http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/a_gm_on_guard_play_060921.html
Just as the cool air makes its not-so-subtle push into the Minnesota fall,
one might find him or herself with much towards which to look forward: the
fall TV lineup, a chance to debut one's cold-weather garments, or perhaps
something that is creeping up with a tad more subtlety than the weather:
NBA basketball.
It's about that time to discern how a 20-and-6 a night guy (Mike James)
and the MVP of the NBA Las Vegas Summer League (Randy Foye) can help KG
and the Wolves get back to the playoffs in the 2006-07 campaign.
Towards that end, Rob Babcock and his 19 years of NBA management experience
are here to get your collective basketball juices flowing. First up, a look
at Minnesota's backcourt in our Q&A session with the co-assistant general
manager.
Trudell: Thanks for being with us, Rob. Let's start with the new guys on
campus... Though he had successful stints with various teams in a backup
role, last year really marked the first time that Mike James was a full-time
starter in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors. We saw what happened with his
numbers: 20.3 points, 5.8 dimes and 44.3% from three.
Babcock: Mike brings a real element of toughness to your basketball team,
besides great offensive skills. He can shoot the three with great range,
and he can also put it on the floor, take it to the hole and finish it
strong. More importantly, he has the desire and the ability to make big
shots when the shot clock is going down. He'll step up and make more than
his share.
Mike is a very competitive guy, and he wants to win. He is a little older,
which I think is good; we can use some leadership and he is a capable leader
as well. I think he'll be a very good addition, and will compliment KG very
well also.
Trudell: While James isn't what you would call a "true" point guard, is he
not still quite effective from that position?
Babcock: When we made the trade for Mike in Toronto, we knew that he is not
a true point guard. He's not your classic, set up the offense, run every
play and distribute player. He's certainly capable of distributing the
basketball, but he is more of a scorer, and that's what you want him to do.
He was often most effective in Toronto when we had Jose Calderon -- more
of a true point guard -- at the one, and Mike at the two. They complimented
each other very well. Here, Mike will certainly play a lot at
the point guard position, but he's also capable of playing the two-guard
spot as well.
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※ 編輯: jerod 來自: 218.170.216.216 (09/28 01:35)