Also from Aldridge, Danny Granger talked about the potential of Paul George and the combination of the two playing together: “Me: When you think about next year, and the possibilities of you on the weak side and Paul doing damage on the other side, what do you see? DG: It’s scary. I think it’s really scary, the things we can do when we play together. I’m really looking forward to it. A guy asked me how did it feel, saying ‘What if you was in on that play, or that play?’ I can’t do that; my injury kept me out. But for the most part, our future is very, very bright. Me: What does Paul not know that he’s going to need to know to take the next step? DG: I think Paul has had a great season. But the pressure that’s going to be applied to him. I think, right now, he’s in a great spot. He’s had the chance to grow into the position, and he has Roy Hibbert and David West. Hardly anybody has a Roy Hibbert and a David West on their team, not on one team. David West is a monster. A lot of times, David took the brunt of it. When we really needed something to go to, David was our guy… When the time comes, Paul is going to have to get really, really assertive. He’s so gifted with the pass, he’ll pass it off, he’ll pass it off. When he really, really gets assertive, he’ll understand that the pressure intensifies. And I think he’ll flourish. Because he has that as a player. It’s just a matter of time.”
Robert Horry had some interesting thoughts on who he’d rather pick between Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan, as well as how Dwight Howard would fare against Hakeem Olajuwon in his interview with Raul Barrigon of HoopsHype: ” You said recently that Kobe has had a better career than Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal. But what if Tim wins a fifth ring like Kobe? RH: I would still pick Kobe. Tim is great, but I tell everybody this: Look at this from the GM perspective. Who’s going to sell tickets, put the people in the arena? Tim? Nah, not so many [laughs]. Don’t get me wrong, he’s going to win, but he won’t draw so many people to the arena… You always say great things about Hakeem Olajuwon, that he would kill it if he had the chance to play nowadays and be the best center by far. What about Dwight Howard? RH: Dwight would have no chance [against Olajuwon]. Howard is a good player, but his offensive skills are limited. He only has the Georgetown hook, a couple of spins in the baseline… Dwight is a great player, but there are things certain players can and can’t do, and Hakeem could do a lot.”
Team USA now has new coaching additions, from Ben Golliver of SI: “Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau and Pelicans coach Monty Williams will reportedly join USA Basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski’s staff as assistant coaches. The Associated Press reports that Thibodeau and Williams will replace Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni and former Blazers coach Nate McMillan, who both served as assistants under Duke’s Krzyzewski. Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim will remain on as an assistant. After initially declaring last summer that he was done as coach of Team USA, Krzyzewski had a change of heart and announced his intention to return as coach through the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.”
Tracy McGrady thinks you should spend two years in college before turning pro, and says the league is watered down in terms of talent, from Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld: “I actually think they should implement having these guys go to school for two years,” McGrady said. “What is it, one year now? At least go to school for two years because the league is so young. I think we need to build our league up. I mean, I hate to say it, but the talent in this league is pretty down.”… “It was pretty difficult becoming a man so early and competing against grown men,” McGrady said. “You’re the best player on the floor in high school and then you come face the best players in the world. Also, the transition to living on your own, having to deal with the traveling, dealing with the different climaxes, getting into cities at 2 or 3 in the morning and then waking up the next morning for shootarounds and practices. I mean, it was a culture shock.” McGrady believes that attending college “probably would have” better prepared him for the NBA. However, he doesn’t regret his route to the league. When asked why he decided to bypass college and go straight to the pros, McGrady said bluntly, “Well, let’s see, adidas gave me a $12 million contract. I mean, (expletive), enough said.”
Chauncey Billups is interested in joining the Miami Heat next season, according to Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida: “The Miami Heat went after Chauncey Billups before last season but weren’t able to get him. They soon will have another chance. The veteran point guard will become a free agent July 1. He said he then will consider the Heat. “Of course, I would have interest in Miami, of course,’’ Billups told FOX Sports Florida after having received the NBA’s inaugural Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award prior to Sunday night’s Game 2 of the NBA Finals at AmericanAirlines Arena… “I’m wide open,’’ Billups said. “Free agent means free.’’… “Absolutely, I could help them,’’ Billups said before the Heat faced San Antonio after having lost the Finals opener last Thursday.”
- Kenny Smith is apparently “talking” to Sacramento Kings about a front office position, from Sam Amick of USA Today: “With the Sacramento Kings continuing their general manager search, a most-unexpected candidate has been revealed: Kenny Smith. The former Kings player and TNT commentator told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday night that he has been in discussions with new owner Vivek Ranadive. Longtime general manager Geoff Petrie has been told that he will not be re-signed after his contract expires later this month, and Smith is clearly hoping to be part of the new regime. “We’ve been talking; we’ve been talking,” Smith said. “That’s all I’m going to say.”… “I’ve been winning my whole life,” Smith said. “I’ve been blessed to be a winner. So whatever happens, whatever I do, I’m going to win an Emmy next year or I’m going to try to win an NBA championship or I’m going to try to win in cards. I’m a winner. I’m a winner. I’ve been blessed in my whole life, so I think I have a clear vision.”