Greg Oden practices for the first time in four years: “Not only was he going through his first NBA practice in four years, but it was taking place in the middle of a hotel ballroom on a tropical island. The Heat opened training camp with a standard, defensive drill-oriented workout in a warehouse-like conference center at the Atlantis Resort. Oden took part in about half of the practice, but that still was a significant step as he attempts a long-shot comeback after not playing since December 2009 because of chronic knee problems.”
“It felt good just being out there. It first time in a while, I’m happy I got it completed,” Oden said. “They had to pull me off the floor. But I’ve got to take steps.”
Reports are surfacing that J.R. Smith delayed surgery to secure his offseason contract with the New York Knicks: “Smith had surgery on his left knee a week after signing a three-year, $18 million contract with the Knicks. If he’d had surgery earlier in the summer, Smith might have been healthy enough to play in training camp. If he’d had surgery earlier in the summer, though, it might have impacted his value as a free agent. The surgery, a patellar tendon repair and an arthroscopy for a tear in the lateral meniscus of his left knee, is expected to sideline him through training camp. “Without a doubt, the best part about it was we had the support of the team,” Smith said. “The team supported us, the [team doctor] supported us all on the decision. At the end of the day it was more of a family decision than anything else.” Smith spoke Monday for the first time since the NBA announced his five-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. He expressed remorse for the transgression and remained hopeful that he’d be healthy enough to play opening night.”
Many have wondered what the Pelicans will do with an abundance of starting caliber guard. As of now, their plan is to bring newly acquired Tyreke Evans off the bench: “”We talked to [Evans] about that this summer, and it wasn’t an issue for him,” Williams said, according to the Times-Picayune. “I don’t think guys worry about [being in the starting lineup] anymore. I think they are more concerned with the minutes — if the minutes are still where they could be.” Evans joined the Pelicans in the offseason through a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings, signing a four-year deal worth $44 million. The 6-foot-6 Evans says he does not have a preference between being a starter or a reserve.”
“I’d like to get him in the game for 28 to 30 minutes a game,” Williams said. “That would be optimum for us. That would keep him fresh but also keep him on the floor.
“Now, that changes because of circumstance. But I think guys are more concerned with minutes than they are with starting. And I think guys are concerned with finishing the game.”
Kyrie Irving plans to be the best player in the NBA, one day, and Mike Brown has no issue with it: ““We’ve talked about it,” Brown said after the Cavs’ first day of training camp Tuesday. “He understands that it’s a process.” Irving is 6-foot-3 point guard. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2012 and played in his first All-Star Game last season. He also led the Cavs in scoring (22.5 points per game) and assists (5.7), and won the 3-point shooting contest. Offensively, there are few things Irving cannot do with the ball. Defensively, well, that should improve under Brown. But in order to be mentioned among best of the best, you have to start by winning some games. That’s something the Cavs haven’t done enough of in Irving’s two seasons, finishing last in the Central Division both times. Irving seems to understand that.”
It had been discussed right after JR Smith’s surgery became public, that it was delayed to help get a better contract. As it turned out, Smith still only received under 18 million for 3 years from the Knicks. The Knicks organization (known for lack of credibility) claims that they were aware of the situation at all times, and that there was no deception.
Regarding Deron Williams, injuries have been the major reason for his setbacks. Last year he couldn’t even walk up the stairs of his Loft in less than 10 minutes, until after the All Star break. He has had wrist and ankle problems.