Hayes was selected with the 10th pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. Mitchell Layton/NBAE/Getty Images

There is definitely an adjustment that a rookie goes through during their first Christmas in the NBA. We had a game on December 26th and 27th, so we did not have a lot of time after Christmas, and then there were games on December 30th and January 1st, so there is definitely an adjustment that I had to make as far as the schedule is concerned. I’m very fortunate to be able to take care of my family during the Holidays, so I got them all sorts of things. I had a lot of fun, but it was certainly a learning experience.

After the holidays were over, I had a chance to go back to Georgia to catch the game against Georgia Tech. They brought me out on the floor before the game, which made me feel great, but then Georgia beat Georgia Tech, which was even better. That was the third ranked team in the country that they beat, so I was extremely excited for my twin brother, Jonas, and the guys. I love watching Jonas play, and for him to have the game that he had that day was real special. It is difficult being separated from him, but I feel great for him. All in all, it was a great day for me and my family.

On the court, I’m coming along well in my rookie season. People ask if there is a difference between starting and coming off the bench, but I just want to play and contribute. Any change that Coach wants to make to help the team is fine. If it is best for the team, then I am all for it. It’s about playing as a team, and trying to win as a team.

Steve Blake and I are doing this rookie thing together, and we’re getting a lot more comfortable. At this point in the season, we’ve almost seen everybody in the league at least once, so things are becoming familiar. We are going to keep playing hard, and stay together as a team, and build on our experiences.

We have been on the road all week, but we had an off day in Orlando yesterday. My cousin is down here so we went with a couple of guys on the team to see a movie yesterday. I heard that is about 20 degrees in Washington, and even though it is almost 70 down here, I’m looking forward to getting back there.

Tonight is game-night so right now we’re just relaxing. On game days, after shoot-around in the morning, I’ll get something to eat, then it’s time to relax in the hotel room. I’ll lay down, and watch a movie this afternoon to relax, before I start getting myself prepared mentally and physically for tonight. We are on the road, but we are together. Tonight we’ll go out on the floor and do what we have to do.