Notes from NBA TV Conference Call
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Participants: NBA TV analysts Chris Webber and Steve Smith
On the tradition and special feeling of playing on Christmas Day:
Webber: “As a player, you want to play on Christmas Day. That’s the only day you don’t want to be home with your parents and your family because you want them to share that day with you watching. Having experienced and having played in those games, I know it’s special. It’s almost like the real introduction of basketball to the season. I’m excited about the NBA schedule on Christmas.”
Smith: “Before I made it to the NBA it brought my family even closer. When guys got a chance to make it to the NBA [and play on Christmas] that means your team is pretty good. You’re playing on that day and all the other players are watching…this is where things start to shake out as a team. The greats are usually going to play.”
On the reception Houston’s Jeremy Lin will receive against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Dec. 17, in a game airing on NBA TV:
Smith: “He’ll get a great reception. The way he left the Knicks wasn’t wrong. He’ll get a warm reception.”
Webber: “If you don’t like the Jeremy Lin story…he was the bright spot [last year]. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a standing ovation and some hugs just because of the special moments he had in New York.”
How do the Knicks stand today as a brand off the court compared to February 2012 during Jeremy Lin’s rise. Is their brand stronger today compared to February 2012:
Webber: “Your brand is as strong as your record. So, of course they’re definitely a stronger brand [now]. Lin is a good player but you don’t want your brand to be a story about a good player. The brand now is team play, toughness and defense, a solid coach – a really good coach – who has done a good job, a leader in Carmelo [Anthony] that has been criticized all these years and is playing some of his best ball. They have a solid trusted brand in which they put team first.”
Smith: “When you’re in New York and you’re winning, all the sponsorship will come back. You have to take your hat off to this team at 16-5.”
On LeBron James’ year in 2012:
Smith: “We’ve all known he’s had talent since he was in 11th grade in high school when people were saying he could go pro. He’s taken challenges where he’s not afraid to fail. You can see right now, he’s so comfortable with himself and all the naysayers. As far as what he’s done, the sky is the limit because he’s comfortable in his skin.”
Webber: “He’s going to get better and better. There has never been an athlete that has had to face the pressure that he had to face before he made it onto an NBA court. Nobody had the hype that he had before. Nobody signed a $100 million deal with a shoe contract before. The bulls-eye was on his back. You already know he has the will to win and he has the smarts. He’s had a wonderful year and it’s been fun watching his development and growth.”
On Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah and Houston Rockets center (former Bull) Omer Asik:
Webber on Noah: “The reason why he [Noah] is so many people’s favorite player is because he puts his heart and passion and leaves everything out there on the floor. This year may be his year to be an All-Star because he’s raised his level of play.”
Webber on Asik: “It’s more than one year. I like his game. I’m interested to see how he [Asik] gets better after this year.”
Smith on Noah: “I love what he’s doing. You’ll always have one of those players – in Joakim Noah – that you’re going to pick first if you’re playing a pick-up game. All general managers like his approach.”
Smith on Asik: “The talent was there before he got to the Rockets. Now he’s getting more minutes and you can see more scrutiny comes when you’re starting. And, more scrutiny comes when you sign a big contract.”
On the potential for the rivalry between Kevin Durant and LeBron James to someday be compared with Magic Johnson and Larry Bird:
Webber: “If both teams make it to the championship, it will be a rivalry. To me it makes a lot of sense. When we’ve criticized LeBron it’s because he’s embodied the team spirit [like Magic], doing the things you should do – trusting teammates. So, I see that comparison. [And Durant] definitely with Bird the way he played. It’s going to come through championships. If OKC and Miami make it back [to The Finals], I can see it being a rivalry but you have to make it to the championship to make it a true rivalry.”
Smith: “It would be hard to compare that rivalry. It [Bird vs. Magic rivalry] would be hard for LeBron and KD to duplicate that. I do see LeBron James as Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant patterning his game after Larry Bird. It won’t be that type of rivalry unless they have dislike for each other and get to the championship multiple times.”
On whether or not Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao is an All-Star this year:
Webber: “Anderson Varejao is an All-Star this year…when you look at the numbers he’s been putting up this year, it’s Moses Malone-like.”
Smith: “He embodies what you’re supposed to do as a role player. You don’t have to lead the league in scoring to be an All-Star.”
What are the storylines that have surprised you so far this season:
Webber: “You have to look at New York – the Brooklyn team and the way Hurricane Sandy affected the start of the season and how the fans were going to respond. Seeing the spirit of the people…doesn’t surprise you but encourages you. They [Brooklyn Nets] are the story all year. There are so many hype stories around them. Another story…is the Lakers. They’re going to be a story that everybody continues to watch. It has intrigue all year – [Steve] Nash, when he comes back; [Pau] Gasol – will he get traded?
Smith: “Golden State and Mark Jackson are an unbelievable story that is not getting enough praise. Both teams in New York – Brooklyn and Knicks – is definitely a story. OKC is a wonderful story…OKC has not missed a beat.”
On how players are able to compete so well these days behind 35 years of age:
Smith: “Nutrition. The training staff. Guys taking better care of themselves. I also think it’s the new rules – a combination of the new rules, zone defense and not as physical, and guys being more conscious of taking care of their bodies.”
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