Monday, December 31, 2012
NBA Q&A: Kevin Garnett
Courtesy of Marc J. Spears
Question: Have you ever thought seriously about retiring?
K.G.: "Absolutely. Absolutely. There was a time where I felt like, 'Can I still be productive? Can I still bring something to the table?' I look at myself in the mirror from a real perspective. …I still can play and I still can bring something to a team."
Q: You don't appear to be the type of player that will continue playing if you can't at a high level. True?
K.G.: "Performance is something we all strive to be better at. I'm no different than that. Who wants to look bad? Who wants to come out here and look bad? I want to always bring something to the table. More importantly, I want to be able to enjoy the guys and the chemistry. When it starts to feel like work, I'm going to have to do something else."
Q: How many more seasons do you see yourself playing?
K.G.: "I don't know. I will make a decision every year. I want to make sure I am having fun. I want to make sure I am productive. I got a lot of responsibility on me right now. I'll figure it out. But right now I'm still enjoying myself for the most part."
Q: What is your responsibility?
K.G.: "I have a lot of responsibility at 36. I don't have the presence of having anything less than that. I have to guard the best post player. I have to strategize for defensive post and defensive strategies. I always constantly talk with other guys versus having a solidified role or a lesser role. I'm still in the thick of it."
Q: You said several years ago that once you retire you are going to disappear. What did you mean by that?
K.G.: "Go away. Not be around the game. Some players take some jobs involved in the league and do some things. I think I am going to take an alternate road. Who knows what the future holds? I'm going to disappear."
Q: Could you see yourself ever coaching in the NBA or being a television analyst?
K.G.: "Coaching takes patience. I'm more enthused when teaching players who want it versus when I have to. Commentary is an opinion. I don't think people take the initiative to learn the player that they are speaking on. Everybody has something to say.
"Everybody was 'great' when they played. Ha. That's not the case. Everybody has tough nights. You kind of hold athletes to a perfect standard at times. Sometimes when I hear commentating, it's sickening. People who never played the game, people who never played in the league have an opinion, and that's all it is. You are here to educate the watcher or the viewer. Sometimes it comes off as personal. I don't ever want to come off like that. My opinion is my opinion about someone.
"That's not to say I wouldn't commentate, but that's not my forte. I respect every player and every athlete who brings something to that team or they wouldn't have that option. When I separate from the game, it will be all the way out. If I say or speak or do whatever I have to do, it will be strictly from a personal [level]."
Q: So what else could you see yourself doing outside of basketball after retirement?
K.G.: "To tell you the truth, who knows? My personal preference is for me, myself to enjoy and lay back."
Q: What type of legacy do you hope to leave?
K.G.: "My mark is just simple. A guy who was able to be versatile in the game, was able to do multiple things, was always a team guy and played his ass off. That's me. And whoever didn't know me, didn't know me. If they heard stories, that's what it was, a story. That's what I am.
"I never have been nothing else. I've never been an individual guy. I never cared about the accolades. I've always been driven by the competition and the learning process."
Q: What do you think of the state of the Celtics?
K.G.: "We are just trying to get it right and be more consistent in what we do. A lot of it is effort for us. We just got to get back. We'll get it."
Q: How do your knees and your body feel?
K.G.: "My body is good. I'm grinding. I'm OK. I'm here grinding just like everybody else. …Body-wise at this point it's a consistent thing every day. I'm no different than anybody else in the league."
Q: What physical maintenance do you have to go through daily?
K.G.: "The preparation has to be consistent. There are no days off. You have to get the body going. The game is still the same. I've always been a repetition type of person. From getting the body going to being consistent to what you are doing. The players are younger. It's the same game. But the players are younger, jumping higher and are more explosive. So you have to adjust to that.
"I watch a lot of film on myself still and try to be consistent with giving different defenses different looks. But at the end of the day. it's the same game. It's a bit faster. I just have to adjust to it and I'm adjusting to it pretty good. You got to get the '76 Mustang warmed up before you take it out on the road these days."
Q: You have a strong respect for the history of the game and your predecessors. Do you think today's younger players have the same?
K.G.: "I hope the young boys know that [respect] is earned. You just don't get respect in this league. You earn it."
NBA Q&A: Shaun Livingston
Courtesy of Mary Schmitt
Q: How often do you get asked about the knee injury you suffered almost six years ago?
A: It's still the elephant in the room. Everybody still asks me about it. I came a long way.
Q: Does it bother you any more?
A: It swells from time to time. I've still got to do maintenance. I'll have to do that for the rest of my life. But to play the game of basketball, it's worth it.
Q: Is it true that you have never watched a replay of the injury?
A: Never watched it.
Q: How disappointing was it to be cut after the Houston Rockets brought in Jeremy Lin this season? A lot of people thought you outplayed him in training camp.
A: It is what it is. It's part of the NBA. You've just got to roll with the punches, deal with it, try to be professional, go out there and do your job the best you can.
Q: What are your thoughts about playing with Kyrie Irving?
A: He's one of my favorite point guards to watch. Not only does he have all the tools, he understands the game. He's an old soul in that sense. I love players who understand the game and know how to play. He's definitely one of my favorites. I'm looking forward to watching him as well as playing with him. He's one of the most gifted players we have in the league as far as skill.
Wade to appeal suspension?
The agent for Dwyane Wade, Henry Thomas, has stated that he will appeal Wade's one game suspension last week for kicking Bobcats guard Ramon Sessions in the groin area. Wade lost over $150,000 in wages by being suspended and the appeal is an attempt to recoup the lost wages based on the idea that Wade shouldn't have been suspended in the first place for his actions.
"We are doing it on the basis that I don't think the suspension was warranted," Thomas said. "He felt that it wasn't warranted....I saw the play and I just don't think that it was.....The players' association will file the appeal. The money will go in escrow and then when the hearing's held, it's held."
"We are doing it on the basis that I don't think the suspension was warranted," Thomas said. "He felt that it wasn't warranted....I saw the play and I just don't think that it was.....The players' association will file the appeal. The money will go in escrow and then when the hearing's held, it's held."
Sunday, December 30, 2012
More NBA flopping warnings
The NBA has issued flopping warnings to Royal Ivey, Gustavo Ayon and Tony Parker.
Childress waived
At his own request, the Brooklyn Nets have waived Josh Childress.
Wallace close to returning
New York Knicks forward/center Rasheed Wallace is said to be close to returning to the court. Wallace had been diagnosed with a stress reaction which is a lesser form of a stress fracture of his left foot. The injury has caused Wallace to miss the last 8 games and his return date should be January 1st barring any setbacks.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Roy to retire.......again?
Timberwolves guard Brandon Roy returned to practice Thursday after missing time following his most recent knee surgery. Roy had hoped to play this weekend but his knee simply did not respond. Roy is currently seeking out one last form of treatment to preserve his knees in order to continue his career but he has considered retirement over the last two days just in case his search doesn't yield any positive results.
A Hardwood Nation Blind Item
Raptors forward/center Andrea Bargnani is almost guaranteed to be traded by the trade deadline.
Celtics interested in Cousins?
Reports indicate that the Boston Celtics are interested in trading for troubled forward/center DeMarcus Cousins. The Maloofs, owners of the Sacramento Kings have been reluctant to trade Cousins due to wanting to build the franchise around him.
Matt Barnes calls time with Lakers "Bad Situation"
Quietly Matt Barnes is having a stellar season and he's part of the reason that the Clippers have enjoyed their recent 16 game winning streak. Barnes recently spoke of his time with the Lakers and also the freedom that head coach Vinny Del Negro gives him.
"I've been working hard these past few summers. Last year, playing with the Lakers, I was told when I could shoot. If I made mistakes, I'd come out of the game," said Barnes. "This year [Coach] Vinny [Del Negro] has installed a lot of trust in me. He lets me go out there and play my game. If I mess up, he still sticks with me and that goes a long way with any player....Coach [Del Negro] has confidence in me; that's all I need....I can play. I've just been stuck in a bad situation for a little while."
"I've been working hard these past few summers. Last year, playing with the Lakers, I was told when I could shoot. If I made mistakes, I'd come out of the game," said Barnes. "This year [Coach] Vinny [Del Negro] has installed a lot of trust in me. He lets me go out there and play my game. If I mess up, he still sticks with me and that goes a long way with any player....Coach [Del Negro] has confidence in me; that's all I need....I can play. I've just been stuck in a bad situation for a little while."
Mikhail Prokhorov talks change
During halftime of last evening's game, Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov addressed the firing of Avery Johnson and to an extent why the change was made.
“As you know ... we are ready to pay any expense in bringing [championships] to the Nets,” Prokhorov said. “And I think we have very talented players....But they are capable of much more than what we have seen in recent weeks. And for me, this is totally unacceptable. So I respect Avery and really I wish him well. But sometimes chemistry just isn’t right. It happens....I think it’s the lack of concentration...I will stress that we showed really bad second [halves] ... really bad. No spirit, no desire, like, to fight....It’s our goal to be number one in the league,” Prokhorov said. “Just to be number one in New York ... it’s a modest goal.”
Turkoglu to return Saturday?
The Orlando Magic may see the return the forward Hedo Turkoglu on Saturday when the face off against the Toronto Raptors. Yesterday Turkoglu spoke to the media after shootaround.
“I’m feeling much better,” he said. “I had a good workout today. I’m going to have one later today, too, and hopefully, I’ll feel much better tomorrow morning and I’ve got a shot for tomorrow night.”
“I’m feeling much better,” he said. “I had a good workout today. I’m going to have one later today, too, and hopefully, I’ll feel much better tomorrow morning and I’ve got a shot for tomorrow night.”
Friday, December 28, 2012
Rivers talks Johnson's firing
The news of the firing of Nets head coach Avery Johnson sent shockwaves throughout the NBA yesterday. Celtics head coach Doc Rivers spoke to the media after hearing the news about his good friend.
"It's awful," Rivers said. "Obviously it's the business we're in. But it's a tough one. He's one of my best friends. It comes out of nowhere. Avery's a terrific coach, so who knows?....I just saw that they beat us two out of three times....If you (go back to) three weeks ago, they were playing as well as anybody. The NBA is a league of ebbs and flows.....It is. You go on good streaks. You go on bad ones. You right your ship and go back on a good time. I thought it was awful quick to make a change. I'm very surprised by that, but listen, I don't work there, I don't do business there. My friend is Avery Johnson."
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wade suspended
Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade has been suspended for one game by the NBA for kicking the groin area of Bobcat Ramon Sessions during Wednesday evenings game. Wade will miss the Heat's game Friday evening against the Detroit Pistons.
Breaking News.....
The Brooklyn Nets have just announced the firing of head coach Avery Johnson.
John Wall talks return
The Wizards (3-23) have been disastrous this season with their starting point guard and franchise player John Wall. Wall has been out all season with a knee injury but yesterday gave the world an update on when he could return.
"My timetable is some time in January," Wall said "The way I am feeling with no pain, working out and doing it three [days straight] and it has no pain, I'm feeling good. I feel like I am taking the right steps and I haven't had no pain the last couple of days after workouts.....When I feel like I can run and do everything like I used to, cut, jump like I used to, run fast like I used to....And I feel like I am getting closer and closer to those steps....I always love the game, but you respect the game more when you can't play," Wall said. "I have never been injured before seriously. I'm watching every point guard that comes in and what they're doing and how teams are doing against my team and what I can do when I get back."
"My timetable is some time in January," Wall said "The way I am feeling with no pain, working out and doing it three [days straight] and it has no pain, I'm feeling good. I feel like I am taking the right steps and I haven't had no pain the last couple of days after workouts.....When I feel like I can run and do everything like I used to, cut, jump like I used to, run fast like I used to....And I feel like I am getting closer and closer to those steps....I always love the game, but you respect the game more when you can't play," Wall said. "I have never been injured before seriously. I'm watching every point guard that comes in and what they're doing and how teams are doing against my team and what I can do when I get back."
Felton Update
Knicks point guard Raymond Felton has a fracture in his right pinky finger and will likely require surgery. The injury could force Felton to miss 4-6 weeks.
Harrington talks progress
NBA veteran Al Harrington has yet to play this season for the Orlando Magic due to a staph infection in his right knee that was formed after a knee procedure. Harrington took part in a light shooting for the Magic Monday and afterwards gave the media an update on his progress.
“That was a big step for me,” Harrington said “The biggest thing now is obviously [my] wind and getting all the strength back and just being confident to go out there and play how I want to play.....That’ll take some time, and until I get that confidence, I’m not going to be able to help my team on the court....I just wanted to get it out there I’m working too hard to retire....I’m putting in three hours a day on my knee in here with the team, and then I do some stuff at night. So, I’m putting in all the effort I can to get out there as soon as possible. I don’t even know how to spell retirement.”
Gerald Wallace talks another Nets loss
The Brooklyn Nets now currently stands 3-10 in December after an 11-4 after losing to the Bucks last evening. Nets guard Deron Williams missed last night's contest and his status is currently unknown for tomorrow nights game against the Bobcats. Nets forward Gerald Wallace addressed the media after last night's game and was very unhappy with the performance of his team.
"We are a way better team than what our record is, how we're playing," Gerald Wallace said. "It seems like guys are content with the situation that we are in and I'm [ticked] off about us losing, especially losing the way we are losing."
"We are a way better team than what our record is, how we're playing," Gerald Wallace said. "It seems like guys are content with the situation that we are in and I'm [ticked] off about us losing, especially losing the way we are losing."
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Hamilton fined
Denver's Jordan Hamilton has been fined $25K by the NBA for "directing inappropriate language toward a fan" at end of loss to Clippers.
Deron Williams out
Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams will miss tonight's game against the Milwaukee Bucks due to a bruised right wrist.
Cousins out tonight
Despite the fact that Kings forward/center DeMarcus Cousins' indefinite suspension only lasted one game, the troubled young player will not be available tonight as the Kings face the Blazers. Reports indicate that the Kings front office is behind Cousins while the coaching staff isn't trilled with the idea of bring him back. The decision for Cousins not to accompany the team to Portland was made by head coach Keith Smart.
Perkins talks regaining focus
For the 5th time straight the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder. They can seemingly disrupt OKC's team rhythm at any time with little effort. After the game Kendrick Perkins stated the following.
“I just feel like — never overreacting to a loss — we just got to start getting back to who we are as individuals,” Perkins said. “Turning off the TV and stop looking at articles on ourselves and start just losing ourselves in the team a little bit more than the sky's the limit....We just got to start knowing what got us here and what each guy did to get us to this point,” Perkins said. “We just got to make sure we start knowing who we are and what we are and what we mean to this team as individuals and the rest will take care of itself.”
“I just feel like — never overreacting to a loss — we just got to start getting back to who we are as individuals,” Perkins said. “Turning off the TV and stop looking at articles on ourselves and start just losing ourselves in the team a little bit more than the sky's the limit....We just got to start knowing what got us here and what each guy did to get us to this point,” Perkins said. “We just got to make sure we start knowing who we are and what we are and what we mean to this team as individuals and the rest will take care of itself.”
NBA Q&A: Mark Cuban
Courtesy of Reddit
Reddit: Thanks for doing this! What do you think gives the Mavs an advantage in a stacked Western Conference this year, whether it be how the coaching staff game plans or certain personnel advantages? Do you think there will be any difficulty in having Dirk and Mayo on the floor at the same time in a sort of Stoudemire/Melo situation? What advice would you give to a young entrepreneur?
Cuban: I think dirk will help OJ's game a bunch. Up till now teams have really overloaded their Ds to stop OJ. With Dirk back it should open things up for OJ and the rest of our offense.
If we can stop turning the ball over we will ok. If not, not. The turnovers are driving me crazier than this damn kidney stone surgery Ive had to deal with. I think the turnovers are more painful
Reddit: Hey, Mr. Cuban. Why do basketball players only get recognition after they've been a part of a championship team? For instance, Dirk has been an amazing player for 10 years now, but only got the respect he truly deserved from fans after having a championship caliber supporting cast (Including coaches) around him. If it's a team game, why do players only get appreciated after they accomplish something that's mostly out of their control (Since, most of the time, they don't decide who they get to play with)?
Cuban: Thats the stupid , macho element of all professional sports. Its a lot easier to just pin a lable on someone than to actually do the work to determine the impact of a player. ITs the same reason everyone over values scoring in the NBA. Scoring is usually the easiest part of the game.
Reddit: Do you think the increased number of technical fouls called is necessary, or are the refs being a little too sensitive?
Cuban: I think a tech is more a reflection on the officiating than it is on the player with the exception being the guys who just love to yell. ie, the old school Rasheed Wallace.
There are so many fewer techs in college and the coaches in particular there get a lot more beligerant than what you see in the NBA
Reddit: Thoughts on Deron Williams?
Cuban: none
Reddit: How's your relationship with Skip Bayless?
Cuban: who ?
Reddit: I hate to be so straight forward, but what does a billionaire buy his kids for Christmas?
Cuban: the same junk that everyone else buys.
Reddit: If you could change one thing about the NBA, what would it be? Also, thank you for voting against the Sonic's move to OKC.
Cuban: the officiating. Ive spent 13 years trying to make it better and I havent really accomplished anything.
Reddit: In regards to the officiating, which rules need to be watched (corrected) the most?
Cuban: I think we have to re evaluate the mechanics of officiating . We miss far too many 3 secs and travelling calls. I think we need to devise a way where officials can help each other more. Right now its very limited when and how officials can help change a call
Reddit: Thoughts on the NHL lockout?
Cuban: the nhl has to use this lockout to fix its problems. You cant have every team south of the Mason Dixon line going broke every year
Reddit: What's the most expensive gift you purchased for anyone this xmas?
Cuban: under 200 dollars
Reddit: First of all, congrats on the 2010-2011 championship and thank you for taking the time to do this. Two questions: What are your thoughts on the Spurs benching controversy? As an owner and businessman, do you see yourself agreeing with the commissioner? Your organization dealt with a player suffering from bipolar disorder (Delonte West). In light of DeMarcus Cousins' suspension and the Royce White situation, what are some of the challenges of managing players with behavioral or mental health conditions?
Cuban: I agreed with the commish on it. TV is our lifeblood as a league. You cant screw with the money maker. We as a team/league have to be proactive. The Mavs have a full time psychologist that travels with the team and sits behind the bench. Doesnt matter what your skill and physical gifts are if you cant get your head right. We think its the next big dimensional change in sports. Working with the mental aspect of life and the game with our players
Nene talks Wizards
This was supposed to be the season where the Washington Wizards would begin moving in the right direction but instead all hope seems lost as John Wall is still out indefinitely and the Wizards are the owners of a 3-22 record. Wizards center Nene recently spoke of the teams' struggles and his truth spoke volumes.
“We’re losing, and it’s our mistakes,” Nene said “A lot of things are going on right now, and we can’t look for answers. Right now, we just have to have the courage to fight...We don’t compete hard,” Nene said. “We don’t do what the coach asks us to do. We don’t play together enough.”
“We’re losing, and it’s our mistakes,” Nene said “A lot of things are going on right now, and we can’t look for answers. Right now, we just have to have the courage to fight...We don’t compete hard,” Nene said. “We don’t do what the coach asks us to do. We don’t play together enough.”
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Livingston Signs
The Cleveland Cavaliers have claimed guard Shaun Livingston off waivers from the Wizards and waived guard Donald Sloan.
Avery Bradley Update
Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley will return on January 2nd when the Celtics face off against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Lessons learned from the NBA Finals of 2012
Courtesy of Darnell Mayberry
SCOTT BROOKS
“It takes a lot of mental toughness to win four rounds. And we were right there. A couple of plays here and there could have changed the dynamic of that series. But the thing I took from it is that we have a heck of a team that competes every night, and no matter when and where, or whatever part of the series that we're in, we compete every night.”
RUSSELL WESTBROOK
“Every play counts. Every possession counts. It's important to take care of the ball and make sure you get the shot you want (every time) down the floor and make sure things are running correctly. It's important. At that time it's win or go home, and it's more important to be able to take it one possession at a time.”
THABO SEFOLOSHA
“Right now, I think we're seeing the benefits of going to the Finals last year. We played really well against San Antonio, and then I think we could have done a better job against Miami. But right now, the way we're passing the ball and the different things that we're doing, I think it's a result of us trying to get better as a team.”
KEVIN DURANT
“We know how important it is for everybody to be involved, not just at the start of the Finals or the playoffs but right around this time. We know that everybody is important. Every possession is important. We realize that. Some of the battles we had in the playoffs these last few years taught us a big lesson in how we need everybody and every possession needs to be important. We learned a lot. I think that's why we're getting better throughout the season.”
SERGE IBAKA
“I learned to just be me. I learned to be aggressive. On both ends. It's the Finals. We need everybody. That is why I've been working on my game. And right now, my confidence is good. In the Finals, Russ or Kevin they can struggle sometimes. And they will need some help. That's why we have me, Thabo, Nick, Hasheem, Perk, everybody. That's what I learned.”
KENDRICK PERKINS
“It takes that second and third effort. It takes not one guy but a team. That's what I learned from the Finals last year. I watched Miami, they had multiple guys step up at different parts of the Finals, whether it was Shane Battier, Mike Miller or Chris Bosh. Different guys stepped up at different times.”
NICK COLLISON
“When you get to the highest level you have to be able to execute under the highest pressure. We didn't do it well enough in that series, so I think all season that's in the back of our minds, that we have to continue to build toward that time late in the year.”
Wade talks Westbrook
At times you can see it, the similarities between the attacking nature of Dwyane Wade and Russell Westbrook and recently Wade was asked of how much of his playing style does he's see in Westbrook.
“None....I don't see none of my game in him. We're totally different players....Westbrook is a nightmare to prepare for, for any guard with his athleticism, how quick he is, how athletic he is,” Wade said.
“None....I don't see none of my game in him. We're totally different players....Westbrook is a nightmare to prepare for, for any guard with his athleticism, how quick he is, how athletic he is,” Wade said.
Prince wants to play Wednesday
During Saturday's game the against the Wizards, Pistons veteran Tayshaun Prince sprained his right ankle and it looked as if he'd be out some time with the injury. Despite the injury, Prince is aiming for playing in Wednesday's contest against the Hawks. Prince spoke of the injury yesterday with the media:
"I didn't do anything today, but I should be all right by the game...It was a little bit more painful," Prince said. "Like my left one if I sprained it now it could be a bad sprain, but I've sprained it so many times I could bounce right back, but the right one hasn't been twisted."
"I didn't do anything today, but I should be all right by the game...It was a little bit more painful," Prince said. "Like my left one if I sprained it now it could be a bad sprain, but I've sprained it so many times I could bounce right back, but the right one hasn't been twisted."
Favorite Christmas Memories of the Orlando Magic
Courtesy of Josh Robbins
Glen Davis:
"Once upon a time, I was staying in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I was, like, 5 years old. I was big into Hulkamania and little wrestling rings and you could have the guys [as action figures] and put them into the ring. And I really thought I'd seen Santa. To this day, I could sit here and say I thought I'd really seen Santa. I looked up one night. I didn't go to sleep. I looked out the window, and I really thought I'd seen Santa going up in the sky. It was crazy. To this day, if you really ask me, 'Do you believe in Santa Claus?' I'll be like, 'Yeah, I've seen him.' I am so serious."
"Once upon a time, I was staying in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I was, like, 5 years old. I was big into Hulkamania and little wrestling rings and you could have the guys [as action figures] and put them into the ring. And I really thought I'd seen Santa. To this day, I could sit here and say I thought I'd really seen Santa. I looked up one night. I didn't go to sleep. I looked out the window, and I really thought I'd seen Santa going up in the sky. It was crazy. To this day, if you really ask me, 'Do you believe in Santa Claus?' I'll be like, 'Yeah, I've seen him.' I am so serious."
Al Harrington:
"When I was younger, I was playing pee-wee football. Maybe my fourth-grade year I was overweight. I was like 20 pounds overweight, so I couldn't play. I was distraught. I always wanted to be an NFL player growing up. So I couldn't play. So my dad bought me all the football equipment for Christmas: helmet, shoulder pads, thigh pads, everything. The cup. Everything. So when I got that, I was able to at least play with my friends when they got back from football practice. So that's probably the best Christmas gift I ever got."
"When I was younger, I was playing pee-wee football. Maybe my fourth-grade year I was overweight. I was like 20 pounds overweight, so I couldn't play. I was distraught. I always wanted to be an NFL player growing up. So I couldn't play. So my dad bought me all the football equipment for Christmas: helmet, shoulder pads, thigh pads, everything. The cup. Everything. So when I got that, I was able to at least play with my friends when they got back from football practice. So that's probably the best Christmas gift I ever got."
Arron Afflalo:
"I remember getting my first official NBA basketball, back when they were a different type of leather. I just remember getting my first basketball when I was 6. It came in a hanging case, and you zipped it up inside there to protect it, because you weren't supposed to dribble it outside.
"I remember getting my first official NBA basketball, back when they were a different type of leather. I just remember getting my first basketball when I was 6. It came in a hanging case, and you zipped it up inside there to protect it, because you weren't supposed to dribble it outside.
"If anybody dribbled [the official ball] outside, I would run and go stop 'em, like it was just death or something. Eventually, I just started dribbling with it outside once I realized I could get another one."
DeQuan Jones:
"There was this one Christmas — I want to say I was 10 or 11, something like that — where all of my family members came to my grandmother's house. It was in the town I was born in, a small town in Alabama called Livingston. And I have a large family. And I remember vividly the presents were literally stacked to the ceiling, to the point where you couldn't see the Christmas tree anymore. All of my family members were there. Everybody was getting along, and it's just one of those lasting memories I'll never forget."
"There was this one Christmas — I want to say I was 10 or 11, something like that — where all of my family members came to my grandmother's house. It was in the town I was born in, a small town in Alabama called Livingston. And I have a large family. And I remember vividly the presents were literally stacked to the ceiling, to the point where you couldn't see the Christmas tree anymore. All of my family members were there. Everybody was getting along, and it's just one of those lasting memories I'll never forget."
Jameer Nelson:
"Maybe this Christmas will be my favorite Christmas memory. . . . My mom's in town cooking."
"Maybe this Christmas will be my favorite Christmas memory. . . . My mom's in town cooking."
J.J. Redick:
"Christmas is always good. I think just being around family. I don't get to be with my family this year, and wasn't the last two years either. But being around [my wife] Chelsea and being around her family is great. Growing up, just having everybody together was the best part of it."
"Christmas is always good. I think just being around family. I don't get to be with my family this year, and wasn't the last two years either. But being around [my wife] Chelsea and being around her family is great. Growing up, just having everybody together was the best part of it."
Kyle O'Quinn:
"Me and my dad, 10 years straight, we used to do the Toys for Tots. He rides Harleys. We used to do Toys for Tots where you donate whatever you can strap on your bike to the children's hospital. So I used to always like doing that. You get up nice and early. You do maybe a 20-mile bike ride with hundreds of motorcycles, and then you finish up at the hospital. You go in there and you hang out with the kids in the early afternoon. That was a good Christmas memory. You're really seeing the importance of Christmas early, giving back to the kids that are less unfortunate."
"Me and my dad, 10 years straight, we used to do the Toys for Tots. He rides Harleys. We used to do Toys for Tots where you donate whatever you can strap on your bike to the children's hospital. So I used to always like doing that. You get up nice and early. You do maybe a 20-mile bike ride with hundreds of motorcycles, and then you finish up at the hospital. You go in there and you hang out with the kids in the early afternoon. That was a good Christmas memory. You're really seeing the importance of Christmas early, giving back to the kids that are less unfortunate."
Ish Smith:
"I've been very, very fortunate. Very blessed with my family. I have memories. I just remember me growing up always being the first one to wake up. Even when I was older and I was in college, all of us would come back. I don't know what it is — I'd just always would wake up earlier than everybody. It'd be 7:30 or 8 a.m. and I couldn't sleep through the night, like I was getting ready for a big game. My sisters and my brother would get so annoyed. They'd be like, 'You're 17 now, you're 18. Go to sleep, man. Relax.'
"I've been very, very fortunate. Very blessed with my family. I have memories. I just remember me growing up always being the first one to wake up. Even when I was older and I was in college, all of us would come back. I don't know what it is — I'd just always would wake up earlier than everybody. It'd be 7:30 or 8 a.m. and I couldn't sleep through the night, like I was getting ready for a big game. My sisters and my brother would get so annoyed. They'd be like, 'You're 17 now, you're 18. Go to sleep, man. Relax.'
"So those are my favorite memories about it. But I think probably my favorite Christmas, I might have been 8 or 9, and I had just started learning how to ride a bike without the training wheels. When you're little, you believe in Santa Claus and all that stuff, and I remember my mother and father kind of giving us that idea. But I caught them bringing in the gifts! So I learned at that age there's not a Santa Claus. So they sat us down and let us know the real truth and the real meaning of Christmas. So that probably is my fondest memory. They would hide the gifts somewhere, and then when we would wake up, they'd be all across the living room. Me and my brother would be like, 'We're going to fake like we're asleep and then sneak downstairs.' So we caught them."
Josh McRoberts:
"Last year probably sticks out just because I don't have a great memory. I remember last year we had a game on Christmas, so it kind of a strange year. Two weeks before that [with the NBA lockout], there probably wasn't going to be a season. And, then, two weeks later, on Christmas Day, I'm starting for the Lakers. That was pretty cool: just a whirlwind right around Christmas. I was decorating my house for Christmas in Indiana, and, then, all of a sudden, I was playing on Christmas Day in L.A. So it was something I wasn't really expecting."
"Last year probably sticks out just because I don't have a great memory. I remember last year we had a game on Christmas, so it kind of a strange year. Two weeks before that [with the NBA lockout], there probably wasn't going to be a season. And, then, two weeks later, on Christmas Day, I'm starting for the Lakers. That was pretty cool: just a whirlwind right around Christmas. I was decorating my house for Christmas in Indiana, and, then, all of a sudden, I was playing on Christmas Day in L.A. So it was something I wasn't really expecting."
Monday, December 24, 2012
Howard talks back injury
Lakers center Dwight Howard recently expressed to the media that had he not sat out the end of last season, his playing career could have been over.
"If I would have waited until after the season, if I would have tried to continue to play, then I probably wouldn't be able to play anymore," Howard said. "I never had a major injury before.....And I just have to keep fighting through it."
Cousins reinstated
The Sacramento Kings have reinstated forward/center DeMarcus Cousins after initially suspending the budding star indefinitely over the weekend. The suspension was caused by a verbal altercation between Cousins and Kings head coach Keith Smart.
Martin to play on Christmas Day Showdown
Since being traded to the Thunder, Kevin Martin has averaged 15.7 points and shooting 93.5 percent (second in the NBA) from the free-throw line and 45.8 percent (seventh) from 3-point range. He missed the Thunder's last game due to a quad injury but he is expected to return as the Thunder face the NBA Champion Miami Heat on Christmas Day.
Dirk talks Kidd, return
Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki made his season's debut last evening but it was marred by the Spurs who defeated the Mavs by 38 points. Dirk took some time after the game to access the damage with the media.
“We just weren’t quick enough on defense,” Nowitzki said. “Our coverages were screwed up left and right...Our basketball IQ obviously went down with J-Kidd (leaving). That’s pretty obvious...I wasn’t really trying to get 20 shots up tonight,” Nowitzki said. “I wanted to ease into it, didn’t want to get too much in the way of the guys who have obviously been playing for two months together....Made some trips up and down, sometimes we shot it so fast I didn’t even get on the other side of the court....That’s our style of play this year. We’re a fast team, more athletic on the perimeter. If the boys push it and get a good shot up there or a layup, that’s great.”
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