A True Professional
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| Tony Battie |
Turning 30 is a time of reflection for most people, and Tony Battie is no exception.
Battie hit the big 3-0 on February 11 but it's proving to be a time when he may be playing his best basketball. He is a defensive anchor for the Magic, often drawing the assignment of bigger post players who find themselves battling Battie's determination more than anything. On offense, his mid-range jumper is reliable and he can go strong to the rim when the opportunity arises.
As a result, the Magic have rewarded Battie with a career high in minutes per game (26.5). Only he, Dwight Howard and DeShawn Stevenson started all of Orlando's first 43 games.
The increased minutes and starts are great but Battie speaks from wisdom when he says all that really matters is helping Orlando get to the postseason. He hears the faint ticking of his career clock in the back of his mind.
"I was thinking about it, I'm going on my 10th year next year," Battie said. "It has flown by and I'm probably on the back end of my career, so right now my main focus is winning and getting as close as I can to a championship."
Battie is doing his part through a trademark work ethic and business-like demeanor that will transition nicely to life after basketball. He isn't overly vocal with his teammates but when he does speak, his words are heard.
"I would call him one of our locker room leaders, one of our team leaders," Coach Brian Hill said. "When he speaks, they listen. They respect what he's accomplished in the years he's been in the league.
"The biggest thing about Tony is that Tony's a pro. Tony gives an honest effort every day in practice. He's a bright guy who understands his role on the floor and he really plays that role as hard as he possibly can every day."
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| Battie battles for a rebound |
"He always said to get your education first and you can do whatever you want to do," Battie said. "Basketball was a reward."
Freeman passed away two days before the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks but he lived long enough to see his grandson enjoy an All-American career at Texas Tech and picked by Denver as the No. 5 overall pick in the 1997 draft. After one year with the Nuggets, Battie played five years in Boston and parts of a sixth with the Celtics and Cleveland. He came to Orlando before last season as part of a deal that sent Drew Gooden to the Cavaliers.
No matter where he's been, Battie keeps his grandfather's memory and lessons near.
"Always," he said. "Usually in the summertime I go visit his grave and I pray and I thank God for the influence that he had on my life. If it wasn't for him, who knows? He was my father figure. Me and my father don't have a good relationship at all so my grandfather pretty much molded me into the guy that I am now."
Orlando Assistant General Manager Otis Smith calls Battie "a rock," someone not only the Magic, but the NBA can take a lead from.
"You want guys like him around the team," Smith said. "You hope the other guys get an understanding that it's OK to have fun but when it's time for business, you get your business done. We have a lot of guys in this league who are not professional. Tony's a professional."
Among the Magic players who are especially attentive to Battie is Howard. Battie downplays the influence he has on Howard, saying the second-year player is finding his own way through the NBA just fine. But Howard, the team's future/current centerpiece, says differently.
"Tony is one of those guys who I can talk to about anything on and off the court," Howard says. "I know that he has my back in any situation and it's good to have a veteran on your side. I've just learned a lot from him over the past two years about doing the little things. Tony Battie doesn't get recognized for all the stuff he does, but every night he gives 100 percent."
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| Battie slams one in |
"Right now, I'm a great complement for Dwight," Battie said. "Dwight's going to be a beast down low inside. He's going to force double teams so you need someone who can complement him by taking some pressure off him.
"I think with Dwight and Jameer [Nelson], the core of this team rests on their shoulders. I can help give them some leadership because I have made a playoff run [with Boston] and been to the Eastern Conference finals, so my focus right now is just getting back to the playoffs. That's what I'm all about right now."
This story originally appeared in the March issue of Magic Magazine. Get your favorite Magic fan a subscription to Magic Magazine! To subscribe call 1-877-841-7070 or e-mail subscription.service@skies.com and specify you want Magic Magazine. A one-year subscription is $18.95 and two-year is just $24.95.
