 March 20, 2009 What’s up Hornets fans? We’re coming into the home stretch now, and this will be the last post I do for the regular season. We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s get right into it. THE FINAL STRETCH Since the All-Star break, with a couple exceptions, we’ve been playing really good basketball. I think one key reason is the fact that, for the most part, everyone is healthy and is able to play their natural positions. When Tyson, or Chris, or Peja are hurt, guys have to assume roles that they might not be naturally accustomed to, or used to. When we’re all able to play our positions that we’ve been playing for most of our careers, everything clicks much better. We’re also all familiar with one another’s positions on the team, so we know what one another are capable of doing when we’re in a comfortable role. Getting Tyson back was huge for us. He’s a seven-footer with a ton of ability that we were missing for an awful long time, so to get him back is great. It was a great morale-booster for the locker room as well. We’re in the final push right now for the playoffs, so everyone needs to have the mentality that we need all hands on deck. Everyone has really been elevating their game recently, and that is evident in the games we have won, from the starters, to the role players. It’s really important to keep grinding and fighting and keep playing consistent basketball that I know that we’re capable of and take that same consistency into the postseason.
In the past couple of years, I’ve heard a lot of people comparing me to guys like Robert Horry and to James Worthy. They say that in crunch time, especially in the postseason, that I hit the shots when they count the most. To me, it’s an honor to be in the same breath as those guys. It’s a great thing; those guys have more rings than I do. There’s no bigger rush than playing on that big stage of the playoffs or the NBA Finals. You’re focused and locked in, and you’re going to do whatever it takes to win, and just having confidence in your ability, and that’s how I approach it. I’m lucky because a lot of players don’t get the opportunities that I have had. You know, when I first got in the league I was in Denver, and we were not even close to be making the playoffs, and you don’t always know how things will fare for you. I’ve been blessed to be in a situation to win not one ring but two, so to be able to have the opportunity to win another one here is great. MARDI GRAS MADNESS We were on a three-game road trip for most of Mardi Gras, but we got back into town just in time for Fat Tuesday. I was blown away by everything that was going on. It was crazy. I was able to catch some of the parades on St. Charles Avenue, and then I made my way down to Bourbon Street and Canal Street, and it was just crazy. It was my first Mardi Gras experience, and it was something special for sure. It was a real party atmosphere. I had a blast! TOURNAMENT TIME It’s that time of the year again, the NCAA Tournament! I can’t wait to watch as many games as I can, especially my alma mater, Xavier. Some people may think I’m crazy but I’m predicting Xavier to win it all. Now with that said, if I had to pick three other teams to make it to the final four, I would have to say UConn, Pitt and I really like Louisville. There’s something about their style of play that has me really drawn to them, but Xavier is going to take the crown. Go Muskateers! Alright fans, that’s it for this entry. Remember, just as hard as we need to bring it on the court, we need you all to bring it in the stands and get the Hive in full gear for this final push and for the playoffs! Other Pose Knows Entries Pose Knows - Feb. 4 Pose Knows - Dec. 8 Pose Knows - Oct. 30 |
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