|
|
||
Adams Aims to Play By Matt McQueeny, NJNets.com
Orlando, Fl. – Hassan Adams had his moments in the 2006-07 Season. A career-high 16 point, eight rebound effort in a win in Boston at the end of November, two 13 point efforts – on 5-of-7 and then 5-of-8 shooting – in December off the bench against Houston and in Toronto. He started eight games and averaged 4.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in those starts; however, he also had his fair share of DNP (Did Not Play)/ Coach’s Decisions – 21 to be exact. Adams is the type of player who can bring a lot to a team, notably with his energy and intensity, but like most young players, the potential positives can be balanced out by lapses on the floor. In the NBA, it is of paramount importance to play within the structure of the team and a rookie can sometimes get a little lost in the precision of the plays and the speed of the game. This is what makes Summer League such a valuable tool for a player like Adams. Here, he has the ability to get out on the floor for big minutes, play through his mistakes, and for a change be the NBA veteran himself. With a year under his belt, he understands the grind, the work ethic, and knows from now first-hand experience exactly what is needed to succeed at this level. Nets Head Coach Lawrence Frank talked about the opportunity that Summer League presents for Hassan. “Number one thing is you want to make sure you play within the structure of the team,” said Frank. “For Hassan, it’s a great opportunity to get out there and play and play through the mistakes. His defensive energy and his intensity, his ability to run the floor, his ability to make an open shot, his ability to change the game with his energy, just to get out there and play because he didn’t really get consistent minutes (this past season).” With consistent minutes comes confidence. In game one of the Pepsi Pro Summer League against the Magic, Adams played over 33 minutes and scored 11 points, grabbed 10 boards, had three steals and three assists. His energy was boundless, he ran the floor, he cut off passing lanes, and he showed the player he can be. “With me it’s more confidence,” said Adams. “If I got the open shot, knock it down; if I got the driving lane, drive it. Just be real selective and under control. Basically, that’s what I tried to do. And try to bring a little leadership because I played a year. Just try to help Sean (Williams) and guys who are trying to make the team and just be one of those guys. That’s my personality anyway; more of a vocal guy and just try to stay positive.” His energy is his greatest asset, but succeeding at the NBA level for him will come down to two C’s: confidence and control. And, perhaps with that, some comfort. If Adams keeps putting in the hard work – he has been working out at the Nets practice facility since the season ended – it is not a stretch to say that his natural ability, coupled with experience, should help him become a regular rotation player. He is already surprised at the difference a year makes. “It definitely does,” said Adams. “You come out here and you can have fun. You know certain plays that we run and you just kind of feel comfortable out there.” |
|||
