Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Damian Lillard to be named the NBA's Rookie of the Year
The Portland Trail Blazers will hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon to announce G Damian Lillard as the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Gallinari undergoes surgey, another to come
Denver Nuggets F Danilo Gallinari underwent arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair meniscus damage in his left knee. There will be a short period of rehab before a date will be scheduled for Gallinari to undergo surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Gallinari suffered the injury on April 4.
Chris Paul "Win or go Home"
Tonight the Los Angeles Clippers face a critical game 5 in their playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies who's won the last two games and tied the series. Clippers G Chris Paul recently stated that the Clippers will need to come out with more energy and that tonight's game 5 is a win or home situation.
“We have to come out with more energy,” Chris Paul said ”We won two games at home and they won two games at home, and that’s why you fight so hard for home-court advantage. We have to come out with the same intensity in Game 5 that we did in Games 1 and 2. We have to understand that it’s a three-game series now, and we have to play hard and compete and play the way that we know we can.....We got to win this game,” Paul said. “It’s win or go home.”
Jamison to undergo surgery
Lakers F Antawn Jamison will undergo surgery Tuesday morning to repair a wrist injury that plagued him for the second half of the season. In what could be a sign, the veteran free agent to be skipped the exit interview with the team despite the Lakers' effort to contact him. With that being said, Jamison is not expected to return to the Lakers next season.
Pistons to interview McMillan
The Detroit Pistons will meet with former Sonics and Blazers coach Nate McMillan later today. The Piston also plan to interview current Suns coach Lindsey Hunter but McMillan is considered to be the front runner to land the position.
Chris Hansen responds to NBA's recommendation
While we are disappointed with the relocation committee’s recommendation, we just wanted to let you all know that we remain fully committed to seeing this transaction through. As you are all well aware, we have a binding transaction to purchase the Kings for what would be a record price for an NBA franchise, have one of the best ownership groups ever assembled to purchase a professional sports team in the US, have clearly demonstrated that we have a much more solid Arena plan, have offered a much higher price than the yet to be finalized Sacramento Group, and have placed all of the funds to close the transaction into escrow. As such, we plan to unequivocally state our case for both relocation and our plan to move forward with the transaction to the league and owners at the upcoming Board of Governor’s Meeting in Mid-May.
When we started this process everyone thought it was impossible. While this represents yet another obstacle to achieving our goal, I just wanted to reassure all of you that we have numerous options at our disposal and have absolutely no plans to give up. Impossible is nothing but a state of mind.
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” ―Muhammad Ali
—Chris Hansen
Monday, April 29, 2013
Kings to stay put?
The NBA's 12 member relocation committee has recommended that the Sacramento Kings not relocate to Seattle. A full vote by all 30 NBA owners is expected to yeild the same results on May 13th.
NBA Commissioner David Stern statement on Jason Collins' announcement today
"As Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and Jarron joined the NBA in 2001 and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family. Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue."
NBA's Jason Collins says he's gay
Courtesy of Sports Illustrated
By Jason Collins
I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay.
I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand.
My journey of self-discovery and self-acknowledgement began in my hometown of Los Angeles and has taken me through two state high school championships, the NCAA Final Four and the Elite Eight, and nine playoffs in 12 NBA seasons.
I've played for six pro teams and have appeared in two NBA Finals. Ever heard of a parlor game called Three Degrees of Jason Collins? If you're in the league, and I haven't been your teammate, I surely have been one of your teammates' teammates. Or one of your teammates' teammates' teammates.
Now I'm a free agent, literally and figuratively. I've reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want. And what I want is to continue to play basketball. I still love the game, and I still have something to offer. My coaches and teammates recognize that. At the same time, I want to be genuine and authentic and truthful.
Why am I coming out now? Well, I started thinking about this in 2011 during the NBA player lockout. I'm a creature of routine. When the regular season ends I immediately dedicate myself to getting game ready for the opener of the next campaign in the fall. But the lockout wreaked havoc on my habits and forced me to confront who I really am and what I really want. With the season delayed, I trained and worked out. But I lacked the distraction that basketball had always provided.
The first relative I came out to was my aunt Teri, a superior court judge in San Francisco. Her reaction surprised me. "I've known you were gay for years," she said. From that moment on I was comfortable in my own skin. In her presence I ignored my censor button for the first time. She gave me support. The relief I felt was a sweet release. Imagine you're in the oven, baking. Some of us know and accept our sexuality right away and some need more time to cook. I should know -- I baked for 33 years.
When I was younger I dated women. I even got engaged. I thought I had to live a certain way. I thought I needed to marry a woman and raise kids with her. I kept telling myself the sky was red, but I always knew it was blue.
I realized I needed to go public when Joe Kennedy, my old roommate at Stanford and now a Massachusetts congressman, told me he had just marched in Boston's 2012 Gay Pride Parade. I'm seldom jealous of others, but hearing what Joe had done filled me with envy. I was proud of him for participating but angry that as a closeted gay man I couldn't even cheer my straight friend on as a spectator. If I'd been questioned, I would have concocted half truths. What a shame to have to lie at a celebration of pride. I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore. I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. I want to take a stand and say, "Me, too."
***
The recent Boston Marathon bombing reinforced the notion that I shouldn't wait for the circumstances of my coming out to be perfect. Things can change in an instant, so why not live truthfully? When I told Joe a few weeks ago that I was gay, he was grateful that I trusted him. He asked me to join him in 2013. We'll be marching on June 8.
No one wants to live in fear. I've always been scared of saying the wrong thing. I don't sleep well. I never have. But each time I tell another person, I feel stronger and sleep a little more soundly. It takes an enormous amount of energy to guard such a big secret. I've endured years of misery and gone to enormous lengths to live a lie. I was certain that my world would fall apart if anyone knew. And yet when I acknowledged my sexuality I felt whole for the first time. I still had the same sense of humor, I still had the same mannerisms and my friends still had my back.
Believe it or not, my family has had bigger shocks. Strange as it seems today, my parents expected only one child in 1978. Me. When I came out (for the first time) the doctors congratulated my mother on her healthy, seven-pound, one-ounce baby boy. "Wait!" said a nurse. "Here comes another one!" The other one, who arrived eight minutes later and three ounces heavier, was Jarron. He's followed me ever since, to Stanford and to the NBA, and as the ever-so-slightly older brother I've looked out for him.
I had a happy childhood in the suburbs of L.A. My parents instilled in us an appreciation of history, art and, most important, Motown. Jarron and I weren't allowed to listen to rap until we were 12. After our birthday I dashed to Target and bought DJ Quik's album Quik Is the Name. I memorized every line. It was around this time that I began noticing subtle differences between Jarron and me. Our twinness was no longer synchronized. I couldn't identify with his attraction to girls.
I feel blessed that I recognized my own attractions. Though I resisted my impulses through high school, I knew that when I was ready I had someone to turn to: my uncle Mark in New York. I knew we could talk without judgment, and we did last summer. Uncle Mark is gay. He and his partner have been in a stable relationship forever. For a confused young boy, I can think of no better role model of love and compassion.
I didn't come out to my brother until last summer. His reaction to my breakfast revelation was radically different from Aunt Teri's. He was downright astounded. He never suspected. So much for twin telepathy. But by dinner that night, he was full of brotherly love. For the first time in our lives, he wanted to step in and protect me.
My maternal grandmother was apprehensive about my plans to come out. She grew up in rural Louisiana and witnessed the horrors of segregation. During the civil rights movement she saw great bravery play out amid the ugliest aspects of humanity. She worries that I am opening myself up to prejudice and hatred. I explained to her that in a way, my coming out is preemptive. I shouldn't have to live under the threat of being outed. The announcement should be mine to make, not TMZ's.
The hardest part of this is the realization that my entire family will be affected. But my relatives have told me repeatedly that as long as I'm happy, they're there for me. I watch as my brother and friends from college start their own families. Changing diapers is a lot of work, but children bring so much joy. I'm crazy about my nieces and nephew, and I can't wait to start a family of my own.
***
I'm from a close-knit family. My parents instilled Christian values in me. They taught Sunday school, and I enjoyed lending a hand. I take the teachings of Jesus seriously, particularly the ones that touch on tolerance and understanding. On family trips, my parents made a point to expose us to new things, religious and cultural. In Utah, we visited the Mormon Salt Lake Temple. In Atlanta, the house of Martin Luther King Jr. That early exposure to otherness made me the guy who accepts everyone unconditionally.
I'm learning to embrace the puzzle that is me. After I was traded by the Celtics to Washington in February, I took a detour to the Dr. King memorial. I was inspired and humbled. I celebrate being an African-American and the hardships of the past that still resonate today. But I don't let my race define me any more than I want my sexual orientation to. I don't want to be labeled, and I can't let someone else's label define me.
On the court I graciously accept one label sometimes bestowed on me: "the pro's pro." I got that handle because of my fearlessness and my commitment to my teammates. I take charges and I foul -- that's been my forte. In fact, during the 2004-05 season my 322 personals led the NBA. I enter the court knowing I have six hard fouls to give. I set picks with my 7-foot, 255-pound body to get guys like Jason Kidd, John Wall and Paul Pierce open. I sacrifice myself for other players. I look out for teammates as I would my kid brother.
I'm not afraid to take on any opponent. I love playing against the best. Though Shaquille O'Neal is a Hall of Famer, I never shirked from the challenge of trying to frustrate the heck out of him. (Note to Shaq: My flopping has nothing to do with being gay.) My mouthpiece is in, and my wrists are taped. Go ahead, take a swing -- I'll get up. I hate to say it, and I'm not proud of it, but I once fouled a player so hard that he had to leave the arena on a stretcher.
I go against the gay stereotype, which is why I think a lot of players will be shocked: That guy is gay? But I've always been an aggressive player, even in high school. Am I so physical to prove that being gay doesn't make you soft? Who knows? That's something for a psychologist to unravel. My motivations, like my contributions, don't show up in box scores, and frankly I don't care about stats. Winning is what counts. I want to be evaluated as a team player.
Loyalty to my team is the real reason I didn't come out sooner. When I signed a free-agent contract with Boston last July, I decided to commit myself to the Celtics and not let my personal life become a distraction. When I was traded to the Wizards, the political significance of coming out sunk in. I was ready to open up to the press, but I had to wait until the season was over.
A college classmate tried to persuade me to come out then and there. But I couldn't yet. My one small gesture of solidarity was to wear jersey number 98 with the Celtics and then the Wizards. The number has great significance to the gay community. One of the most notorious antigay hate crimes occurred in 1998. Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student, was kidnapped, tortured and lashed to a prairie fence. He died five days after he was finally found. That same year the Trevor Project was founded. This amazing organization provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention to kids struggling with their sexual identity. Trust me, I know that struggle. I've struggled with some insane logic. When I put on my jersey I was making a statement to myself, my family and my friends.
The strain of hiding my sexuality became almost unbearable in March, when the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments for and against same-sex marriage. Less then three miles from my apartment, nine jurists argued about my happiness and my future. Here was my chance to be heard, and I couldn't say a thing. I didn't want to answer questions and draw attention to myself. Not while I was still playing.
I'm glad I'm coming out in 2013 rather than 2003. The climate has shifted; public opinion has shifted. And yet we still have so much farther to go. Everyone is terrified of the unknown, but most of us don't want to return to a time when minorities were openly discriminated against. I'm impressed with the straight pro athletes who have spoken up so far -- Chris Kluwe, Brendon Ayanbadejo. The more people who speak out, the better, gay or straight. It starts with President Obama's mentioning the 1969 Stonewall riots, which launched the gay rights movement, during his second inaugural address. And it extends to the grade-school teacher who encourages her students to accept the things that make us different.
***
By its nature, my double life has kept me from getting close to any of my teammates. Early in my career I worked hard at acting straight, but as I got more comfortable in my straight mask it required less effort. In recent days, though, little has separated "mask on, mask off." Personally, I don't like to dwell in someone else's private life, and I hope players and coaches show me the same respect. When I'm with my team I'm all about working hard and winning games. A good teammate supports you no matter what.
I've been asked how other players will respond to my announcement. The simple answer is, I have no idea. I'm a pragmatist. I hope for the best, but plan for the worst. The biggest concern seems to be that gay players will behave unprofessionally in the locker room. Believe me, I've taken plenty of showers in 12 seasons. My behavior wasn't an issue before, and it won't be one now. My conduct won't change. I still abide by the adage, "What happens in the locker room stays in the locker room." I'm still a model of discretion.
As I write this, I haven't come out to anyone in the NBA. I'm not privy to what other players say about me. Maybe Mike Miller, my old teammate in Memphis, will recall the time I dropped by his house in Florida and say, "I enjoyed being his teammate, and I sold him a dog." I hope players swap stories like that. Maybe they'll talk about my character and what kind of person I am.
As far as the reaction of fans, I don't mind if they heckle me. I've been booed before. There have been times when I've wanted to boo myself. But a lot of ill feelings can be cured by winning.
I'm a veteran, and I've earned the right to be heard. I'll lead by example and show that gay players are no different from straight ones. I'm not the loudest person in the room, but I'll speak up when something isn't right. And try to make everyone laugh.
I've never sought the spotlight. Though I'm coming out to the world, I intend to guard my privacy. I'm making this blanket statement in part to keep rumors and misunderstandings at bay. I hope fans will respect me for raising my hand. And I hope teammates will remember that I've never been an in-your-face kind of guy. All you need to know is that I'm single. I see no need to delve into specifics.
Look at what happened in the military when the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was repealed. Critics of the repeal were sure that out military members would devastate morale and destroy civilization. But a new study conducted by scholars from every branch of the armed forces except the Coast Guard concluded that "cohesion did not decline after the new policy of open service was put into place. In fact, greater openness and honesty resulting from repeal seem to have promoted increased understanding, respect and acceptance."
The same goes for sports. Doc Rivers, my coach on the Celtics, says, "If you want to go quickly, go by yourself—if you want to go farther, go in a group." I want people to pull together and push ahead.
Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start. It all comes down to education. I'll sit down with any player who's uneasy about my coming out. Being gay is not a choice. This is the tough road and at times the lonely road. Former players like Tim Hardaway, who said "I hate gay people" (and then became a supporter of gay rights), fuel homophobia. Tim is an adult. He's entitled to his opinion. God bless America. Still, if I'm up against an intolerant player, I'll set a pretty hard pick on him. And then move on.
The most you can do is stand up for what you believe in. I'm much happier since coming out to my friends and family. Being genuine and honest makes me happy.
I'm glad I can stop hiding and refocus on my 13th NBA season. I've been running through the Santa Monica Mountains in a 30-pound vest with Shadow, the German shepherd I got from Mike Miller. In the pros, the older you get, the better shape you must be in. Next season a few more eyeballs are likely to be on me. That only motivates me to work harder.
Some people insist they've never met a gay person. But Three Degrees of Jason Collins dictates that no NBA player can claim that anymore. Pro basketball is a family. And pretty much every family I know has a brother, sister or cousin who's gay. In the brotherhood of the NBA, I just happen to be the one who's out.
By Jason Collins
I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay.
I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, "I'm different." If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand.
My journey of self-discovery and self-acknowledgement began in my hometown of Los Angeles and has taken me through two state high school championships, the NCAA Final Four and the Elite Eight, and nine playoffs in 12 NBA seasons.
I've played for six pro teams and have appeared in two NBA Finals. Ever heard of a parlor game called Three Degrees of Jason Collins? If you're in the league, and I haven't been your teammate, I surely have been one of your teammates' teammates. Or one of your teammates' teammates' teammates.
Now I'm a free agent, literally and figuratively. I've reached that enviable state in life in which I can do pretty much what I want. And what I want is to continue to play basketball. I still love the game, and I still have something to offer. My coaches and teammates recognize that. At the same time, I want to be genuine and authentic and truthful.
Why am I coming out now? Well, I started thinking about this in 2011 during the NBA player lockout. I'm a creature of routine. When the regular season ends I immediately dedicate myself to getting game ready for the opener of the next campaign in the fall. But the lockout wreaked havoc on my habits and forced me to confront who I really am and what I really want. With the season delayed, I trained and worked out. But I lacked the distraction that basketball had always provided.
The first relative I came out to was my aunt Teri, a superior court judge in San Francisco. Her reaction surprised me. "I've known you were gay for years," she said. From that moment on I was comfortable in my own skin. In her presence I ignored my censor button for the first time. She gave me support. The relief I felt was a sweet release. Imagine you're in the oven, baking. Some of us know and accept our sexuality right away and some need more time to cook. I should know -- I baked for 33 years.
When I was younger I dated women. I even got engaged. I thought I had to live a certain way. I thought I needed to marry a woman and raise kids with her. I kept telling myself the sky was red, but I always knew it was blue.
I realized I needed to go public when Joe Kennedy, my old roommate at Stanford and now a Massachusetts congressman, told me he had just marched in Boston's 2012 Gay Pride Parade. I'm seldom jealous of others, but hearing what Joe had done filled me with envy. I was proud of him for participating but angry that as a closeted gay man I couldn't even cheer my straight friend on as a spectator. If I'd been questioned, I would have concocted half truths. What a shame to have to lie at a celebration of pride. I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore. I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. I want to take a stand and say, "Me, too."
***
The recent Boston Marathon bombing reinforced the notion that I shouldn't wait for the circumstances of my coming out to be perfect. Things can change in an instant, so why not live truthfully? When I told Joe a few weeks ago that I was gay, he was grateful that I trusted him. He asked me to join him in 2013. We'll be marching on June 8.
No one wants to live in fear. I've always been scared of saying the wrong thing. I don't sleep well. I never have. But each time I tell another person, I feel stronger and sleep a little more soundly. It takes an enormous amount of energy to guard such a big secret. I've endured years of misery and gone to enormous lengths to live a lie. I was certain that my world would fall apart if anyone knew. And yet when I acknowledged my sexuality I felt whole for the first time. I still had the same sense of humor, I still had the same mannerisms and my friends still had my back.
Believe it or not, my family has had bigger shocks. Strange as it seems today, my parents expected only one child in 1978. Me. When I came out (for the first time) the doctors congratulated my mother on her healthy, seven-pound, one-ounce baby boy. "Wait!" said a nurse. "Here comes another one!" The other one, who arrived eight minutes later and three ounces heavier, was Jarron. He's followed me ever since, to Stanford and to the NBA, and as the ever-so-slightly older brother I've looked out for him.
I had a happy childhood in the suburbs of L.A. My parents instilled in us an appreciation of history, art and, most important, Motown. Jarron and I weren't allowed to listen to rap until we were 12. After our birthday I dashed to Target and bought DJ Quik's album Quik Is the Name. I memorized every line. It was around this time that I began noticing subtle differences between Jarron and me. Our twinness was no longer synchronized. I couldn't identify with his attraction to girls.
I feel blessed that I recognized my own attractions. Though I resisted my impulses through high school, I knew that when I was ready I had someone to turn to: my uncle Mark in New York. I knew we could talk without judgment, and we did last summer. Uncle Mark is gay. He and his partner have been in a stable relationship forever. For a confused young boy, I can think of no better role model of love and compassion.
I didn't come out to my brother until last summer. His reaction to my breakfast revelation was radically different from Aunt Teri's. He was downright astounded. He never suspected. So much for twin telepathy. But by dinner that night, he was full of brotherly love. For the first time in our lives, he wanted to step in and protect me.
My maternal grandmother was apprehensive about my plans to come out. She grew up in rural Louisiana and witnessed the horrors of segregation. During the civil rights movement she saw great bravery play out amid the ugliest aspects of humanity. She worries that I am opening myself up to prejudice and hatred. I explained to her that in a way, my coming out is preemptive. I shouldn't have to live under the threat of being outed. The announcement should be mine to make, not TMZ's.
The hardest part of this is the realization that my entire family will be affected. But my relatives have told me repeatedly that as long as I'm happy, they're there for me. I watch as my brother and friends from college start their own families. Changing diapers is a lot of work, but children bring so much joy. I'm crazy about my nieces and nephew, and I can't wait to start a family of my own.
***
I'm from a close-knit family. My parents instilled Christian values in me. They taught Sunday school, and I enjoyed lending a hand. I take the teachings of Jesus seriously, particularly the ones that touch on tolerance and understanding. On family trips, my parents made a point to expose us to new things, religious and cultural. In Utah, we visited the Mormon Salt Lake Temple. In Atlanta, the house of Martin Luther King Jr. That early exposure to otherness made me the guy who accepts everyone unconditionally.
I'm learning to embrace the puzzle that is me. After I was traded by the Celtics to Washington in February, I took a detour to the Dr. King memorial. I was inspired and humbled. I celebrate being an African-American and the hardships of the past that still resonate today. But I don't let my race define me any more than I want my sexual orientation to. I don't want to be labeled, and I can't let someone else's label define me.
On the court I graciously accept one label sometimes bestowed on me: "the pro's pro." I got that handle because of my fearlessness and my commitment to my teammates. I take charges and I foul -- that's been my forte. In fact, during the 2004-05 season my 322 personals led the NBA. I enter the court knowing I have six hard fouls to give. I set picks with my 7-foot, 255-pound body to get guys like Jason Kidd, John Wall and Paul Pierce open. I sacrifice myself for other players. I look out for teammates as I would my kid brother.
I'm not afraid to take on any opponent. I love playing against the best. Though Shaquille O'Neal is a Hall of Famer, I never shirked from the challenge of trying to frustrate the heck out of him. (Note to Shaq: My flopping has nothing to do with being gay.) My mouthpiece is in, and my wrists are taped. Go ahead, take a swing -- I'll get up. I hate to say it, and I'm not proud of it, but I once fouled a player so hard that he had to leave the arena on a stretcher.
I go against the gay stereotype, which is why I think a lot of players will be shocked: That guy is gay? But I've always been an aggressive player, even in high school. Am I so physical to prove that being gay doesn't make you soft? Who knows? That's something for a psychologist to unravel. My motivations, like my contributions, don't show up in box scores, and frankly I don't care about stats. Winning is what counts. I want to be evaluated as a team player.
Loyalty to my team is the real reason I didn't come out sooner. When I signed a free-agent contract with Boston last July, I decided to commit myself to the Celtics and not let my personal life become a distraction. When I was traded to the Wizards, the political significance of coming out sunk in. I was ready to open up to the press, but I had to wait until the season was over.
A college classmate tried to persuade me to come out then and there. But I couldn't yet. My one small gesture of solidarity was to wear jersey number 98 with the Celtics and then the Wizards. The number has great significance to the gay community. One of the most notorious antigay hate crimes occurred in 1998. Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student, was kidnapped, tortured and lashed to a prairie fence. He died five days after he was finally found. That same year the Trevor Project was founded. This amazing organization provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention to kids struggling with their sexual identity. Trust me, I know that struggle. I've struggled with some insane logic. When I put on my jersey I was making a statement to myself, my family and my friends.
The strain of hiding my sexuality became almost unbearable in March, when the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments for and against same-sex marriage. Less then three miles from my apartment, nine jurists argued about my happiness and my future. Here was my chance to be heard, and I couldn't say a thing. I didn't want to answer questions and draw attention to myself. Not while I was still playing.
I'm glad I'm coming out in 2013 rather than 2003. The climate has shifted; public opinion has shifted. And yet we still have so much farther to go. Everyone is terrified of the unknown, but most of us don't want to return to a time when minorities were openly discriminated against. I'm impressed with the straight pro athletes who have spoken up so far -- Chris Kluwe, Brendon Ayanbadejo. The more people who speak out, the better, gay or straight. It starts with President Obama's mentioning the 1969 Stonewall riots, which launched the gay rights movement, during his second inaugural address. And it extends to the grade-school teacher who encourages her students to accept the things that make us different.
***
By its nature, my double life has kept me from getting close to any of my teammates. Early in my career I worked hard at acting straight, but as I got more comfortable in my straight mask it required less effort. In recent days, though, little has separated "mask on, mask off." Personally, I don't like to dwell in someone else's private life, and I hope players and coaches show me the same respect. When I'm with my team I'm all about working hard and winning games. A good teammate supports you no matter what.
I've been asked how other players will respond to my announcement. The simple answer is, I have no idea. I'm a pragmatist. I hope for the best, but plan for the worst. The biggest concern seems to be that gay players will behave unprofessionally in the locker room. Believe me, I've taken plenty of showers in 12 seasons. My behavior wasn't an issue before, and it won't be one now. My conduct won't change. I still abide by the adage, "What happens in the locker room stays in the locker room." I'm still a model of discretion.
As I write this, I haven't come out to anyone in the NBA. I'm not privy to what other players say about me. Maybe Mike Miller, my old teammate in Memphis, will recall the time I dropped by his house in Florida and say, "I enjoyed being his teammate, and I sold him a dog." I hope players swap stories like that. Maybe they'll talk about my character and what kind of person I am.
As far as the reaction of fans, I don't mind if they heckle me. I've been booed before. There have been times when I've wanted to boo myself. But a lot of ill feelings can be cured by winning.
I'm a veteran, and I've earned the right to be heard. I'll lead by example and show that gay players are no different from straight ones. I'm not the loudest person in the room, but I'll speak up when something isn't right. And try to make everyone laugh.
I've never sought the spotlight. Though I'm coming out to the world, I intend to guard my privacy. I'm making this blanket statement in part to keep rumors and misunderstandings at bay. I hope fans will respect me for raising my hand. And I hope teammates will remember that I've never been an in-your-face kind of guy. All you need to know is that I'm single. I see no need to delve into specifics.
Look at what happened in the military when the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy was repealed. Critics of the repeal were sure that out military members would devastate morale and destroy civilization. But a new study conducted by scholars from every branch of the armed forces except the Coast Guard concluded that "cohesion did not decline after the new policy of open service was put into place. In fact, greater openness and honesty resulting from repeal seem to have promoted increased understanding, respect and acceptance."
The same goes for sports. Doc Rivers, my coach on the Celtics, says, "If you want to go quickly, go by yourself—if you want to go farther, go in a group." I want people to pull together and push ahead.
Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start. It all comes down to education. I'll sit down with any player who's uneasy about my coming out. Being gay is not a choice. This is the tough road and at times the lonely road. Former players like Tim Hardaway, who said "I hate gay people" (and then became a supporter of gay rights), fuel homophobia. Tim is an adult. He's entitled to his opinion. God bless America. Still, if I'm up against an intolerant player, I'll set a pretty hard pick on him. And then move on.
The most you can do is stand up for what you believe in. I'm much happier since coming out to my friends and family. Being genuine and honest makes me happy.
I'm glad I can stop hiding and refocus on my 13th NBA season. I've been running through the Santa Monica Mountains in a 30-pound vest with Shadow, the German shepherd I got from Mike Miller. In the pros, the older you get, the better shape you must be in. Next season a few more eyeballs are likely to be on me. That only motivates me to work harder.
Some people insist they've never met a gay person. But Three Degrees of Jason Collins dictates that no NBA player can claim that anymore. Pro basketball is a family. And pretty much every family I know has a brother, sister or cousin who's gay. In the brotherhood of the NBA, I just happen to be the one who's out.
Magic Johnson goes in on Dwight Howard after ejection
Perhaps one of the strangest NBA seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers can to an end last evening but Dwight Howard's season ended with him being ejected 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter after receiving a second technical foul. Disappointed to say the least, NBA Legend and former Lakers great Magic Johnson took to twitter to share his displeasure.
Laker Nation: Dwight Howard that was a big No, No. Your teammates and the fans were counting on you.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 29, 2013
LN: Dwight, I've been swept before but I never let my team down by getting kicked out of the game.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 29, 2013
LN: Dwight with an already depleted team you couldn't afford to foul out or get kicked out. Having you on the floor … say.ly/Haa5HEZ
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 29, 2013
Kirk Hinrich update
Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich will miss tonight's game 5 versus the Brooklyn Nets with a calf injury that occurred during game 4. Reports indicate that Hinrich can't put any weight on his foot at this time but hopes to be ready in a few days. Since January 1st, the Bulls have gone 5-13 without Hinrich.
Larry Drew to coach Sixers?
Atlanta Hawks head coach Larry Drew is in the final games of his contract and there's been no talk of an extension between he and GM Danny Ferry. In the event that the Hawks decide not to retain the services of Drew, sources in the know claim that Drew would be interested coaching the 76ers.
"Larry loves coaching, and he wants to continue as a head coach," said the league source. "He's in a difficult situation, and it's hard to say what will happen in Atlanta."
"Larry loves coaching, and he wants to continue as a head coach," said the league source. "He's in a difficult situation, and it's hard to say what will happen in Atlanta."
Nuggets lose, Manimal attacks wall
With the Nuggets staring at possible elimination after falling 3-1 in their playoff series with the Warriors, Nuggets F Kenneth Faried took his anger out on a wall in the locker-room. When asked if he used the foot of his injured ankle, Faried responded with the following:
“I don’t know,” Faried said “I just kicked it.”
“I don’t know,” Faried said “I just kicked it.”
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Hinrich questionable for Game 5
Chicago Bulls G Kirk Hinrich is listed as questionable for game 5 of their series with the Brooklyn Nets. Hinrich suffered a left calf injury that he stated declared as "pretty bad". Should Hinrich not be available for Monday's game 5, Nate Robinson, game 4's hero, will get the start. The Chicago Bulls are 12-0 in franchise history when they lead a playoff series 3-1.
The Pulse: Your Take
Today is an NBA elimination day of sorts with 3 of the 4 games airing being elimination games. The Celtics, Bucks, and Lakers are all in the line of fire today and the question of the day is which team has the best chance of surviving?
Danny Ainge talks potential Celtics comeback
No team in the history of the NBA has won a playoff series after being down 0-3 but Celtics team President Danny Ainge thinks there's a first time for everything.
“Hey, listen, nobody likes being down 0-3,” Ainge said yesterday. “Nobody’s come back from 0-3. But there’s always a first time for something.
“Hey, listen, nobody likes being down 0-3,” Ainge said yesterday. “Nobody’s come back from 0-3. But there’s always a first time for something.
“But right now we’ve just been beaten in three games by a team that has played better. Their offense and their defense has been better than ours. Carmelo (Anthony) and J.R. Smith and Raymond Felton have been terrific and very challenging for us to match up with.”
“We have had trouble even at full strength over the past few years with scoring in the fourth quarter, and our defense has been our identity,” Ainge said. “We have been a defensive-minded team. Even in stretches this year, defense was our strength, but I think we don’t really have that identity right now, so we’re searching.
“We’re playing small. We’re trying to play shooters — any way to score, because our scoring and our offense have been exposed in this series. And you’ve got to give the Knicks credit. I think that their switching has confused us, has taken away the movement that we ideally want to play with.”
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Breaking News....Smith Suspended
New York Knicks G J.R. Smith has been suspended for Game 4 of their series with the Boston Celtics. Smith elbowed Celtics G Jason Terry on his chin during the 4th quarter of Game 3.
NBA Q&A: James Harden
Courtesy of Darnell Mayberry
It seems like the Rockets have been on the road forever. How does it feel to be back home?Yeah, our last two regular season games were on the road and then our first two playoff games were road games. So it feels good to be back at home. I’m excited for our crowd tonight and I’m exited for our team.
What do you want to see differently in Game 3 that maybe you guys didn’t do on the road?I think Game 2 was our style of play. We moved the ball well, got open shots, open looks, and put ourselves in position to win late in that game. So just continue to play the same way we did in Game 2 and we’ll be all right.
Is Russell Westbrook’s injury a catch-22? You don’t have to deal with him, but now that means Kevin Durant has to do more.I mean, we don’t know. We do not know. Russell has never missed a game so I’m sure KD doesn’t know how to play without him. I’m not sure if KD’s going to go out there and try to score more points or be more of a facilitator. We’re not sure. So our game plan is the same, just to do what we’ve been doing for the first two games.
Knowing his history of durability, how shocked were you that Russell Westbrook actually is missing time?It’s definitely a big surprise. He hasn’t missed an NBA game; even college and high school he rarely got injured. So just to see him out is painful. That’s one of my good friends. Hopefully he can get back soon and everything heals in his body.
How difficult of a balance is that that KD will probably have tonight that you have most nights between really looking for your shot more but not looking too much and keeping other people involved and still step up more to fill voids?It’s tough. It’s a difficult task, knowing when to score, knowing when you’ve got it going and knowing when you have to make your teammates better; you have to make plays for your teammates. He’s one of the best players in this league. I’m sure it’s going to come natural and easy to him. Our focus is five guys on the defensive end helping each other out and doing whatever it takes to get a win.
NBA Q&A: Patrick Beverly
Courtesy of Darnell Mayberry
What is your response to everyone thinking you had bad intentions on the play that injured Russell Westbrook?No response at all. I knew my actions and my intent. My intent was for no one to get hurt. I keep saying this. It’s an unfortunate situation, but my focus is on the basketball game tonight.
How much was it your plan and the team’s plan to just pester Westbrook, in all kinds of ways, throughout the game?We wanted to get a focus that we come out defensively. We understand that they’re great offensively with Westbrook and (Kevin Durant) and Kevin Martin, some guys that make some shots with them.
How does the Thunder not having Westbrook change the series for the Rockets?I mean, he’s an All-Star. He’s their point guard, the captain of the boat. That’s really a tremendous loss for them. It’s hard losing an All-Star. It’s going to be hard, but that just puts more pressure on us to defend Kevin Durant that much harder. We understand he’s going to come out and be aggressive. We have to prepare. And we understand someone else is going to step up for them. This is the NBA.
How strange has this been for you to go so quickly from a guy a lot of people around the country did not know to they’re now talking about you on TNT, they’re showing your highlights and showing plays and talking about you on Twitter in such a short period of time?It kind of feels like I’m back in Russia a little bit. But I don’t know if I’m on TV for the good reasons now. I can’t control that. I can only control my basketball game, and that’s going out there and playing aggressive. Going for steals. Going for blocks. Going for offensive rebounds. And my focus now is the Oklahoma City Thunder.
You’ve mentioned your overseas experience a couple times now in the last couple of days. What was that experience like for you?From being overseas to instantly coming over here and no one knows who I am, it’s kind of a relaxing period. Being in Russia, every time I step out for a dinner I was treated like James Harden over there. So coming over here and being a guy that a lot of people don’t know to now being on TNT for the wrong reasons. But it is what it is. I can’t control what happened. It was an unfortunate situation. I think last game someone did the same thing. So it’s definitely an unfortunate situation.
How were you so effective rebounding in Game 2?I get lucky sometimes (laughs). I think Omer (Asik) and those guys do a great job of boxing out their bigs and I’m able to come from behind and scoop some stuff up. I’m mostly lucky, though.
There’s a toughness to your game that a lot of fans appreciate. Can you talk about the roots of that toughness and how you developed that in your game over the years?Coming from Chicago. I got a lot more pressure growing up walking to the corner store…So the toughness definitely comes from Chicago. It definitely comes from being overseas, out of my element and away from my family, away from my comfort zone. I was able to perform well. Not playing against different states but playing against different countries. So it’s a reason for everything. I’ve been put in situations where my back is against the wall and I responded well from it.
Westbrook to miss playoffs
Oklahoma City Thunder G Russell Westbrook underwent knee surgery earlier today to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee. Westbrook will not be able to return for the remainder of the NBA playoffs according to Thunder GM Sam Presti.
"Although we are of course disappointed that Russell will be unable to return to the floor with his teammates this season, the opportunity to repair the meniscus as opposed to remove it was the best possible scenario for Russell's long term health as a player and person," said Presti. "Russell's health and well being are obviously our number one priority through this process and today's procedure helped solidify our belief that Russell will have many productive years of basketball in his future."
"Although we are of course disappointed that Russell will be unable to return to the floor with his teammates this season, the opportunity to repair the meniscus as opposed to remove it was the best possible scenario for Russell's long term health as a player and person," said Presti. "Russell's health and well being are obviously our number one priority through this process and today's procedure helped solidify our belief that Russell will have many productive years of basketball in his future."
Splitter to miss Game 4
Due to rolling his ankle in the 4th quarter of last evening's win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Spurs big man Tiago Splitter will miss game 4. Splitter officially has an ankle sprain and the x-rays taken were negative.
“Like we have done all season, we move things around and guys have to be ready to play,” Tim Duncan said after the game. “Matty and DeJaun have to step up and fill that position for us.”
“Like we have done all season, we move things around and guys have to be ready to play,” Tim Duncan said after the game. “Matty and DeJaun have to step up and fill that position for us.”
Patrick Beverly talks Russell Westbrook
When the story broke that Oklahoma City Thunder G Russell Westbrook would be out indefinitely due to having to undergo right knee surgery, the NBA twitterverse exploded. Houston Rockets G Patrick Beverly, who inadvertently injured Westbrook while trying to go for a steal shared his thoughts on the newly injured point guard.
“A lot of people do it throughout the league. I don’t go out to try and hurt anybody. I tried to make a play on the ball … ‘It’s an unfortunate situation. You hate to see anyone like that go out. He’s an All Star, a top-3 point guard in the NBA.’
And Beverly Later told Yahoo!Sports
"I want to go against Russell Westbrook again and battle him again," Beverley told Yahoo! Sports by phone on Friday evening. "I didn't try to hurt him, but that play was something I've tried in the past, a play that worked against the Suns earlier in the season – and it's a play that I'm going to continue to try again."
“A lot of people do it throughout the league. I don’t go out to try and hurt anybody. I tried to make a play on the ball … ‘It’s an unfortunate situation. You hate to see anyone like that go out. He’s an All Star, a top-3 point guard in the NBA.’
And Beverly Later told Yahoo!Sports
"I want to go against Russell Westbrook again and battle him again," Beverley told Yahoo! Sports by phone on Friday evening. "I didn't try to hurt him, but that play was something I've tried in the past, a play that worked against the Suns earlier in the season – and it's a play that I'm going to continue to try again."
Gentry would like to coach Bobcats
Veteran NBA coach Alvin Gentry was let go by the Suns during the regular season and the Carolina native is already itching to get back into the coaching ranks. While speaking to the Charlotte Observer recently, Gentry stated that he wouldn't mind coaching the Charlotte Bobcats.
“It reminds me a little bit of the teams I had in L.A. (with the Clippers): Young players, very energetic guys,’’ Gentry said. “Kemba (Walker) and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist have a lot of potential and (Gerald) Henderson has started to really establish himself as a pro.
“I’ve seen a lot of their games. Yes, they’ve struggled at times, but that’s a situation where you could make a big change in a year or so. I know that player development is really important to that job.’’
Friday, April 26, 2013
Westbrook out indefinitely.....Updated
OKC Thunder G Russell Westbrook is out indefinitely due to a torn right meniscus. Westbrook will have to undergo surgery to repair the cartilage but at this time the surgery has not been scheduled.
J.J. Redick hasn't spoken to coach since playoffs started
Some have wondered why Bucks G J.J. Redick hasn't seen a lot of playing time during their playoff series vs the Miami Heat. During Game 3's pregame show, interim coach Jim Boylan stated that he told Redick to shoot with more confidence but according to Redick the conversation never took place.
“Jim never talked to me,” Redick said. “He didn’t say anything to me. I haven’t spoken to him during the playoffs. I did not get that message. I don’t need anybody telling me to be confident. I would have appreciated it.”
“Jim never talked to me,” Redick said. “He didn’t say anything to me. I haven’t spoken to him during the playoffs. I did not get that message. I don’t need anybody telling me to be confident. I would have appreciated it.”
Courtney Lee benched
Celtics G Courtney Lee has been benched by coach Doc Rivers in favor of Jordan Crawford. The demotion comes as the Celtics have fallen behind 0-2 in their playoff series with the Knicks and the series now shifting to Boston for the next two games. Rivers feels as if he can get more production out of his half court sets with Crawford along side of his starters.
"I'm not playing him right now," said Rivers. "Honestly, Jordan [Crawford] has moved in front of him on the depth chart. But Courtney will have a say in this series. I believe that."
"He's handled it great as far as I know," said Rivers. "You never know. Guys move in front of him. Jordan is another guy that can give us what I just talked about offensively. For us our defense has been pretty good. The one thing Jordan does better is he can make a spot-up shot. But right now we're going the other way."
Thursday, April 25, 2013
James talks coming in 2nd for DPOY award
Recently while speaking to Ethan J. Skolnick, Miami Heat F LeBron stated that coming in second place for the Defensive Player of the Year Award "Sucks" and also addressed whether or not this was his best defensive year ever.
“It sucks,” James said. “It sucks. It sucks....I don’t know....It definitely sucks, though. Finishing second? Who wants to finish second?”
“Probably,” James said. “I mean, I guard everybody on the floor. I don’t know if there’s one player in NBA history who’s guarded one through five (positions). It’s over with now, but that’s cool.”
“It sucks,” James said. “It sucks. It sucks....I don’t know....It definitely sucks, though. Finishing second? Who wants to finish second?”
“Probably,” James said. “I mean, I guard everybody on the floor. I don’t know if there’s one player in NBA history who’s guarded one through five (positions). It’s over with now, but that’s cool.”
Hunter to interview with Pistons
Feeling that his end may be near in the Valley of the Sun, Suns head coach Lindsey Hunter was granted permission to interview for the Detroit Pistons vacant head coach position. Hunter spent the majority of his playing career in a Pistons uniform and this season as the interim coach of the Suns, Hunter complied a record of 29-53.
Rivers fined
Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers has been fined $25,000 for publicly criticizing the league's officials after stating the following immediately following their game 2 loss to the Knicks.
"I thought the fouls on Kevin were horrendous and had a huge effect on us," Rivers said.
"I thought the fouls on Kevin were horrendous and had a huge effect on us," Rivers said.
More bad news for the Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers G Steve Blake is out indefinitely with a strained right hamstring. To make matters worse, reports are indicating that guards Jodie Meeks and Steve Nash are doubtful to play in Game 3.
Charles Barkley talks Suns, Being GM
Courtesy of Brad Cesmat
- On Babby’s comment that Barkley might not want to do the “rowing” that the job requires:
- “Trust me, the people who have been rowing the boat, they've been rowing the Titanic, just for the record. The Suns are the Titanic. So the notion that I can’t do better than them is ridiculous. The Suns stink. So whoever has been rowing the boat has just done a horrific job so let’s just get that straight and out of the way. I made it perfectly clear that I’m going to be a GM. The Suns know my number. They know that I want to be a GM. I've had a couple opportunities that wasn't very good. I mean I’m not going to give up a great job unless I get what I want. I’m in the driver’s seat. I don’t need their job. I want to be a GM. But the notion that I can’t do better than what they’re doing is ridiculous. Brad, just for the record, you could probably do a better job.”
- On whether he is serious about becoming a GM:
- “ I've talked openly the last couple years about wanting to be a GM. I didn't even know the suns job was going to be open so it has nothing to do with that. Listen, I know my basketball. I know my players. That’s what the job is about. The Suns have not made good draft picks. Whoever you want to blame, you could just blame all of the above because they have not made good draft picks. The two best players on the roster are Goran Dragic and Marcin Gortat. I like both of those players. I like both of those players a lot. But to say the rest, the jury is still out, would be an understatement. They need somebody in there who knows what they’re doing. I’m not going to beg them for a job. I’m not going to worry about it if I don’t get the job. Listen, the people who have been running that ship, crashed and burned it. They need somebody else who actually knows what they’re doing.”
- On how time-consuming a GM job is:
- “I don’t believe it’s a 24-7 job. You draft your players. You have your team. How many trades do you make during the season? You might make a trade. But most of the good teams don’t make a lot of trades during the season. Do you have to be there every day? Of course you have to be there every day. But you have to have a good supporting staff as far as going out scouting players. Listen, this thing is about players. It ain't about the general manager. It’s about the general manager who is picking players. That’s what thing is about. Do I have to be there every day? Of course you have to be there every day. The Suns got to just do a better job of getting players. If you look at their roster, when was the last time they drafted a player – you could actually count … Dragic. They traded him away. When is the last time they drafted a player when you said, ‘OK, we've got a building block for the future.’ I can’t remember the last time they actually had a draft (pick like that). Like some of these teams in the NBA, they stink but you can at least say they have good young players. Like I look at Cleveland. Let’s take Cleveland for example. Kyrie Irving is an All-Star. Tristan Thompson played terrific this year. Even Orlando. Let’s take Orlando. (Nikola) Vucevic had a terrific year. The jury is still out on the kid from St. Johns (Moe Harkless). But Vucevic had a terrific year. I like them going forward. Their (the Suns’) two best players are older players. Dragic is an older player. He’s been in the league a while. Gortat has been in the league a while. The jury is still out on both of the Morrisses. They just have to start drafting better players, plain and simple.”
- On whether he is prepared to be a GM:
- “Actually being on television, that’s actually my job. All I do is watch NBA basketball. Now all I do is watch college basketball because of doing the March Madness. But my job on television is to evaluate every team and talk about it. That’s actually what a GM does. All he does is look at players and evaluate teams. Am I a general manager? No. But the notion that I don’t sit around and watch every basketball game or study every team, that’s absurd.”
- On whether he wants the Suns GM job:
- “I will listen to the job. I want to be a GM. I will listen to the job. I ain't going to let anybody down there tell me about basketball. Let’s get that straight. Their track record ain't that good. Their track record is not that good down there. I don’t know Lon Babby that well. And I don’t know Robert (Sarver) that well. Robert has always treated me good. But the notion that I would let Lon and Robert tell me about basketball players. That’s not going to happen. I can tell you that right now. Robert has treated me great and I don’t know Lon that well. But the notion that I would let them tell me who to draft and who to pick and who to trade, that’s not going to happen. I like my chances better. If they want to hire somebody they can control, who’s going to be a flunky, they've already did that once. They already did that once. I've had this same conversation and I've criticized Michael Jordan. If you’re just going to hire flunkies and you’re going to throw them under the bus when you make bad draft picks, I don’t want that job. The notion that Lance Blanks has been running the Suns organization, the notion that he’s been drafting these players and making trades, if they think I’m stupid enough or you’re stupid enough to believe that, if they think I’m going to put my name out there and let somebody make bad draft picks and then throw me under the bus, that’s not going to happen, bro. I promise you that.”
- On whether the Suns can afford him compared to his TNT salary:
- “Obviously, I’m probably going to have to take a pay cut. But, listen, dude, I’m not overly concerned about money at this stage of my life. I've been very blessed. I’m not bragging. I've been very blessed. First of all, the Suns are going to come up with every excuse in the world because I think, realistically, I think they want a flunky. It’s easy to hire flunkies and put them out there. I don’t know Lance Blanks but I don’t think he was making any decisions out there. Anybody who thinks Lance Blanks was making decisions for the Suns is an idiot.”
- On how much he wants the Suns’ GM job:
- “I’m not going to campaign for the job. I've been very clear. I want to be a GM in the NBA. This didn't come up this week when they fired Lance. This is something I've been talking about for the last two or three years. I think we've had this conversation. That’s my next challenge. When I took the TV job, I said I was going to do it for four years. This is my 14th year. I told them I’m going to quit at some point soon because I need another challenge. I could do it for a long time. But for me personally, I need another challenge. And that’s my next challenge – to run a NBA team.”
- On whether he could recruit free agents to play for Phoenix:
- “I think if you've got money, you can recruit anybody. Anytime somebody says money don’t matter, that’s when you know they told the first lie. Take Oklahoma City. Take San Antonio. These guys draft well. They got David Robinson, Tim Duncan. They got Manu Ginobili. They got Tony Parker. They got the big kid, (Tiago) Splitter. You look at Oklahoma City. They drafted Kevin Durant. OK, he’s a lottery pick. But Russell Westbrook went late. Serge Ibaka went late. If you draft well, you shouldn't have to go out and get a free agent every offseason. Can you get free agents in Phoenix? Yeah, you probably can. But you build your team through the draft. But the Suns have not drafted well. I don’t think you could put all your eggs in that basket, like, ‘Let’s make our team bad and hope we get a free agent.’ Because if you don’t get a free agent, you’re going to be screwed. The Dallas Mavericks put all their eggs in ‘If we get Dwight Howard.’ Now they've got a horrible team for the next three years. I don’t think you can build your team like that, trying to get bad and hopefully you get a superstar. A lot of these guys aren't leaving now because it’s a $30 million difference if you leave your team. You've got to just build your team through the draft and the Suns have not done a good job of doing that, plain and simple.”
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