Gibson signs
The Chicago Bulls and forward Taj Gibson have agreed on a contract extension. Gibson will earn $38 million over 4 seasons.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Bogut Returns
Warriors center Andrew Bogut will see action tonight after missing most of last NBA season due to injuries. Bogut will be in the starting line-up as the Warriors face the Phoenix Suns sources expect Bogut to play around 25 minutes.
Garnett explains why no hand shake
Some saw it live and by now many have seen the replay of Kevin Garnett ignoring Ray Allen at The Hardwood Nation when the Celtics battled the Heat last evening. Below is Garnett's response after the game to why he ignored his former teammate.
"You know what man, I was just trying to stay as neutral as I could but obviously I'm an intense person. Other than it was blank, I just saw the Heat uniforms and obviously he's on the other side and I just tried to play the game, man."
"You know what man, I was just trying to stay as neutral as I could but obviously I'm an intense person. Other than it was blank, I just saw the Heat uniforms and obviously he's on the other side and I just tried to play the game, man."
Dan Gilbert talks James
Who can ever forget the scathing letter that Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert penned moments after the "Decision". While speaking to the Associated Press, Gilbert admitted that he made a mistake by stating that the Cavaliers will win a title before James.
“Looking back now, that probably was not the most brilliant thing I’ve ever done in my life....If you’re going to predict something that doesn’t happen and you’re going to do it publicly, you’d for sure take it back,” Gilbert said. “When that happened when they won, it was the end of the end of the end of that whole thing. Now there’s nothing more to talk about. In a way it was like a little bit of a relief. If they didn’t win it, it would’ve been still another thing of who’s going to win it (first).”
“Looking back now, that probably was not the most brilliant thing I’ve ever done in my life....If you’re going to predict something that doesn’t happen and you’re going to do it publicly, you’d for sure take it back,” Gilbert said. “When that happened when they won, it was the end of the end of the end of that whole thing. Now there’s nothing more to talk about. In a way it was like a little bit of a relief. If they didn’t win it, it would’ve been still another thing of who’s going to win it (first).”
Barnes responds to suspension
"My suspension handed down by the NBA 2day is a #JOKE, but best of luck 2 my team 2maro vs a tough Memphis team," Barnes tweeted Tuesday.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
The Hardwood Nation Fan Zone
As the games are happening tonight and for the rest of the season, visit the Hardwood Nation Fan Zone from a desktop/laptop and show your team love.
http://thehardwoodnationfanzone.blogspot.com/
http://thehardwoodnationfanzone.blogspot.com/
Barnes suspended
The NBA has suspended Clippers forward Matt Barnes for 1 game for pleading out in California state court to incident with police.
Done Deal!!!!!! Updated
The Denver Nuggets and guard Ty Lawson have agreed on a 4 year extension. Terms of the agreement are unknown at this time.
Sources indicate the deal is worth a total of $48 million.
Sources indicate the deal is worth a total of $48 million.
Bryant to play tonight?
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has indicated that he's about 85% sure that he'll play in tonight's opener when the Lakers take on the Dallas Mavericks.
Granger out
Pacers' forward Danny Granger will be out indefinitely due to an knee issue. Granger had been limited during training camp but experienced more pain last week.
Lawson, Nuggets close?
Reports indicate that guard Ty Lawson and the Denver Nuggets are close to agreeing on a multi year extension.
NBA Q&A: Mikhail Prokhorov
Courtesy of Steve Serby
Q: How would you describe your management style?
A: I like to find the best people available and then give them free rein to do their work. I am a strategy guy, but not a specialist in most things. It would be silly for me to interfere in questions that really are not my area of expertise. At the same time, with independence comes accountability.
Q: Leaders in sports or history you’ve admired and why.
A: I admire Catherine the Great. She brought the Constitution to Russia. With her came enlightenment. In the US, the Founding Fathers for their contribution to the development of democracy. In terms of sports, I would say Soviet gymnast Nikolai Andrianov, who won 15 Olympic medals and dominated the sport, and the great basketball coach Alexander Gomelsky.
Q: Why are you so driven?
A: It’s all I know, really. Even on vacation, it’s very intense. I do sports of different kinds for up to eight hours a day. My posse usually needs another vacation after a vacation with me.
Q: Who are you more like, your mother or father, and in what ways? Describe each of them.
A: My father was an emotional person, but I’m much more like my mother. She was cool as a cucumber, as you say in English. In Russian, we say calm as a boa constrictor!
Q: Best piece of advice your mother or father gave you.
A: It’s a long story, but basically I had written an essay in school about wanting to grow up to be a Red Army commander, because I’d seen in a film how well they ate and, as I was in the middle of a growth spurt, I was hungry all the time. The school called in my parents and asked them why they weren’t feeding their child. They were aghast. At that point my parents told me: “It’s bad to lie, but you don’t have to tell everybody everything.” They made me re-write my essay to say I wanted to grow up to be a cosmonaut.
Q: Boyhood idol.
A: None. I’m not an idol kind of guy.
Q: Why are women so hard to figure out?
A: Who’s trying to figure them out? I think we just need to love them.
Q: Describe your ideal mate.
A: Beautiful, smart, sexy and makes a mean bowl of borscht.
Q: Is marriage something you would consider some day?
A: I have said that if the Nets don’t win the NBA championship within five years, I will punish myself by getting married. We are in year three. So no one is more interested in winning a championship than yours truly.
Q: What was it like meeting President Bush? What was it like meeting President Obama? What were your impressions of each?
A: Both were very nice to me, friendly. Both of them talked to me about basketball, actually. When I met President Bush, I was owner of Russia’s CSKA and they were the best in Europe. When I met President Obama, I had just become the owner of the Nets.
Q: Which actor would you want to play you in the movie about your life and why?
A: Chris Rock or Danny DeVito. For obvious physical resemblance.
Q: Why did you want to own an NBA team so badly?
A: I have a lot of experience with basketball, having owned CSKA in Russia. We made it to the Euroleague semifinals every year during the time I was there, and won the championship twice. Plus, this was just a wonderful opportunity — a down-and-out franchise about to make a historic move to Brooklyn, a new arena, a chance to really build something and make my mark. I wasn’t interested in buying any team at any price. I really wanted a big market, and when this opportunity came along with a great partner in Bruce Ratner it was obviously the right thing to do.
Q: How would you do in a one-on-one pickup basketball game against James Dolan (right)?
A: I’d rather split a pizza with him and watch our teams battle it out.
Q: Why will you be Dolan and the Knicks’ worst nightmare?
A: Are you kidding? We’ll be their dream come true! Having a rivalry in New York is great for everyone. This city will have so much to talk about and cheer about.
Q: What would you say the major reasons are why you have been so successful?
A: I keep my emotions out of my decision making. In big business, there can be a lot of ego involved, but that is a vulnerability. Hard work. And an ability to find reasonable compromise when warranted, and to never compromise when required. And, as they say, the wisdom to know the difference. I don’t always have that, by the way.
Q: Since you always aim high, will you pursue LeBron James again, and what do you think your chances will be of bringing him to Brooklyn?
A: Ha ha ha. You know NBA rules forbid me from speaking about another team’s player! I’ve been an owner for over two years now, and I know the manual cover-to-cover.
Q: Since you play the guitar and sing, why not perform at a concert with Jay-Z?
A: One thing this planet does not need is me rapping.
Q: Your impressions of Avery Johnson and Deron Williams.
A: Avery is very straightforward, systematic. I like the fact that, in addition to having a talented team, we have a team with a lot of spirit and high morale, which is something Avery really works on. He’s great with discipline for those who need it. With Deron, he’s obviously an incredible player. Many feel he is the best point guard in the league, and I agree with that. In terms of personality, I think he’s a very considered person, does not take decisions lightly. Wants to win at all costs, which, of course, is a goal I share.
Q: If you knew the world was going to end in 24 hours, how would you spend your last day?
A: I’d have a big party with lots of music and good food and wine. I’d gather all my friends and family and party like it’s 1999.
Q: What do you remember about the U.S. hockey team upset of the Soviets in Lake Placid?
A: I remember watching the game. It was a total shock and disappointment. I loved hockey. I remember very well that there were only six gold medals won by the US in that Olympics. Five by Eric Heiden, and the last one was hockey. Brezhnev cried.
Q: Three dinner guests from any point in history?
A: I would want to invite Ivan the Terrible and try to convince him to take Russia in the direction of Europe. I’d invite my grandfather on my mother’s side. I never met him. He was a military doctor and he died in World War II. People in our family say I resemble him. And Benjamin Franklin because I feel I know him already. During the wild 90’s, when there was no real banking system, Russia had more $100 bills in circulation than any country in the world!
Q: What would you want your players and Nets fans to say about you?
A: Thanks for the championship win. Let’s do it again next season.
Q: People who influenced you the most growing up and in what ways?
A: My parents, of course. They really gave me everything good that is in me despite the hardships of growing up under the Soviet regime. I have great memories of my childhood.
Q: Fill in the blank — if I were NBA Commissioner, I would ...
A: … move the league to Siberia and cede the position to David Stern.
Q: Fill in the blank — if I were president of Russia, I would ...
A: ... not cede the position until my two terms were over, then step down.
Q: People you haven’t met and would like to meet?
A: This person called Honey Boo Boo is at the top of my list at the moment. From Moscow it looks as though the US has lost its collective mind on that.
Q: In a movie about your life, what life-changing emotional scenes — happy, sad, tragic, etc. — would have to be included?
A: I’m not the reflective type and don’t dwell on sadness or tragedy. I just enjoy life and there’s lots of happiness in it.
Q: When do you expect the Nets to win an NBA championship?
A: In June.
Q: Athletes and coaches in other sports you admire?
A: In terms of hockey, Anatoli Tarasov, the father of Russian hockey, and in soccer Valery Lobanovsky, for his original approach to the game. I hope Brooklyn Nets coach Avery Johnson will also soon become a living legend.
Q: Why do you work out at least two hours every day? What is a typical workout like?
A: The one thing that is not negotiable in my day is my workout. I do different kinds of things — treadmill for cardio, circuit training, jet skiing and heli-skiing. And I also do a special kind of Tibetan martial arts that’s fantastic for coordination and developing smaller muscle groups. The exercises look simple, but then you find you can’t do them at all! And there are thousands of them, so it never gets boring.
Q: What did you learn selling jeans?
A: I learned that getting money is not what drives me. At a certain point when I was whitewashing jeans I finally saved up enough to buy my first car and I remember thinking that I could now afford to take a girl out to any restaurant. That was the first and last time I really felt joy at having money for its own sake. Since then, it’s been all about the challenge of climbing new mountains and trying new things. This is one of the reasons I got involved in politics in Russia.
Q: Who is in better shape, you or Putin?
A: We haven’t competed against each other in anything other than the presidential election. I think we’re both in fighting shape.
Q: Describe Putin.
A: Tough leader. Has a clear vision for the country. It’s not my vision.
Q: Why should LeBron and other free agents want to play for the Brooklyn Nets?
A: Ha ha ha, again. We can’t mention players for other teams, remember? In general, I can say that, if two years ago we had to tell potential players about our vision for the team, now they can actually see it. I honestly can’t imagine any players not wanting to look seriously at our franchise.
Q: Favorite meal?
A: You won’t believe it, but I like fresh Russian white bread with a slice of what we call “doctor’s bologna” and hot tea with sugar. Not a meal, really, but more of a snack. Reminds me of my childhood. Also, pasta with truffles at Nello’s. Absolutely to die for.
Q: Favorite restaurant in the world and why?
A: Generally, I like small places with chefs who prepare a few specialties you can’t find anywhere else. That’s the difference between a five-star meal and a really memorable one.
There’s a place in Moscow with great Armenian food called U Burcho. Very casual homestyle cooking. I like their dumplings, stir-fried veggies and Armenian fish cooked in its own juice. I don’t want to give you the names of any other places because I won’t be able to get a reservation after that!
Q: Favorite sports movie?
A: All the “Rocky” movies, except the one where he beats up on the Russian, of course.
Q: As a child, what did you think you would be when you grew up?
A: I was a good student, but I knew I wasn’t a physicist, mathematician or humanities guy, but something in the middle. And we had a financial academy five minutes’ walk from our apartment, so I went there.
Q: Describe the kind of people you like to surround yourself with.
A: Individuals with unique personalities. One-of-a-kind people.
Q: Why are you a bad loser?
A: In order to win, you cannot even contemplate losing.
Live Q&A: C.L. Anthony
Today we celebrate the start of a new NBA season and the birth of The Hardwood Nation. In our previous incarnation, The Real NBA, we fought hard to bring you the latest, most relevant NBA news/content and the fan participation has been simply amazing and for that we say thank you. I am making myself available to you, the fans, today. Use the comment field to ask me any NBA related question and I will do my best to reply to each and every question asked.
NBA Q&A: Bradley Beal
Courtesy of Dime
Dime: Tell me what it’s like adjusting to the new speed of the NBA so far.
Bradley Beal: It’s been a pretty smooth transition. The speed of the NBA is surprising, but I think I’ve been doing a pretty good job so far. Mainly I’ve just been making sure to be mentally and physically prepared to play. There’s obviously a jump in the level of competition so I just always want to be prepared for every game. These guys are professionals, so I know I have to do my best to be a professional as well and approach every game with the same preparation and focus.
Bradley Beal: It’s been a pretty smooth transition. The speed of the NBA is surprising, but I think I’ve been doing a pretty good job so far. Mainly I’ve just been making sure to be mentally and physically prepared to play. There’s obviously a jump in the level of competition so I just always want to be prepared for every game. These guys are professionals, so I know I have to do my best to be a professional as well and approach every game with the same preparation and focus.
Dime: Did Kris Humphries give you a little welcome to the NBA moment with that chase-down block he had on you?
BB: Yeah I guess you can call it that. If I had to pick a “welcome to the NBA moment” so far I wouldn’t say that was it, it was just a great play by him. But during that same game I was guarding Joe Johnson, and they just kept feeding him in the post. He’s no easy cover, so on one particular play I heard Avery Johnson on the sideline shouting, “Welcome to the NBA, rook!” That was a good moment for me, because I think that got me even more excited about the upcoming season and the challenges that lie ahead of me, and I’m gonna do my best to not have anymore of those type of moments.
BB: Yeah I guess you can call it that. If I had to pick a “welcome to the NBA moment” so far I wouldn’t say that was it, it was just a great play by him. But during that same game I was guarding Joe Johnson, and they just kept feeding him in the post. He’s no easy cover, so on one particular play I heard Avery Johnson on the sideline shouting, “Welcome to the NBA, rook!” That was a good moment for me, because I think that got me even more excited about the upcoming season and the challenges that lie ahead of me, and I’m gonna do my best to not have anymore of those type of moments.
Dime: What’s it been like adjusting to John Wall’s injury? How is it different without him on the court?
BB: I think we’ve been doing a good job so far. We have a good group of point guards who are all capable of different things. Obviously with John being out, it changes our style of play a little bit. With him out there we can run, play a little bit faster and be more up and down with it. Now we’ve just been working on taking care of the basketball and getting quality looks in the half-court, which I think we’ll benefit from when he returns.
BB: I think we’ve been doing a good job so far. We have a good group of point guards who are all capable of different things. Obviously with John being out, it changes our style of play a little bit. With him out there we can run, play a little bit faster and be more up and down with it. Now we’ve just been working on taking care of the basketball and getting quality looks in the half-court, which I think we’ll benefit from when he returns.
Dime: In the draft, many considered you as the best overall scorer. Is there a limit to how aggressive you’re going to be this season in terms of looking to score while trying to fit in? Or are you just gonna let loose on fools?
BB: I’m just gonna do what I do. I’m not gonna put any extra pressure on myself. I know I’m not the team savior so to speak. But at the same time, I know they drafted me because they think I can help the team win. So I’m just gonna work hard, give my best effort on both ends of the floor. The way I play is aggressive, and I’m always in attack mode. I think that’s what makes me who I am as a player so I’m not going to change or adjust anything about my game. I’m gonna keep playing my game and hopefully help this team make the playoffs.
BB: I’m just gonna do what I do. I’m not gonna put any extra pressure on myself. I know I’m not the team savior so to speak. But at the same time, I know they drafted me because they think I can help the team win. So I’m just gonna work hard, give my best effort on both ends of the floor. The way I play is aggressive, and I’m always in attack mode. I think that’s what makes me who I am as a player so I’m not going to change or adjust anything about my game. I’m gonna keep playing my game and hopefully help this team make the playoffs.
Dime: Do you think you have a chance to jump ahead in the R.O.Y race?
BB: I really don’t focus on that, because it’s more of an individual thing. Right now all I’m focused on is getting prepared to help this team win, and on what I can do to get better to help the team. As the season goes along, if the awards in my favor it’ll be something I use to gauge myself and would be a great award to try and win. But as of right now all I’m worried about is winning games. I’m not in competition with the other rookies. I’m in competition with the other teams in this league so that’s what comes first.
BB: I really don’t focus on that, because it’s more of an individual thing. Right now all I’m focused on is getting prepared to help this team win, and on what I can do to get better to help the team. As the season goes along, if the awards in my favor it’ll be something I use to gauge myself and would be a great award to try and win. But as of right now all I’m worried about is winning games. I’m not in competition with the other rookies. I’m in competition with the other teams in this league so that’s what comes first.
Dime: We’ve heard you’re a pretty big Call of Duty fan. When did you become such a big fan of the game?
BB: I first started playing during my last year at Florida. My teammates and I were all really competitive with each other. After practice everyday those guys used to go get right on the Xbox and play COD. I saw how serious they were with it and during winter break when we didn’t really have much to do off the court, I figured I’d go buy the game and see how good I was. They’re definitely the ones who made me want to go and buy the game. It turns out I was pretty good, and now I’m probably better than all of my old teammates.
BB: I first started playing during my last year at Florida. My teammates and I were all really competitive with each other. After practice everyday those guys used to go get right on the Xbox and play COD. I saw how serious they were with it and during winter break when we didn’t really have much to do off the court, I figured I’d go buy the game and see how good I was. They’re definitely the ones who made me want to go and buy the game. It turns out I was pretty good, and now I’m probably better than all of my old teammates.
Dime: Do you ever play on XBOX Live?
BB: I try to but the game is completely different online. There are people who play online that dedicate as much time to the game as I dedicate to basketball, so I’m in no position to compete with the guys online. But I’ll get on every once in awhile to see if I’m getting any better, one day when I get really good I’ll spend more time online.
BB: I try to but the game is completely different online. There are people who play online that dedicate as much time to the game as I dedicate to basketball, so I’m in no position to compete with the guys online. But I’ll get on every once in awhile to see if I’m getting any better, one day when I get really good I’ll spend more time online.
Dime: What are the expectations for the upcoming Black Ops II?
BB: I honestly have no idea. I think the situations will probably be different and the story behind it will probably be different. It’s always exciting to see what new features they have in the game as well.
BB: I honestly have no idea. I think the situations will probably be different and the story behind it will probably be different. It’s always exciting to see what new features they have in the game as well.
Dime: What would you like to see in the game?
BB: I’m always excited to see new locations and stuff like that on the game. Another thing I’ve heard people say is that they would like to actually see the person as opposed to just seeing the gun-in-hand. The first person view is traditional, it’s necessary, but I think it would also be good to see them add a new dimension and show the actual player.
BB: I’m always excited to see new locations and stuff like that on the game. Another thing I’ve heard people say is that they would like to actually see the person as opposed to just seeing the gun-in-hand. The first person view is traditional, it’s necessary, but I think it would also be good to see them add a new dimension and show the actual player.
Dime: What are your 2K13 skills like?
BB: I’m pretty good at 2K. I’m more of a football guy though.
BB: I’m pretty good at 2K. I’m more of a football guy though.
Dime: Okay so what about NCAA Football and Madden?
BB: I’m probably the best player you’ve ever seen. (laughs) Nah I’m just kidding. I’m pretty good though. Although I’m still probably better at COD.
BB: I’m probably the best player you’ve ever seen. (laughs) Nah I’m just kidding. I’m pretty good though. Although I’m still probably better at COD.
Dime: What’s it going to take for the Wizards to be a playoff team this year?
BB: It’s gonna take hard work and playing as a team. Making sure we’re on the same page. Making sure everyone is on que, playing hard, and competing to the best ability with the talent that we have. I think if we do that there’s no reason we don’t make the playoffs. We just have to stay on track and focus on what we need to do to improve day by day. There’s a lot of things we have to work on and it’s going to be a long journey, but I’m confident in our abilities and we’ll end up where we want to be come playoff time.
BB: It’s gonna take hard work and playing as a team. Making sure we’re on the same page. Making sure everyone is on que, playing hard, and competing to the best ability with the talent that we have. I think if we do that there’s no reason we don’t make the playoffs. We just have to stay on track and focus on what we need to do to improve day by day. There’s a lot of things we have to work on and it’s going to be a long journey, but I’m confident in our abilities and we’ll end up where we want to be come playoff time.
Hornets extend Vasquez
The New Orleans Hornets picked up the fourth-year option on point guard Greivis Vasquez’s contract that will extend his current deal through the 2013-2014 season.
Stoudemire's status now official?
Reports indicate that the New York Knicks will announce later today that Amar'e Stoudemire will miss the first 6 weeks of the regular season.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Ginobili out?
San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili will miss the season opener against the New Orleans Hornets due to back pain. Ginobili will have his back reassessed on Thursday.
Please Read: The Birth of The Hardwood Nation
To all of the NBA fans who have followed The Real NBA over the course of the last 2 years, we say thank you. It is our mission to bring you the most relevant NBA news as it happens, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and for the most part we have succeeded in that mission but we are no where near finished. We will continue to grow along with our fan base and that concept is one that excites us due to the fact that as you evolve so do we; at the end of the day we are fans of the NBA just as you are. The Real NBA will die only in name and thanks to our fans, it has given birth to The Hardwood Nation. The debates and interactions that we see between you.....the fans on a daily basis gives us the momentum that we need to continue to grow, get better and bring more content so with that being said, The Hardwood Nation was necessary and with it comes improvements. The Hardwood Nation staff will also do away with our pen names, the Balla Commish is no more, I am C.L. Anthony, The Closer is G.R Baker, and CP Tez, is C.D. Paul.What's New?
Layout
Fan who visit our webpage will notice a improved layout tomorrow. It's the second such change that we've made in our 2 year existence and the change was made to improve the desktop/laptop user experience. The new layout has a sleeker look but at the same time it is full of info. The Hardwood Nation's homepage will feature a news glide of the teams' latest works, two live twitter feeds, and an NBA highlight feed. Popular pages will also be re-organized. The NBA News/Rumors page will become the new home page of The Hardwood Nation. The current homepage, the NBA Blog will now be dubbed "The Tip Off". The Closer will take his talents to "Beyond the Arc" and Tez's corner will now be dubbed "In the Lane". Please visit The Real NBA today for a final glimpse at the current format because tomorrow begins a new season and the birth of the Hardwood Nation.
Business News
If one has ever wanted to know what goes on behind the scenes in the front office of NBA franchise or the latest happenings in the Player's Association, The NBA's Business news section will cover such topics.
The Fan Zone
Have you ever wanted to interact with fans worldwide while watching your favorite NBA team play theirs? The Hardwood Nation will bring you the NBA Fan Zone, there one can select a matchup nightly in the NBA and share their thoughts with other fans or foes from around the world on their desktop or laptop PC. The Fan Zone will also be home to a new commenting system that will be integrated with Facebook.
A Fans' Perspective, H.F. Blanco
I was contacted by a fan of the site a few months ago who wanted an opportunity to share his perspective at The Real NBA. He believed in the mission of The Real NBA and I shared with him the vision for The Hardwood Nation and he felt as if he could be an asset to the team. I am proud to announce that the young man has become an official member of The Hardwood Nation and you all will have a chance to read his first article tomorrow....."At the Buzzer" by H.F. Blanco
The Mobile Experience
In the past there has been some confusion as to why there are two apps for The Real NBA in the Google Play store. The original app, The Real NBA News/Rumors, which most of you currently have was designed for Android devices that are running Android 2.1 and lower and also Tablets that are running 2.1 or higher. The newer app runs perfectly on Android phones that are running Android 2.3 or higher but doesn't operate well on tablets. In the very near future, the Hardwood Nation will debut an app for i0s devices. The mobile apps will be updated over the next few days to reflect the birth of The Hardwood Nation.
Tomorrow please visit thehardwoodnation.com
And coming in 2013 we will evolve again..............
Maynor to become free agent
OKC Thunder backup point guard Eric Maynor will become a restricted free agent during the off season. Maynor and the Thunder have decided to stop negotiations on a contract extension during the regular season which tips off tomorrow.
Q&A: Jason Kidd
Courtesy of Steve Serby
Q: What was it like being a New Jersey Net in a Knicks town?
A: It was tough because everybody loves the Knicks. They have such deep history, and for the Nets, we were trying to create our history, make our history at that time. And so, we were kinda second fiddle, but we found a way to win, and we started our history then.
Q: What are thoughts on them moving to Brooklyn?
A: I think it’s great. You think about if we were on this side of the river when we were playing with those teams, what would have happened. ... Brooklyn will be great for the Nets, and maybe at some point, a team comes back to Jersey.
Q: Are the Brooklyn Nets a threat to take over this town?
A: I don’t know if they’re a threat. You have Giant fans, you have Jet fans. You have Yankee fans, you have Met fans. You’re gonna have the same deal with the Knicks and the Nets. Maybe the younger generation are Net fans, but you have the older generation that are Knick fans. ... I think it’s a great thing.
Q:W hat have you learned about Knicks coach Mike Woodson?
A: He’s great. He really loves to teach, which I think is awesome. He understands the vets will be ready, they’re gonna get their work done. I think he’s a great coach in this league. He won 53 games I think in Atlanta and got fired. When coaches win in this league, it’s rare that they get fired.
Q: Is he a good motivator?
A: He’s a great motivator.
Q: How does he motivate?
A: Defensively, he’s always talking about putting you in the right spots and that’s what wins championships. And then I think his motivation is understanding that this is a long season. ... He came in the other day (chuckle) with his headband sideways and the one glove on his hand ’cause he was playing two-on-two and got the cut over the eye. And he said, “I’ll take anybody on.” And it was just a funny moment because he coulda just left it as, “Hey I got stitches,” but he made fun of it, and ... he’s a fighter.
Q: What kind of glove?
A: It was a boxing glove.
Q: Into the gym he took it?
A: In our meeting room. It was great.
Q: What have you learned about Carmelo Anthony?
A: Everybody talks about his scoring, but I think his IQ of the game, he understands the game, and he can pass as well as anyone.
Q: Tyson Chandler?
A: That’s my [2011 Mavericks] championship teammate. ... He comes every day to work, and nothing’s changed after him winning a championship.
A: Iman Shumpert?
A: He plays all 94 feet of the court. Will guard everybody. And is not afraid. ... He loves the moment. He wants that moment, and he’s not scared. And for a young player that’s good.
Q: Have you always been that way, wanting that moment?
A: I always want to be involved in the moment, because it doesn’t always have to be where you have to score the ball. It’s always getting the ball to your teammate in the right place so he can be successful in that moment.
Q: Raymond Felton?
A: He wants to be the best, so I think he’s gonna have a great year.
Q: How far is this team away from challenging the Heat?
A: We’ll find out soon. I think the biggest thing is we’re not here to challenge the Heat, we’re here to challenge the league. We have to make sure that we take care of ourselves first.
Q: When LeBron James’ contract is up, would you recruit him to the Knicks if you’re still playing?
A: For sure.
Q: That would be a nice way to go out if that’s your last year?
A: Wouldn’t it (laugh)? I think the Knicks would like that, too.
Q: How would you sum up your New Jersey Nets experience?
A: The prime of my career, probably the best that I was playing. It was a great experience being on the East Coast, just understanding how much they love basketball and understand the game.
Q: What was it like being in the NBA Finals and coming so close to winning a championship?
A: To be able to take the team that first year to the Finals, we had surpassed all the goals that we had set. And then getting back there a second [time] where we thought we shoulda won it, had a better chance of winning, we just came up short twice.
Q: Lowest NBA moment?
A: I don’t have any really lows. ... Unfortunate? We didn’t win that championship in Jersey. That might be the lowest.
Q: Describe what your Mavs experience was like.
A: It was everything that I thought it was supposed to be the first time around. [Owner Mark] Cuban is the best, if not one of the best owners in this league. I got to play with ... one of the greatest players to play the game in Dirk Nowitzki, and we had a magical run to win a championship.
Q: What was it like, the moment when you clinched it?
A: It was surreal, because it’s like ... there is no other team to play, there is no one else to beat. You accomplished climbing that mountain, or running that marathon and coming in first. You train for 17 years for that marathon and you’ve always come up short. Now, you’ve come in first, and so it was surreal.
Q: The first time you played at the Garden?
A: I was excited. Because you talk about the mecca, you talk about the greatest place to play. I’ve always felt comfortable there.
Q: How did you do?
A: That’s a good question (smile). I have a pretty good record there, especially when I was with the Nets (chuckle).
Q: Did you have any impressions of the building when you walked into it?
A: I just knew the history. ... The history runs deep with Walt [Frazier] and Earl The Pearl [Monroe], those teams. When I was playing as a rookie, they were always tough — Patrick [Ewing], they were a big team, physical, hard to play in the Garden.
Q: Those Pat Riley Knick teams?
A: They would wear you down, ’cause they believed keeping a body [on you] ... making sure that if you did go to the basket, you were gonna get hit.
Q: Did John Starks talk a little trash back in those days?
A: Starks probably talked a little bit (smile).
Q: Do you?
A: I don’t. That’s too much energy to be wasted (chuckle).
Q: Even as a younger guy?
A: I left that to the guys like Gary Payton, the guys that I learned how to play from. Those guys do all the talking.
Q: What do you remember about Starks as a player?
A: Starks was a guy that could play above the rim, and he could definitely get it going behind the arc. But I thought he was a guy that played both ends. You find in this league those are the special players.
Q: Are you worried about the risk of being blinded by Clyde’s wardrobe?
A: I’ve seen it a little bit so far. ... I think it’s cool. I think it’s ... it’s him. That’s who he is. That’s the best way to put it (smile).
Q: How would you describe his wardrobe?
A: I wouldn’t say quiet. ... I guess it takes time to put that together.
Q: What else do you know about the Knicks’ tradition?
A: When you talk about franchises throughout the country in different sports — Cowboys or Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers — you have franchises that you go anywhere in the country and there are fans, and the Knicks are one of those flag franchises that you go anywhere in the country, you’re gonna have Knick fans there.
Q: Describe your on-court temperament.
A: I would say it’s calm, it’s patience, it’s observant ... even keel. ... Whatever is needed at that time.
Q: How would you explain your longevity?
A: Lucky. ... I’ve been blessed to be able to play with some great players. And I think the hardest part for me was probably to adapt as I’ve gotten older to doing different things and trying to do them well. I came in this league and people said I couldn’t shoot. And hopefully I can leave this league saying, or they could say that he can shoot.
Q: How difficult is it to change your game as you get older?
A: It’s tough because of ego. You feel probably mentally you can jump, or do the things that you did at 25. But physically your body won’t move. If you can accept it, your better off.
Q: You’ve been able to change your game.
A: I have. I’ve been very lucky to not be stubborn.
Q: You’ll be 40 in March. Are you physically able to play 20 minutes a night, let’s say?
A: Oh, I can play 30. I feel great.
Q: Do you run mountains?
A: No, some beach work. I love the beach ’cause it’s easier on the joints. But this summer, I really paid attention of trying to get stronger. I just watch what you eat, and try to enjoy the swimming pool as much as possible. You can get some stuff down even with the kids in the pool.
Q: How long do you want to play?
A: I’m gonna try to play my contract out. So I have a three-year deal, let’s see what happens.
Q: You see yourself as a closer?
A: I like that. When you’re young, you want to play 48 minutes. When you understand the game a little bit better, you want to play 40 minutes. And then when you really get to the point of understanding the game, you just want to play the last six minutes of the fourth quarter, ’cause that’s where the game is won and lost.
Q: You feel like you’re dangerous in those moments.
A: I do. I feel that I understand what teams are trying to accomplish, what our opponent’s trying to do. I understand who we’re trying to get the ball to. And just being able to be prepared to knock down shots. Because that’s what the six minutes is all about, getting stops and making shots.
Q: What interactions have you had with Spike Lee as an opponent?
A: “Take it easy on us. ... Slow down. ... This isn’t right (laugh).”
Q: When did he say “This isn’t right”?
A: That was when we swept ’em when I was with the Nets.
Q: Favorite coach?
A: I’ve always said my first coach was my favorite — Dick Motta. I’ve always loved him explaining the game to me, his story-telling. ... But Danny Ainge was great. ... [Rick] Carlisle was great.
Q: Describe the Sydney and Beijing gold medal Olympic experiences.
A: Sydney was great. It was a great group of guys. Beijing was just the ultimate. Playing with LeBron and Kobe [Bryant] and those guys was as good as it gets.
Q: Was that sweeter than the first one?
A: No, the first one will always be the sweetest. Anytime you can represent your country, it’s an honor, and to be able to do it twice, that first one will always be the best one.
Q: Three dinner guests?
A: Bill Clinton, Martin Luther King, Bill Russell.
Q: Why Bill Russell?
A: Just to talk about what he went through, not just on the court but off the court in Boston, and just to be able to win and concentrate at a high level and always play for his team ... and what drove him to be so successful in the sense of winning not just five championships but, I think, one for every finger. What drove him to want to be the best.
Q: Ever talk to him?
A: My godfather was Jim Hadnot, who was really good friends with Bill, and so I’ve been very blessed to have two autographs jerseys from Bill.
Q: When you say “what he went through,” what do you mean?
A: I just think the time, being African-American, just being a celebrity — that word wasn’t used then, but he was a celebrity — and how he was looked upon by his teammates or by his community.
Q: Describe the first time you met boyhood idol Magic Johnson.
A: The first time I met Magic was probably in college, when they were playing at UCLA during the summer, I would go up there and play.
Q: What was that like for you?
A: A lot of nerves ... butterflies. I think if I did guard [him], he’d probably just score a lot ’cause I just was in awe.
Q: Biggest childhood influence?
A: A combination of my parents and my high school coach [Frank LaPorte]. As a freshman playing me on the varsity, and having me play point guard, he saw that I could be a point guard where most of the time at 6-4, you would be a forward or [center].
Q: Your dad?
A: He went to every game as a child, and high school and college, he would fly and meet me on the road and he was always at home so he was at the games. And then my rookie season, he flew around, being able to work for the airlines, he got to meet me in different cities, which was great.
Q: How did you propose to wife Porschia?
A: On her birthday, in Miami, I got on both knees, and asked her would she marry me?
Q: Give me a scouting report on her.
A: Sweet, beautiful. ... She’s a wonderful mother. ... She’s my best friend. ... She is the disciplinarian in the house (chuckle).
Q: You have how many kids with her?
A: Two.
Q: The older one is ...
A: [Chance] He’ll be 3 in January, and then Noah, she’s five months.
Q: You have three kids with Joumana.
A: T.J. is 14, the twin girls are 11.
Q: Is T.J. a basketball fan?
A: T.J.’s a basketball fan, we’re trying to get him to play basketball. He works extremely hard on his game, we just now gotta get him on the team.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: “Gladiator.”
Q: Favorite actor?
A: Robert De Niro.
Q: Favorite actress?
A: Julia Roberts.
Q: Favorite entertainer?
A: Jay-Z.
Q: Favorite meal?
A: Anything Italian.
Q: Favorite NYC restaurant?
A: Il Mulino.
Q: Hobbies?
A: Golf. I got [my handicap] down to a 5.
Q: Garden of Dreams event earlier this month for the Children’s Aid Society with the Rockettes?
A: It was a lot of fun, and I think it’s a great cause.
Q: What do you want to tell Knick fans about the DUI?
A: It was a mistake, and it’s an ongoing process right now. It happened, and it’s in the past, and it was a mistake that took place.
Q: What was the low point of that moment emotionally for you?
A: It was a mistake, and any mistake that you make, I don’t look at it as a low point, it’s just a lesson learned. No one’s perfect, and it’s something that you can only grow from.
Q: What would you want or hope Knicks fans will say about you when they watch you play?
A: That he plays hard, and that he understands the game. He’s a winner.
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