The Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Jeff Caplan) reports: Rick Carlisle is promising a motion-oriented scheme in the half-court that should allow Jason Kidd to handle the basketball and use his vision and quick wrist passes to connect with cutters. The Mavs are hopeful that a new offensive approach will also better integrate Josh Howard, the team’s most athletic and best slashing forward, into the offensive flow. Howard figured to be an easy target for Kidd on the break, but the two never really clicked, and Howard’s production waned in the final two months. Only Dirk Nowitzki, and in spurts center Erick Dampier, seemed to consistently benefit from Kidd’s arrival.
Month: September 2008
Kevin Martin and his personal coach
The Sacramento Bee (Sam Amick) reports on Kings player Kevin Martin and his individual coach David Thorpe: As NBA salaries have skyrocketed over the past 20 years, more players have hired individual coaches. The salary cap, $6.2 million in the 1987-88 season, was $55.6 million last season, with the average individual salary $5.2 million. Martin is among the many who reflect the change, having signed a five-year, $53 million extension last summer. As a result, most players have embraced a reality that they are each individual corporations, mini-companies who are more willing to invest in their own brand than ever. Thorpe, Martin’s behind-the-curtain coach since the summer after his freshman season at Western Carolina, estimates 10 to 25 percent of NBA players rely on outside consultants/coaches. Some players spend as little as $10,000 in a summer for detailed offseason workouts. Others employ a full-time individual coach who lives in their adopted home city and travels to away games for what often is a low six-figure salary. To varying degrees, the goal is finding a qualified coach who can provide the sort of one-on-one instruction NBA teams often can’t. While Thorpe and Martin declined to discuss the details of their arrangement, it is difficult to argue with the success of their pairing. Thorpe, 43, is a coach who chose the alternative route in his late 20s, opting to train players individually after coaching high school basketball in Florida and turning down offers from the college ranks.
A look at Andris Biedrins
The San Francisco Chronicle (Janny Hu) reports: Andris Biedrins was the youngest player ever drafted by the Warriors when he entered the league as an 18-year-old in 2004. The skinny teenager has since grown into Golden State’s anchor up front, becoming the only young big man to survive -and thrive – in Nellie-ball’s return to Oakland. The 6-foot-11 center nearly averaged a double-double last season with career-highs of 10.5 points and 9.8 rebounds in 27 minutes per game, and he’s looking to increase that production in his fifth NBA season. Biedrins spent the summer playing for the Latvian National Team, leading it to a 4-2 record and a spot in next summer’s Eurobasket 2009 championships. He also led the tournament in rebounding (13.7 rebounds per game), field goal percentage (.653) and double-doubles (six). But the most intriguing stat? Biedrins, known mostly as a defensive stopper and rebounder, averaged 22.3 points per game – third-best behind France’s Tony Parker and Britain’s Luol Deng.
A look at Rodney Stuckey
The Detroit Free Press (Vince Ellis) reports: Detroit Pistons guard Rodney Stuckey missed the first 25 games of his rookie season after suffering a broken left hand in the final exhibition game, but averaged 7.6 points and 2.8 assists during the regular season. He really flashed his potential as a big 6-foot-5 guard in the playoffs. In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Orlando Magic, he replaced an injured Chauncey Billups and led a Pistons’ surge with 19 points, although the team dropped the game. He followed with three double-figure scoring efforts out of six games in the Eastern Conference finals against the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics. He upped his scoring average to 8.2 points per game during the playoffs. His play impressed so much that he was picked to scrimmage against the Olympic team in Las Vegas just before the team departed for its date with a gold medal in Beijing.
Consider how Jerome James is better than LeBron
Let’s count the ways that Jerome James is better than LeBron James:
1) Jerome is taller.
2) Jerome’s name would come first in an alphabetical order listing.
3) Being a Knick, Jerome has more local stores to choose from when buying NY Yankees hats than LeBron does.
4) Jerome is older, and older people are generally wiser than young people.
5) Jerome has five vowels in his name. LeBron only has four. Vowels are a good thing.
I’m sure there are more.
Aaron McKie to be Sixers assistant
The Philadelphia Daily News (Phil Jasner) reports: Aaron McKie is returning to the 76ers as an assistant coach and is expected to be introduced Monday, according to a team source familiar with the situation. McKie’s status apparently was placed on hold when he was arrested in June on charges that he had lied on application forms to purchase a gun in Pennsylvania in April. Brian McMonagle, his attorney, called it “an honest mistake.” McKie received probation in the case.
InsideHoops.com editor says: This reminds me, someone needs to sign Rick Brunson. I know he’s done playing, but still, someone add him to a 10-day contract, just for tradition’s sake.
Quotes from entire Wizards team
Here are some interview quotes from every Washington Wizards player except Gilbert Arenas, from the team’s media day today:
WIZARDS FORWARD ANTAWN JAMISON
On the Wizards:
“This team is going to do whatever it takes to make sure that we win games. I think now we need more of our young players to step up. I think if they can contribute, then we should be alright. We definitely need somebody to pick up those points that we’re missing from Gilbert, but we still have two NBA All-Stars that are going to go out there and get it done.”
On training camp:
“I think there is something different with this training camp. We actually need this in order to really get it going because we were left with a bad taste in our mouth after losing in the first round of the playoffs. We need a lot of guys to get the reps in, understand their role and get some playing time because once the season starts we need to be clicking on all cylinders. We can’t afford for things to take a week or two to get going. We have to be playing pretty good basketball when the season gets started.”
WIZARDS FORWARD CARON BUTLER
On training camp:
“We’ve been working out here for the last month, and we’ve got the same corps together with some new additions, so I’m anxious to get this thing going. I’m feeling really good physically. I just can’t wait for the season to start.”
On the off-season:
“Yoga…Yoga got me through. It helped me open up my hips and get looser. I’ve dropped a few pounds so there is less impact on my body. I went through the last two and a half months playing extremely hard with full contact and I didn’t have a single injury, so I’m feeling great physically.”
WIZARDS GUARD ANTONIO DANIELS
On his wrist:
“No, I didn’t [have surgery on my wrist]. I got another opinion, and they told me it wasn’t the best thing for me to do. I feel a lot better. I’ll play with it lightly braced like I did this summer and God willing I’ll be fine.”
On training camp:
“Training camp is very important for a number of different reasons. You have the young guys and the new guys, the free agents that are very important to this team and they need to be implemented into the offense, the offensive structure and the defensive foundation. They have to learn what it’s about and what’s going on. The guys that have been here understand what’s going on, but we need this training camp to redevelop that connection that we had [last season].”
WIZARDS CENTER BRENDAN HAYWOOD
On training camp:
“I look at training camp as a necessary evil. It’s one of those things that you know you have to go through. You want to go out there, play your best, start building for something and get past it. I think everybody will go out there, play their role and work hard.”
On Etan Thomas:
“I think everybody is happy to see him back, especially after what he went through last year. That will be one of the feel good stories this year for the Washington Wizards. I’m excited to have him back.”
WIZARDS GUARD DESHAWN STEVENSON
On expectations for this season:
“The first thing is to get everybody healthy…win games and get to the playoffs, get past the first round and do the things that we know we can do.”
On starting the season without Gilbert Arenas:
“We’d love to have him, but people will just have to step up. People are going to be put in bigger roles, so we’ve just got to go out there and do what we have to do to win games.”
WIZARDS FORWARD DARIUS SONGAILA
On training camp:
“It’s always good to start off healthy because you kind of get into the groove of things. During preseason and training camp, you start to form chemistry with the team. So if you miss that, then you kind of fall behind.”
WIZARDS FORWARD/CENTER ANDRAY BLATCHE
On his goals for this season:
“I’m looking forward to this year. I feel like this year is going to be a big year for me. I’ve been here for awhile and I’ve been working hard. I think this might be a breakout season for me. I’ve been working so hard.”
WIZARDS CENTER ETAN THOMAS
On missing last season:
“It was really tough to sit there and watch and not be able to do anything, but it was also really motivational to be able to watch tapes of the games during my rehab. It’s great to be back and to come down and work out with the guys.”
On returning to action:
“I feel great. I’m really excited to be back and for camp to start. I got checked out last week and everything looked good, so I’m ready to go. I’m looking to make a big difference [this season]. I’m going to go out there and play hard and play physical — that’s what I bring to the table.”
WIZARDS GUARD/FORWARD NICK YOUNG
On training camp:
“I’m looking forward to it. I just want to work hard and make it through two-a-days. I’m going to go out and give it my all.”
WIZARDS FORWARD/CENTER OLEKSIY PECHEROV
On what he needs to do to be successful:
“It’s about effort, it’s about energy, it’s about giving 100 percent and it’s about staying healthy. If we’re healthy this season, then it is going to be a good season.”
WIZARDS FORWARD DOMINIC MCGUIRE
On the off-season:
“I’ve been in the gym twice a day, and I had my first child, so that was big for me. I’ve just been working out and spending time with him [my son].”
On training camp:
“[I need to show] that I’m a lot better player than what I showed last year. Last year was a learning experience for me, and I’ve improved a lot since then.”
WIZARDS GUARD JUAN DIXON
On returning to the Wizards:
“It feels great to be back. I’m really excited to be back in Washington and to resume my career with the Wizards. I’m looking forward to the start of training camp. I’m ready to step-in and contribute wherever Coach (Eddie) Jordan and the team need me.”
On how the team has changed since he was last here:
“I think this team is more established. Ernie (Grunfeld) had just got here when I was here; Eddie Jordan was trying to get his system in. Now guys are more familiar with Coach, and Coach is more familiar with the guys. It’s a more open game too — guys are out there having fun and playing.”
WIZARDS GUARD DEE BROWN
On expectations for this season:
“Every time you see me out there I’m going to be trying my hardest. I’m going to compete and work hard every day. I’m going to stay positive. Whatever my team needs me to do to win, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to do whatever Coach (Eddie) Jordan needs me to do in order to be successful and for this team to win.”
On Eddie Jordan:
“He’s been phenomenal for me. He’s a great coach and he really loves the game.”
WIZARDS CENTER JAVALE MCGEE
On the off-season:
“I’ve been trying to get stronger, working on my conditioning and trying to learn the plays. It’s been great. I’ve just been working real hard.”
WIZARDS FORWARD DERMARR JOHNSON
On playing in his hometown of Washington DC:
“It feels good. All of my family and friends that saw me play when I was growing up now have the chance to see me play as a pro. I had been exploring the option [of playing for the Wizards] all summer. I spent the whole summer here coming to the gym and working out. I can’t wait. There’s nothing better for me than being here with the Wizards.”
WIZARDS FORWARD LINTON JOHNSON
On the upcoming season:
“It’s another exciting year. It feels good to be a part of this organization. Last year I started off in Spain, so it’s good to be back here at home. I’m excited because we have a good group of guys. I’m familiar with the system because it’s similar to what I played with the [New Jersey] Nets and with the [New Orleans] Hornets.”
WIZARDS FORWARD TAJ MCCULLOUGH
On what is expected of him:
“They’re looking for me to keep doing what I’ve been doing — working hard, rebounding and not going outside of my game.”
Heat withdraw K.Powell qualifying offer
The Miami Heat announced today that they have mutually agreed with forward Kasib Powell to withdraw the qualifying offer that was extended to Powell, immediately making him an unrestricted free agent. Powell was originally signed by the HEAT to a 10-day contract on Mar. 22, 2008. He was re-signed for the remainder of the season on Apr. 8. In 11 games with Miami (four starts) last season he averaged 7.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.82 steals and 27.6 minutes.
LaFrentz out 6-8 months after surgery
The Portland Trail Blazers announced that center/forward Raef LaFrentz underwent arthroscopic surgery today to repair a tear in the labrum of his right shoulder.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles, Calif.
LaFrentz, who sustained the injury during Portland’s game at Seattle on February 22, 2008, is expected to be out 6-8 months.
InsideHoops.com editor says: Raef has played a combined total of 66 games in the two previous seasons. It may be time to hang up the sneakers.
Grizzlies sign Quinton Ross
The Memphis Grizzlies announced today that they have signed free-agent swingman Quinton Ross. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are pleased to bring Quinton Ross to our team,” said Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace. “He has been one of the best and most versatile backcourt defenders in the NBA the past four seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers. We are excited to bring him into training camp next week.”
A four-year NBA veteran, Ross has spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Clippers (2004-08), averaging 4.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.71 steals in 21.1 minutes in 302 games (151 starts).
The 6-6, 193-pound guard/forward enjoyed his best statistical season in 2006-07, setting career highs in points (5.2), steals (0.86) and field goal percentage (.467) in a career-best 81 games played. In the 2005-06 season, he helped the Clippers reach the Western Conference Semifinals by averaging 7.7 points on 53.4 percent shooting in 12 postseason games (10 starts), including 18 points (9-14 FG) and five rebounds in 40 minutes in Game 5 of the 2006 Western Conference Semifinals vs. Phoenix on May 18, 2006.
Undrafted in 2003 out of Southern Methodist University, Ross has played the most games of any undrafted player in Clippers history, surpassing former Grizzlies forward Bo Outlaw’s mark last season. Prior to joining the NBA, Ross spent one season overseas with Telindus BC Oostende in Belgium in 2003-04 before signing with the Clippers on August 16, 2004.
The Dallas native is a cousin to Grizzlies rookie forward Darrell Arthur, who was the 27th overall selection in the 2008 NBA Draft.