Rudy Gay was back on the court for the first time since January in Friday’s preseason game against the Kings, writes Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News. San Antonio’s top free agent addition of the summer managed just four points in 18 minutes, but was happy that he felt no effects from the left Achilles tendon tear that ended his time with the Kings. “I’ve practiced pretty hard, just knowing I can get up there still, jump and be athletic,” Gay said. “It takes a lot of pressure off me.”
Gay got the start at small forward Friday and may continue in that role as long as Kawhi Leonard is sidelined with a right quadriceps issue. Gay has been a starter throughout his 11-year NBA career, but is expected to step into a reserve role once the team is at full strength.
There’s more today out of Texas:
- The Spurs‘ latest rookie project comes to the team with a desire to be a great defender, relays Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News. Brandon Paul went undrafted out of Illinois in 2013 and has spent most of his career in Europe. The 26-year-old shooting guard signed a two-year deal with the Spurs in July with a one-season guarantee of $815,615. “Anybody can put the ball in the basket,” Paul said. “But in order to stick out, you’ve got to be able to play both ends of the floor.”
- Rockets star James Harden is engaged in a verbal battle with former coach Kevin McHale through the media. After McHale said on NBA TV this week that Harden is “not a leader,” the MVP runner-up responded today by calling McHale a “clown,” relays Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “I did anything and everything he asked me to do,” Harden said. “I’ve tried to lead this team every day since I stepped foot here in Houston. To go on air and just downplay my name, when honestly he’s never taught me anything to be a leader … but I’ve done a great job. The organization, my coaches, you can ask any of those guys how I’ve worked extremely hard every single day to better [myself], obviously as a basketball player, but be a leader as well.”
- Mavericks center Jeff Withey has worked on his 3-point shooting to try to fit into coach Rick Carlisle’s system, writes Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News. Withey signed a two-year contract worth nearly $3.4MM this summer, but only $350K of that is guaranteed. “We like his length, shot-blocking ability,” Carlisle said. “[Owner] Mark [Cuban] was really a key guy on this. He’d been studying him for a while. And he’s shown that he can knock in some perimeter shots from time to time.”
Kevin McHale is a turd–just like all those Celtic players of his era.
Harden just a whiner. What did McHale say that wasn’t true, he don’t play defense, he’s not a great leader do to the fact he gives zero effort defensively. McHale a straight up winner and one of the best 50 players ever. Dude was an absolute monster
Childish name calling TX. Stick to sports! McHale was great player…not so good as coach/GM. His comments were cheap shot…he should be bigger than that. He probably sealed his fate…won’t coach again. Harden is a ball hog…should be interesting year…he is grossly over paid but that is not his fault…take it if you can get it!
Use periods not ellipses please. Makes it easier to read what you’re trying to say
The definition of “leader” has become mangled & confused. Someone else can be the straw boss, it’s fine. If you have someone who can be unstoppable or brilliant or sell the most widgets on the sales staff, then that’s what that person should go for. Someone else (less well paid) can be the sales manager.
Maybe Mchale meant somethimg else. Harden had a bad last couple of games vs SA with Leonard out.
Harden > McHale
Hahaha nah
James Harden is a clown
I’d like to know where the photos for these articles come from.