CENTERPIECE

Ronny Turiaf in action during
NBA's BWB training session
in Dakar, Senegal.

Ronny Turiaf is all pumped-up by Mike D’Antoni’s words that he can’t wait to see action for the New York Knicks. Turiaf, who played for the Golden State Warriors last season, said D’Antoni has big plans for him this upcoming season. The French national further said the Knicks coach likes his basketball IQ and he will play a centerpiece role in the team’s drive to return to its winning ways, acccording to Hoopnotes.com.

“Yes. Mike D’Antoni is a coach who is really open. He sees me as a centerpiece of his team. He wants me to be aggressive, he likes how I play, he likes my basketball IQ actually. I am well prepared this summer and I hope it will really pay this year.

“No there is no pressure. We feel that the team wants to win. Personally, I have great joy, a lot of envy, and I remain the same, I’m not going to change my way of playing. Now it is clear that it’s really nice to play for a team that plays wins.”

BENCH POWER

Shawn Marion may find himself
coming off the bench for the
Dallas Mavericks this coming
season.

Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle is exploring things that could work for their advantage this upcoming season. Carlisle said he plans to play either one of his talented small forwards, Caron Butler or Shawn Marion, off the bench, according to Dallas Morning News. This move will not be considered a demotion to either Marion or Butler but Carlisle considers it a weapon to further expand their offensive arsenal.

“I've talked to both Shawn and Caron [Butler] that one of them could be coming off the bench for the first time in their careers. I want this to be an element of strength that we're playing to. Not that one of those guys is in decline or anything like that. None of it is personal. It's going to be about being the best possible team.

“We are a talented team and sometimes I think our veteran swagger kind of hurt us a little bit," he said. "But I also think it can be a powerful anchor for us. We got so many weapons and so much talent, I just want us to use everything to our advantage. We got to take advantage of all of it.”

NO PRESSURE AT ALL

Chris Bosh, LeBron James and
Dwyane Wade strikes a pose
during the Miami Heat Media
Day.

It was a big day in South Florida as the Miami Heat held its annual Media Day. It was a much-anticipated event bolstered by the presence of the “New Three Kings” LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Herewith are notable excerpts from the said event, according to FoxSportsFlorida.com.

Erik Spoelstra:

“I can’t believe this day has finally arrived.”

LeBron James:

“I’ve heard everything this summer. Everything I expected to hear and some of it I didn’t expect. But I make my own decisions, and I live with them. I still respect Mike and I still respect Magic and Charles and the rest of those guys… I have nothing bad to say about them. But I can’t live through those guys. I have to make my own destiny and this is the route I feel like I need to go. I’ve been home. I’m still standing tall so it hasn’t been a problem. I don’t feel too much pressure (to win). I’m cool. It’s the game of basketball. I’m having fun, I’m enjoying it. At the end of the day you’ve just got to win. Winning takes care of all that. I’ll go out and let my game do the talking. All that hero-villain mess is bizarre.”

Dwyane Wade:

“We enjoyed it, 18,000 fans in the arena enjoyed it, and we did it for Miami. We didn’t do it for anybody outside of that. I think it was fine. It seems like it’s been a year since July.”

Chris Bosh:

“Even with this media day, everything is different.”

Mike Miller:

“It definitely wasn’t like this in Washington last year.”

ALL FIRED-UP

LeBron James during the first day of
the Miami Heat training camp.

As expected, LeBron James put on a big show during the first day of the Miami Heat training camp in Hulburt Field, Florida. The “Chosen One” was very vocal and fired-up throughout the scrimmages and drills. James said everything is not just normal yet with reference to his court antics witnessed by reporters and camera crews and that makes it really scary of what to expect from him once the regular season gets underway, according to FoxSports.com.

“That's just me. It's not normal. It's not normal just yet. It's a new beginning for me. I don't feel like a rookie but I feel like it's a new start. I've been around training camps before, but it's not normal. You guys know it's not normal. But as the year goes on, with the team getting to know each other, I continue to get to know you ... you get more comfortable with one another. I've always been vocal. I'm always going to continue to be a leader, no matter what team I'm on.”

DEFENSE IS THE KEY

Aaron Brooks of the Houston
Rockets in file photo.

There is a conspiracy going on in the Houston Rockets camp among Kevin Martin, Aaron Brooks and head coach Rick Adelman. The trio is plotting things up that would make the Rockets formidable this upcoming season. And it’s all about defense. Martin says the defense will start with him and Brooks in the backcourt and they are ready to take the responsibility to make the most of the opportunity given to them, according to Chron.com.

“Me and Aaron (Brooks) , we had a meeting with coach (Rick Adelman). He said it starts with us on both ends of the court. We have to accept that responsibility on the defensive end if this team wants to go somewhere. I know I'm up for it, and I know he's up for it. We're just ready to make the most of this opportunity we have in the backcourt and with this team. He expects things out of us. He has every right to do that. With the leeway he gives us out on the court, we better take advantage of it.”

PAYS NO ATTENTION

Andre Iguodala of the
Philadelphia 76ers.

Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers is one real pro player. “Iggy”, as he is fondly called, said he pays no attention to what’s going on in the rumor mill. His name pops out as one of the possible trade baits for disgruntled Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. Iguodala added that what he is focusing right now is the upcoming season, where he hope to lead the Sixers to a better finish, taking off from last year’s disastrous campaign, according to Philly.com.

“I don’t really pay too much attention to it. I have friends and family that ask me about it, but that’s about the only time that I hear it. But the reaction is that it’s a business. Those things are going to come up no matter who the player is. You have to feel honored somebody else respects your game and your work ethic. Where my focus is right now, along with Elton and the other guys, is to get this team where it needs to be.”

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A DYNAMIC DUO IN THE MAKING

John Wall (left) and Gilbert
Arenas of the Washington
Wizards.

Just like Isiah Thomas and Joe Dumars in the 80’s, a new promising backcourt combo is about to rise in the Eastern Conference. Troubled guard Gilbert Arenas will try to redeem himself and together with top rookie John Wall, are expected to carry the cudgels for the Washington Wizards in the upcoming season. Wizards head coach Flip Saunders said he is confident that there will be no problems between the two crack guards and that they will play well together, according to BulletsForever.com.

“You look at some of the better teams that have played. You look at Detroit, with Joe Dumars and Isiah Thomas. Both of those guys were considered point guards, or guys that wanted to have the ball in their hands. Both these guys - they've played a lot together over the last few weeks. There won't be any problems there.”

A SPUR ALL THE WAY

Tony Parker of the San
Antonio Spurs (9) drives
strong to the basket off
Willie Green in file photo. 

Lead point guard Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs says he will never leave the Alamo City outfit. The French national dismissed rumors that he might be playing his final season with the Spurs, according to Hoopsworld.com. All he wants right now is to focus on the upcoming season, which he sees as a good opportunity to win another NBA championship.

“Of course I want to stay in San Antonio. I've said that plenty of times but nobody wants to listen. The media just wants to create stories. I hope Spurs fans know that I want to stay here. I can't control what people say. (My approach) is very simple. I just want to focus on this season. We have a good opportunity with this team. I can't control the media or anyone else. It's crazy. I can't control what my wife said or didn't say. I had a great conversation with Coach Popovich and I'm ready to go, I'm ready to play.”

NO D-DAY OR 4-WAY TRADE FOR SUPERMAN

Orlando Magic Franchise Player
Dwight Howard.

After seeing the LeBron James D-Day and the current Carmelo Anthony scenario, the Orlando Magic will not let things get out of hand when it comes to its franchise player, Dwight Howard. The man called “Superman” is bound for free agency in 2012 and Magic General Manager Otis Smith says the team will not waste any time as they will be ready to come up with an extension offer to Howard as early as in 2011, according to The Orlando Sentinel.

“Of course we will. We want Dwight to be in a Magic uniform for as long as he plays basketball. That's in the best interest of our franchise and, we hope, it is in the best interest of Dwight. I haven't had any indication Dwight doesn't want to be here. I would think he wants to be here.”

TRADE TALKS NO BIG DEAL FOR AK-47

Andrei Kirilenko (left) with his
teammates during the Utah Jazz
Media Day.

Andrei Kirilenko is not the type of an NBA player who gets upset when he hear his name on trade talks, the latest of which is the much-ballyhooed four-way trade involving Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. Actually, he has been used to it as everytime a trade rumor pops out, he still ends up with the Utah Jazz, according to Ksl.com.

“Look, for last the 10 years there's so many rumors around me (saying) I can end up on any team in NBA, but I'm still a Jazz man. Hopefully, I'm going to stay the same way.”

HUGE PRESENCE

Yao Ming (left) and
Houston Rockets
coach Rick Adelman
in file photo.

Yao Ming’s presence is casting a big shadow as he slowly but surely works his way back into the Houston Rockets scheme of things and coach Rick Adelman is happy with the initial results as training camp finally began. Adelman said the team will try to bring up Yao gradually and carefully during the camp as the Chinese behemoth tries to bounce back from a serious foot injury. There are still lots of work to be done with regards to the timing and balance in Yao’s game, but Adelman confidently said it will all come back in due time, according to Chron.com.

“I was really pleased with Yao. He was able to do a lot of things today. Now we’ll see how he responds tomorrow — if he can walk.  

“For the first day, he probably did a lot more today than he did in a week. We’ll have to be real careful watching tomorrow. He went through all our drills defensively. He went through everything we did, except they limited his time scrimmaging. 

“He’s just such a force around the basket. He can score. The biggest thing is getting his balance and his timing down. The ball comes off the boards, for instance. He might be a count late to get it. He’s not reacting like he used to. And there’s some things he’s not comfortable doing. But when he gets his footwork down and he gets that jump hook, it’s automatic. Right now, he can’t expect too much. I just like the way he went through it. You can see the presence he gives us on the court. His presence is huge.”

BACK TO BASIC

Richard Jefferson of the San
Antonio Spurs.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is looking forward to a big revival in Richard Jefferson’s game next season. Popovich personally worked out Jefferson during the summer in a regimen that emphasized fundamentals. The four-time NBA champion coach said he hopes the improvement in the over-all game of Jefferson will dramatically fit into the Spurs system, according to MySanAntonio.com.

“There are very few pros who have played as long as he has and scored as much as he has who would do what he did this summer. He went back to the fundamentals and did drills with myself and other coaches — basic, basic things to get his game back to where he can really help us. His dedication and development this summer are going to be one of the most important things for our success this year.”

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SEAN CHAMBERS IS BACK

Sean Chambers, one of the
best PBA imports of all-time.

They call him “Captain America” but he is more popularly known in the Philippine basketball circles as “Mr. 100%”. Yes, Sean Chambers, one of the most hardworking imports in PBA history, is back in the country. The 6-1 Sacramento native is scheduled to attend the 25^th Anniversary Grand Reunion of the Alaska Milk franchise on September 28. Chambers first played for a PBA guest team, the visiting LA Jaguars, in 1987. He is best remembered for his rousing victory over PBA legend Billy Ray Bates in a slam dunk showdown. He began his Alaska Milk career in 1989 and played his last conference with the Aces in 2001. Among his memorable stints with Alaska includes the 1996 grand slam year and the day his jersey was finally retired by the Uytengsu franchise five years later. Chambers was an extraordinary kind of import. He is the only 6-1 reinforcement to effectively play in a PBA conference where the import limit is 6-6. In a lengthy interview with Bill Velasco of the PhiStar.com, Chambers reminisced the good memories and acknowledged how thankful he was for playing for a champion team like Alaska Milk. Chambers now works as vice-principal in a middle school in his hometown of Sacramento, California.

“It was amazing. People were like “Chumbers!” (how his name was commonly mispronounced back in the 1990’s), and kept asking me if I was going to play for Alaska.   People kept asking me if I was going to play, like it was back in the ‘90’s. Man, I haven’t played in six years.

“I had never even heard of the country when I came here, to be honest. We played in Japan, Korea and other countries, and they were nice. But when I was walking around and talking to people, I just felt that this was home to me.

“I was kind of disappointed in myself when I tried out for Charlotte, because I was intimidated, I was overwhelmed, I had no confidence. So the whole flight to Manila, I was telling myself, ‘You gotta believe in yourself. You gotta believe in yourself. You gotta believe in yourself.” I was really determined.

“I wanted to experience that, be part of a Grand Slam team. Every time I would leave the Philippines, my whole mindset would be to spend the off-season preparing to come back. I would train like a madman. And I would also try to see what other imports were doing, so I could do more things to push myself to a higher level.

“It was my first time experience being part of a team with Alaska. In those days, when your American got hit with a hard foul and fell to the floor, it happened all the time. With Alaska, when I would be the recipient of a hard foul, all 12 of my guys would be up off the bench, have my back, ready to go. They’d be like ‘He’s our teammate, and that’s not happening.’ And I never had to ask them to.

“I just feel so blessed to have played in two conferences of the Grand Slam. It became even more special that I was a part of two championships in ‘96. And it was with my guys, Jojo (Lastimosa), Johnny (Abarrientos) and Bong (Hawkins). I was close to all those guys, from the twelfth man to the top players.”

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BIG SHAQ FAN

Nate Robinson of the Boston Celtics
in file photo.

Nate Robinson is a self-confessed big fan of his new Boston Celtics teammate Shaquille O’Neal. It goes way back to his childhood days. Now, he will share adjacent lockers with his longtime idol and he is having fun with O’Neal around, according to WEEI.com.

“I’ve been a Shaq fan since I was a little boy, so I’ve been teasing him about all the movies he’s been in. He’s awesome. His locker is right next to mine, so it’s kind of cool. Every day, he comes in with these Superman pajamas. I’m kinda getting tired of those already, but he’s a real fun guy. He’s one of those guys who I can always tell my kids, ‘I played with one of the all-time greats.”

NBA DREAM NEVER ENDS

Coby Karl pops a jumper
for the Denver Nuggets in
NBA Summer League
action.

Though he will be playing overseas next season, Coby Karl, son of Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl, remains optimistic about his chances of playing again in the NBA. Karl has just agreed to play for CB Granada in the Spanish ACB, according to NBA.com. The 6-5 former Boise State star played two seasons in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, Nuggets and Golden State Warriors, with career averages of 2.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg and 1.0 apg in 24 total outings. He also saw action for the Los Angeles D-Fenders and Idaho Stampede in the NBA D-League with career norms of 18.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 4.9 apg in 65 total games. Karl also posted averages of 14 ppg, 6.4 rpg and 3.3 apg while playing for the Nuggets during the last NBA Summer League.

“I don’t think it’s by any means having the (NBA) dream end. I think it’s a process and a step. It’s been frustrating at times, but I’m very happy with where I am as player right now. I’m getting better and I still think there will be an opportunity in the future.”

LAST CHANCE FOR TRES AMIGOS

Tony Parker of the Spurs
slices through the
middle against the Dallas
Mavericks.

As far as San Antonio Spurs ace quarterback Tony Parker is concerned, the coming NBA season might be the last chance for the “Tres Amigos” (Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili) to win a championship, according to Eurosport. And the truth is there is substance behind Parker’s statement. For one, future Hall-of-Famer center Duncan is now in the twilight of his career.  The other thing is that in case of another disappointing year for the Spurs may see Parker finally leaving the lone star state.

“It's the last season of my contract so I have to make it count. We have to get back on top because last year we did not have a great season. Personally, I think it is our (the trio's) last chance to win a title. Duncan is getting older... it is our last chance.”

BIG DECISION FOR J-RICH

Jason Richardson stuffs
one in for the Phoenix
Suns in this file photo.

Sooner or later, Jason Richardson has to pull the trigger. This is a contract year for the former Michigan State standout but unlike many, J-Rich is not thrilled or motivated being in the last year of his current contract with the Phoenix Suns, according to The Arizona Republic. The 6-6 former NBA slam dunk, who will be turning 30 next January, will have to make big decision, either signing an extension deal with the Suns (which could probably be his last big contract) or test the free agent market by 2011. He likens his situation like going into college again, he has to make a big career decision.

“I feel like I'm going to college. I've got to pick a decision. It's going to be fun. I'm not even worried about it. What happens, happens. If I get an extension here, I would love to be here and maybe finish my career here. It's a business. You never know. There's no pressure on me to go out and perform just because it's my contract year. I'm always a firm believer that if you work hard, things will come out your way.

“I'm not necessarily motivated (by a contract year) but I know what's at stake," he said. "I know I put in a lot of work this summer. I really prepared myself. I know this is probably my last big chance to get a contract. I'm getting up there. I'm going to be 30 in January.”

FRESH START

Tyler Hansbrough of the
Indiana Pacers drives strong
to the basket in file photo.

Tyler Hansbrough was one of the heralded rookies who were expected to take the NBA by storm last season after an outstanding college ball career at North Carolina. The Indiana Pacers tabbed the 6-9 Missouri native with the 13th pick over-all in the 2009 draft, with hopes of bringing his magic to the struggling franchise. A month into his rookie campaign, Hansbrough suffered a head injury against the Boston Celtics and instantly, his dream season turned into a nightmare. The injury led to an  inner ear infection/concussion/vertigo which cause Hansbrough to miss 53 games. He finished the season with norms of 8.5 ppg and 4.8 rpg. Hansbrough, who has undergone treatment for the last nine months, said he hopes to finally get his medical clearance to resume his pro career with the Pacers and looks forward of having a fresh start in the 2010-11 season, according to IndyStar.com.

“It would be disappointing (if I wasn't cleared), but at the same time, I feel like I'm right around the corner. I'm extremely optimistic. I feel like it's one of those things where you look at it as bad timing and bad luck. Once I get past this, I will have a much fresher start.

“It's probably one of the toughest things I've ever had to go through. I started working out -- running and lifting weights -- back in July. Now it's a matter of getting back out there and being able to do everything.”

DEPTH AND BALANCE

Dallas Mavericks One-Two Punch:
Jason Kidd (left) and Dirk
Nowitzki.

Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle thinks depth and balance of the team will ease out some pressure off key men Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd this coming season. Carlisle said he expects at least one or two guys to average at least 20 pints a game to help out Nowitzki in the scoring department, according to Star-Telegram.com. Carlisle is likewise happy with the development of his younger players like Roddy Beaubois, J.J. Barea, Dominique Jones, Alexis Ajinca and Ian Mahinmi. As for veteran Shawn Marion, he hopes the offensive prowess of the “Matrix” is the one he is looking for to backup the “German Bomber”.

“One of our strengths is going to be our depth and our balance. That's got to manifest itself in spreading our scoring out, getting one or two more guys in double figures and getting Dirk from 26 to 22 or 24. Getting help for Dirk is a priority for sure. 

“I think Roddy, J.J. and Jones, plus our young big guys, can all have a greater impact on our season this year. Dirk and Jason, those guys are as dependable as they come. But it's obvious we have to get their minutes down.”

ATHLON SPORTS 2010-11 PRO BASKETBALL PREVIEW MAGAZINE

The 2010-11 Athlon Sports
Pro Basketball Preview
Magazine.

With the NBA training camps all set to start on September 28 (Manila time), I finally got on time my copy of the annual ATHLON SPORTS PRO BASKETBALL PREVIEW (2010-11 Edition) magazine from Emerald Headway, the leading distributor of foreign magazines and books in the country. My special thanks to Ms. Joanna Policarpio of Emerald Headway for the delivery of said magazine to my office, which I bought for P 699.00. But it is worth the price. It contains a comprehensive preview of all 30 teams plus interesting articles. Fortunately, I got the Miami Heat cover featuring the celebrated trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. There are 24 different team covers for this year’s edition, which caters to each regional outlets in the United States. For the past 30 years, it has become a tradition for this writer to buy various NBA preview magazines prior to the start of each season. I am also looking forward of getting my copies of Yahoo! Sports 2010-11 NBA Preview magazine and the only locally-produce NBA magazine in the Philippines, the Tower Sports 2010-11 NBA Preview, which is making a grand comeback, in the coming days. 

“The highly anticipated Summer of 2010 has come and gone. Now it's time for the Athlon Sports 2010-11 Pro Basketball Annual to preview, predict and analyze the league landscape following one of the most important offseasons in history.

“Having infamously taken his talents to South Beach during a one-hour "Decision" special, LeBron James will team up with fellow free agent import Chris Bosh and 2006 Finals MVP Dwyane Wade to give the Miami Heat the NBA's most recent (and controversial) super team.

“But will the dream scheme trio form a dynasty? We examine both sides of the argument in "Making of a Dynasty?"

“Speaking of newsmakers, New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov has crossed the ocean jumping waves on his jetski, splashing national headlines along the way. The 6'8" Russian has become a pop culture phenomenon. But who is he? We dive into the world of the playboy billionaire in "From Russia with Cash."

“This year's magazine also goes in-depth with a team-by-team recap of the 2010 NBA Draft - which saw a record five Kentucky Wildcats selected in the first round, including No. 1 overall pick John Wall - as well as a flashback to (and update on) the draft class of 1991.

“Along with the usual rundown of rosters, stats, offseason moves and photos, all 30 team previews include an all-time starting five for every franchise. Some players make more than one team; others are surprisingly absent altogether despite putting up Hall of Fame careers.

“We've also added a few extra notes on the Eastern and Western Conferences, as well as an examination of whether free agent contracts were "Penny Wise" or "Dollar Foolish." And as always, we take a look back at the lighter side of the game in "Hoops Madness" and rank the top 120 players in fantasy basketball.”