took a pass from fellow Miami newcomer Rashard Lewis and connected from the left corner, immediately in front of the Heat bench.
"Fitting," James said.
Heat owner Micky Arison couldn't contain his smile, nor could Allen. Of the 17 players who got minutes, 11 tried at least one 3-pointer.
"I like that the ball is moving," Spoelstra said.
Most of the Heat rotation players took part. The exceptions: Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers and Joel Anthony all sat out to rest ailments for the Heat, who open the preseason Sunday in Atlanta (Monday in Manila) and then fly to China that night for two games next week against the Los Angeles Clippers.
"I'm getting better every day. .... I decided not to go today, but I'm OK," Wade said.
While much of the night was about the fans - tickets were free, and players made their way down to the court through the stands, slapping high-fives along the way - there still was business for the Heat to address. Team president Pat Riley sat at Arison's table, occasionally scribbling notes, while Spoelstra and assistant Ron Rothstein sat on the other side to study the proceedings. Assistants Keith Askins and David Fizdale did the coaching from the benches.
All the attention wasn't always on what was happening on the floor, however.
The women in Boston attire created stirs in the stands at least twice - "Will all Celtics fans please exit the building?" Wade asked at one point, grabbing a courtside microphone as he and James spotted the commotion – and another man was booed for waving a Kobe Bryant jersey at the crowd.
"I'm curious how much more we get of that throughout the year," Allen said.
Photo above shows Miami Heat guard Ray Allen stretching out during NBA basketball training camp, Tuesday in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
source:nba.com.ph
Dwight Howard participates in Lakers' 1st practice
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) – Dwight Howard participated in his first practice with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila), going through a lengthy workout with no apparent concerns about his surgically repaired back.
Howard worked out with the Lakers' new starting five during much of the afternoon practice at the Lakers' training complex, running offensive drills with Steve Nash and playing a little 1-on-1 against Pau Gasol. After finishing up the workout with drills in the Lakers' new Princeton-inflected offense, he got a few quick pointers from Kobe Bryant.
Howard's performance was encouraging to the Lakers, who are being careful with their new franchise center five months after surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back.
''I didn't surprise myself,'' Howard said. ''I've been working hard to get on the court. I want to continue to work hard, (and) we haven't had any setbacks, so I want to continue to do whatever I can to get on the court.''
The six-time All-Star center hasn't committed to any timetable for his debut with the Lakers, who acquired him in a four-team trade in August. The Lakers already have announced Howard won't play in their first preseason game in Fresno against Golden State on Sunday night (Monday morning in Manila), but Howard sounds determined to suit up with his teammates at some point before the regular season opener Oct. 30 against Dallas.
''Hopefully I'll be back for some preseason games,'' Howard said. ''I think we're going to need it for chemistry and all that stuff, but like I said, I'm not going to rush. I'm going to continue to practice. We've had some great practices. Today was really good, so I'm happy.''
The Lakers' second exhibition is in Ontario, Calif., on Oct. 10 against Portland.
Howard has been working out six days a week at the Lakers' training complex to prepare for the season under the watch of the club's medical staff and his own team.
The results are promising to his teammates, who were impressed by Howard's fitness in his first team action. Howard participated in three-on-three, two-on-two and one-on-one drills with the Lakers, who didn't run any drills with serious contact or 5-on-5 scrimmages.
''He worked just as much as anybody else, so that was good,'' Gasol said. ''I didn't expect that to happen today. ... He's a great player, a tremendous force, and it feels good to have him here.''
Howard knows the Lakers have plenty of work to do if they hope to grasp the new offensive concepts being installed by veteran assistant coach Eddie Jordan. Bryant, who already sees Howard picking up the offense, is grateful to see evidence of Howard's work ethic in his first day.
''It was very beneficial,'' Bryant said. ''Even though he can't really do anything that's contact-related, he's still able to go through all the drills offensively, and the schemes we want to do, and kind of work through the Princeton offense, so it was very productive.''
Photo above shows Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard speaking to reporters during their NBA basketball media day at the team's headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Monday (Tuesday in Manila). (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
source:nba.com
Howard worked out with the Lakers' new starting five during much of the afternoon practice at the Lakers' training complex, running offensive drills with Steve Nash and playing a little 1-on-1 against Pau Gasol. After finishing up the workout with drills in the Lakers' new Princeton-inflected offense, he got a few quick pointers from Kobe Bryant.
Howard's performance was encouraging to the Lakers, who are being careful with their new franchise center five months after surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back.
''I didn't surprise myself,'' Howard said. ''I've been working hard to get on the court. I want to continue to work hard, (and) we haven't had any setbacks, so I want to continue to do whatever I can to get on the court.''
The six-time All-Star center hasn't committed to any timetable for his debut with the Lakers, who acquired him in a four-team trade in August. The Lakers already have announced Howard won't play in their first preseason game in Fresno against Golden State on Sunday night (Monday morning in Manila), but Howard sounds determined to suit up with his teammates at some point before the regular season opener Oct. 30 against Dallas.
''Hopefully I'll be back for some preseason games,'' Howard said. ''I think we're going to need it for chemistry and all that stuff, but like I said, I'm not going to rush. I'm going to continue to practice. We've had some great practices. Today was really good, so I'm happy.''
The Lakers' second exhibition is in Ontario, Calif., on Oct. 10 against Portland.
Howard has been working out six days a week at the Lakers' training complex to prepare for the season under the watch of the club's medical staff and his own team.
The results are promising to his teammates, who were impressed by Howard's fitness in his first team action. Howard participated in three-on-three, two-on-two and one-on-one drills with the Lakers, who didn't run any drills with serious contact or 5-on-5 scrimmages.
''He worked just as much as anybody else, so that was good,'' Gasol said. ''I didn't expect that to happen today. ... He's a great player, a tremendous force, and it feels good to have him here.''
Howard knows the Lakers have plenty of work to do if they hope to grasp the new offensive concepts being installed by veteran assistant coach Eddie Jordan. Bryant, who already sees Howard picking up the offense, is grateful to see evidence of Howard's work ethic in his first day.
''It was very beneficial,'' Bryant said. ''Even though he can't really do anything that's contact-related, he's still able to go through all the drills offensively, and the schemes we want to do, and kind of work through the Princeton offense, so it was very productive.''
Photo above shows Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard speaking to reporters during their NBA basketball media day at the team's headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Monday (Tuesday in Manila). (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
source:nba.com
Grizzlies' Gay motivated by Olympic snub
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Rudy Gay will remember being cut from the US men's Olympic basketball team for the rest of his career.
The Memphis Grizzlies forward described the news he got in early July as tough to hear when US coach Mike Krzyzewski told Gay he wouldn't be playing on the team at the London Olympics.
"They can word it however they want. Being left off, being cut, whatever," Gay said. "I feel like that's one of the things I can keep in my mind to make me move on."
Memphis fans certainly understand the motivation because they have high expectations for Gay, who enters his seventh season. He's been with the Grizzlies the longest – since they traded Shane Battier for his draft rights in 2006 out of Connecticut. He was a member of the NBA's All-Rookie team that season and helped the United States win gold at the 2010 World Championships.
The Grizzlies signed him to a maximum deal in July 2010, and he partially dislocated his left shoulder in February 2011. He tried to recover, but had season-ending surgery in March. That kept him out of Memphis' amazing playoff run, where they knocked off top-seeded San Antonio and pushed Oklahoma City to seven games in the Western Conference semifinals.
Gay led the Grizzlies in the lockout-shortened season with an average of 19 points, and was their top scorer in a disappointing seven-game playoff loss to the Clippers. But in that series, Gay also averaged three turnovers per game and shot a dismal 21.1 percent from 3-point range.
That pushed him to spend the summer working to get better.
"I feel like I've gotten older and gotten smarter as a player. Watched a lot of tape to try to figure out what holes I have in my game and try to fix that," Gay said. "It's hard."
Gay also added some weight, reporting for training camp at 248 pounds. He says he's ready to play power forward if needed, though coach Lionel Hollins said the weight will drop off once they hit the court twice a day. But Gay said he also worked on trying to be consistent -- whether knocking down shots or coming off pick and rolls.
"I think I can give so much more, whether that's defense or offense," Gay said. "I feel like I can give so much more and I will."
During the offseason, Gay's name was mentioned repeatedly as being up for trade. Teams called, but the Grizzlies were not interested. General manager Chris Wallace said Gay kept the Grizzlies afloat with key shots during his first playoff series with the Clippers. Trying to replace what he calls a "big-time offensive player" would be difficult.
"Also, we're in a window right now with this team," Wallace said. "There were some critics ... Rudy's been in the league six years and still is just in his mid-20s. I think he's got unlimited upside. We're very, very excited about what he's going to do. He came into the league so young, and I don't think he's finished growing as a player by any stretch."
Gay certainly heard all the speculation and added that to the pile for more motivation, whether working in the weight room, on the court or in pickup games.
Now the Grizzlies have Gay in training camp with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, who give Memphis the league's best scoring duo in the paint. Randolph said they will put things together and prove people wrong.
"People don't understand him and me haven't really been on the court as much together a lot through the injuries," Randolph said. "We've got to play good together. Me and Marc are probably the two best playing together big men in the league and Rudy, too. I don't understand. There's always going to be something."
The Grizzlies have built up their depth enough that Hollins just wants his players to play to their talent. With Gay, that means making plays and more.
"He has the ability to rebound," Hollins said. "He has the ability to defend and defend the best player on the court every night. That's what we need him to do to win. That's what I expect him to do."
Photo above shows Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay running sprints during NBA basketball practice on Tuesday in Memphis, Tenn. (Wednesday in Manila). (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
source:nbaphilippines.com
The Memphis Grizzlies forward described the news he got in early July as tough to hear when US coach Mike Krzyzewski told Gay he wouldn't be playing on the team at the London Olympics.
"They can word it however they want. Being left off, being cut, whatever," Gay said. "I feel like that's one of the things I can keep in my mind to make me move on."
Memphis fans certainly understand the motivation because they have high expectations for Gay, who enters his seventh season. He's been with the Grizzlies the longest – since they traded Shane Battier for his draft rights in 2006 out of Connecticut. He was a member of the NBA's All-Rookie team that season and helped the United States win gold at the 2010 World Championships.
The Grizzlies signed him to a maximum deal in July 2010, and he partially dislocated his left shoulder in February 2011. He tried to recover, but had season-ending surgery in March. That kept him out of Memphis' amazing playoff run, where they knocked off top-seeded San Antonio and pushed Oklahoma City to seven games in the Western Conference semifinals.
Gay led the Grizzlies in the lockout-shortened season with an average of 19 points, and was their top scorer in a disappointing seven-game playoff loss to the Clippers. But in that series, Gay also averaged three turnovers per game and shot a dismal 21.1 percent from 3-point range.
That pushed him to spend the summer working to get better.
"I feel like I've gotten older and gotten smarter as a player. Watched a lot of tape to try to figure out what holes I have in my game and try to fix that," Gay said. "It's hard."
Gay also added some weight, reporting for training camp at 248 pounds. He says he's ready to play power forward if needed, though coach Lionel Hollins said the weight will drop off once they hit the court twice a day. But Gay said he also worked on trying to be consistent -- whether knocking down shots or coming off pick and rolls.
"I think I can give so much more, whether that's defense or offense," Gay said. "I feel like I can give so much more and I will."
During the offseason, Gay's name was mentioned repeatedly as being up for trade. Teams called, but the Grizzlies were not interested. General manager Chris Wallace said Gay kept the Grizzlies afloat with key shots during his first playoff series with the Clippers. Trying to replace what he calls a "big-time offensive player" would be difficult.
"Also, we're in a window right now with this team," Wallace said. "There were some critics ... Rudy's been in the league six years and still is just in his mid-20s. I think he's got unlimited upside. We're very, very excited about what he's going to do. He came into the league so young, and I don't think he's finished growing as a player by any stretch."
Gay certainly heard all the speculation and added that to the pile for more motivation, whether working in the weight room, on the court or in pickup games.
Now the Grizzlies have Gay in training camp with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, who give Memphis the league's best scoring duo in the paint. Randolph said they will put things together and prove people wrong.
"People don't understand him and me haven't really been on the court as much together a lot through the injuries," Randolph said. "We've got to play good together. Me and Marc are probably the two best playing together big men in the league and Rudy, too. I don't understand. There's always going to be something."
The Grizzlies have built up their depth enough that Hollins just wants his players to play to their talent. With Gay, that means making plays and more.
"He has the ability to rebound," Hollins said. "He has the ability to defend and defend the best player on the court every night. That's what we need him to do to win. That's what I expect him to do."
Photo above shows Memphis Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay running sprints during NBA basketball practice on Tuesday in Memphis, Tenn. (Wednesday in Manila). (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
source:nbaphilippines.com
Kevin Love: 'I have faith in this team'
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – When last season ended, Kevin Love didn't hide the fact that he expected big changes to occur this offseason to upgrade the talent around one of the NBA's rising stars.
Now that he's returned to Minnesota with a gold medal around his neck and seen the new faces that Timberwolves president David Kahn brought in this summer to add some much-needed experience to one of the youngest teams in the league, Love can't wait to get to work.
“I have faith in this team,” Love said on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila). “I have faith in what we've done this offseason.”
The Wolves signed shooting guard Brandon Roy, forward Andrei Kirilenko, big men Greg Stiemsma and Lou Amundson and Russian guard Alexey Shved in addition to trading for hard-nosed Memphis forward Dante Cunningham. The massive makeover adds maturity, grit and, if Roy's knees hold up, some fourth-quarter playmaking to a team that desperately needed all of those things.
The Wolves also jettisoned Darko Milicic, Anthony Randolph and Michael Beasley in an effort to inject some more professionalism and commitment to a locker room that Love thought didn't take the games seriously enough.
One of the biggest things that stood out to Love in his run with Team USA at the London Olympics was the mentality that superstars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant took in every practice and every game. As the tournament wore on, Love's role with the team steadily increased until he became one of coach Mike Krzyzewski's most trusted players. Love was on the court in the fourth quarter of close games, including the gold medal win over Spain, something that has him brimming with confidence as he prepares to enter his fifth season in the league.
“'It was a tremendous summer for me, and a tremendous summer for our team,'' Love said. ''I think heading forward, there are a number of guys that will help us, especially in relation to last year. There are a lot of guys that will help us and help our locker room.”
Love averaged 26 points and 13.3 rebounds per game for the Wolves last season, cementing himself as the game's best power forward. He starts a new four-year, $60 million contract this season and it was no secret that Love was unhappy when the Wolves declined to give him a five-year max deal in January. The team can only use the five-year deal once, and Kahn wanted to save it to give him the most flexibility possible going forward.
Love's displeasure caused Wolves fans to worry that he would opt out in three years and sign with another team, but he said Tuesday the moves made in the offseason have him excited for what the future holds in Minnesota.
''We've definitely added value to this team,'' Love said. ''I think the locker room is really going to be great and I think the players we have on this team can make an immediate impact.''
Now the next step he wants to take is the playoffs. He was the only member of Team USA, aside from rookie Anthony Davis, who has not played in a playoff game in his career and he has already said that he fully expects that to change this season.
The Timberwolves? In the playoffs? It hasn't happened since 2004, but with Love, Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic surrounded by the revamped roster, Love can't understand why anyone would criticize him for setting that goal.
“Why wouldn't I say that? Why wouldn't I come out and say positive reinforcement?” Love said. “Look at the players we have and the success we had before we fought that battle of attrition and had four or five players hurt.”
The Wolves were in position to make the playoffs in March of last year before Rubio went down with a torn ACL and Beasley, Pekovic, JJ Barea and Luke Ridnour also battled numerous injuries.
Rubio has started running and hopes to return sometime in December, and Love, who starts the first season of a four-year, $60 million extension, thinks the Wolves are finally ready to make this run.
''I really think we have a great shot to make the playoffs,'' Love said. ''If anyone else says otherwise, I think we have to go out there and prove what we're made of.''
Now that he's returned to Minnesota with a gold medal around his neck and seen the new faces that Timberwolves president David Kahn brought in this summer to add some much-needed experience to one of the youngest teams in the league, Love can't wait to get to work.
“I have faith in this team,” Love said on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila). “I have faith in what we've done this offseason.”
The Wolves signed shooting guard Brandon Roy, forward Andrei Kirilenko, big men Greg Stiemsma and Lou Amundson and Russian guard Alexey Shved in addition to trading for hard-nosed Memphis forward Dante Cunningham. The massive makeover adds maturity, grit and, if Roy's knees hold up, some fourth-quarter playmaking to a team that desperately needed all of those things.
The Wolves also jettisoned Darko Milicic, Anthony Randolph and Michael Beasley in an effort to inject some more professionalism and commitment to a locker room that Love thought didn't take the games seriously enough.
One of the biggest things that stood out to Love in his run with Team USA at the London Olympics was the mentality that superstars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant took in every practice and every game. As the tournament wore on, Love's role with the team steadily increased until he became one of coach Mike Krzyzewski's most trusted players. Love was on the court in the fourth quarter of close games, including the gold medal win over Spain, something that has him brimming with confidence as he prepares to enter his fifth season in the league.
“'It was a tremendous summer for me, and a tremendous summer for our team,'' Love said. ''I think heading forward, there are a number of guys that will help us, especially in relation to last year. There are a lot of guys that will help us and help our locker room.”
Love averaged 26 points and 13.3 rebounds per game for the Wolves last season, cementing himself as the game's best power forward. He starts a new four-year, $60 million contract this season and it was no secret that Love was unhappy when the Wolves declined to give him a five-year max deal in January. The team can only use the five-year deal once, and Kahn wanted to save it to give him the most flexibility possible going forward.
Love's displeasure caused Wolves fans to worry that he would opt out in three years and sign with another team, but he said Tuesday the moves made in the offseason have him excited for what the future holds in Minnesota.
''We've definitely added value to this team,'' Love said. ''I think the locker room is really going to be great and I think the players we have on this team can make an immediate impact.''
Now the next step he wants to take is the playoffs. He was the only member of Team USA, aside from rookie Anthony Davis, who has not played in a playoff game in his career and he has already said that he fully expects that to change this season.
The Timberwolves? In the playoffs? It hasn't happened since 2004, but with Love, Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic surrounded by the revamped roster, Love can't understand why anyone would criticize him for setting that goal.
“Why wouldn't I say that? Why wouldn't I come out and say positive reinforcement?” Love said. “Look at the players we have and the success we had before we fought that battle of attrition and had four or five players hurt.”
The Wolves were in position to make the playoffs in March of last year before Rubio went down with a torn ACL and Beasley, Pekovic, JJ Barea and Luke Ridnour also battled numerous injuries.
Rubio has started running and hopes to return sometime in December, and Love, who starts the first season of a four-year, $60 million extension, thinks the Wolves are finally ready to make this run.
''I really think we have a great shot to make the playoffs,'' Love said. ''If anyone else says otherwise, I think we have to go out there and prove what we're made of.''
New Orleans Hornets work out Japeth Aguilar
New Orleans Hornets work out Japeth Aguilar
By Alder Almo, posted in philstar.com on Sept. 24, 2012
MANILA, Philippines – Japeth Aguilar continued to make rounds in the NBA, trying his luck with the New Orleans Hornets this time.
Hoopshype.com reported yesterday that Aguilar’s US-based agent Chris McGarry told the popular basketball website that the Hornets are working out the Filipino forward.
Joseph Pimentel of the Asian Journal and Los Angeles correspondent of ABS-CBN North America, who has been following Aguilar’s NBA saga, confirmed the report by posting photos of Aguilar working out with the Hornets on his twitter account.
source: NBAphilippinescom
MANILA, Philippines – Japeth Aguilar continued to make rounds in the NBA, trying his luck with the New Orleans Hornets this time.
Hoopshype.com reported yesterday that Aguilar’s US-based agent Chris McGarry told the popular basketball website that the Hornets are working out the Filipino forward.
Joseph Pimentel of the Asian Journal and Los Angeles correspondent of ABS-CBN North America, who has been following Aguilar’s NBA saga, confirmed the report by posting photos of Aguilar working out with the Hornets on his twitter account.
source: NBAphilippinescom
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