Post by GMHornets on Oct 28, 2005 22:39:42 GMT -5
The squeaking sound of worn-out basketball shoes rang out this off-season in the New Orleans Hornets practice arena. Through all hours of the night the sound was apparent, sometimes for three to four hours at a time. Shaun Livingston, New Orleans’ star point guard, was the culprit. Whether he was working on his shot, handle, or court awareness, the squeak that became associated with the arena was the work of Livingston.
He cannot be accused of having a poor 2008 season. With averages of 16.9 points per game, 8.7 assists per game, and 5.3 rebounds per game along with exceptional defense he was quite possibly the most productive player on the Hornets’ squad. Yet, he looked at the season as a disappointment, for the simple reason that his team failed to qualify for the playoffs.
“We didn’t reach expectations last season. Sure, I like my stats, just like the next guy. But I play for the name on the front of the jersey, not on the back. Talent-wise, we were a playoff team last year. We didn’t make it, and I bear all of the responsibility in forcing our team to sit home last May. I was the leader of the team and couldn’t get it done. I embarrassed this city,” Livingston said.
Well, maybe he shouldn’t go that far. But Livingston definitely lost the shine on his resume in 2008, where the “potential” began to wear off and the team expected results. Though he wore his heart out through over seventy grueling games, his toughness and durability were questioned to the point where there were rumblings and grumblings regarding a potential deal to send Livingston out West.
“I won’t deny that we had internal thoughts in the organization regarding whether or not we wanted, or should, deal him. Some had questioned his durability, along with his ability to lead a team. He was seen by some as a finished project, and though if that was the case he’d be a darn-good point guard, it probably wasn’t to the point where he was worth the max dollars that we handed out to him. We even had a deal or two done where, had we just agreed, Shaun would be sent packing. Yet, not dealing him turned out to be the best move we could have made. He isn’t our most talented player, and that’s not to say he’s not talented. But, with a team consisting of Gerald Green and OJ Mayo, that distinction goes to one of our young wings. But, Shaun gets it done, day in and day out. He’s a gamer. I don’t care what the stats said, he was our most valuable player this season,” Kelley said.
When told of his general managers’ comments, Livingston was a bit touched.
“The word that comes to mind is honored. Honored to share the court with such a tremendously talented team, honored to play in front of the greatest fans in the world, and honored to even hear these comments. He could have said that about any number of guys on this team. Gerald (Green) scored what, 23 points per game? And OJ, pulling down six-plus rebounds per as a 2-guard? That’s impressive, man, and definitely garners some team-MVP consideration. But, as I’ve said before, I’m not a me-guy. The real test for this team is now. It’s the second season. We played hard to get here (in the playoffs), and we’re a little worn out, but it’s fine. We’ll do our best, and hopefully get it done.
“Sure, we’re the underdog. But I like the way we match up with them. With have youthful legs, and are just coming into our primes. Am I predicting victory? Well, lets put it this way, I’m not predicting defeat. I’m going to put the team on my back and hopefully carry them to a first round victory,” Livingston said.
When asked what he planned to do to help his game this off-season, Livingston was a bit testy at first before coming out with an answer.
“This season isn’t over yet, I don’t want to talk about the off-season. But if pressed, I’d say that I need to work on everything. Shooting, ball-handling, passing, everything. I want to get my teammates in better shape, because we’re going to be in the playoffs for a long, long time. I’m so happy to be along for the ride.
And New Orleans is happy to have him.
He cannot be accused of having a poor 2008 season. With averages of 16.9 points per game, 8.7 assists per game, and 5.3 rebounds per game along with exceptional defense he was quite possibly the most productive player on the Hornets’ squad. Yet, he looked at the season as a disappointment, for the simple reason that his team failed to qualify for the playoffs.
“We didn’t reach expectations last season. Sure, I like my stats, just like the next guy. But I play for the name on the front of the jersey, not on the back. Talent-wise, we were a playoff team last year. We didn’t make it, and I bear all of the responsibility in forcing our team to sit home last May. I was the leader of the team and couldn’t get it done. I embarrassed this city,” Livingston said.
Well, maybe he shouldn’t go that far. But Livingston definitely lost the shine on his resume in 2008, where the “potential” began to wear off and the team expected results. Though he wore his heart out through over seventy grueling games, his toughness and durability were questioned to the point where there were rumblings and grumblings regarding a potential deal to send Livingston out West.
“I won’t deny that we had internal thoughts in the organization regarding whether or not we wanted, or should, deal him. Some had questioned his durability, along with his ability to lead a team. He was seen by some as a finished project, and though if that was the case he’d be a darn-good point guard, it probably wasn’t to the point where he was worth the max dollars that we handed out to him. We even had a deal or two done where, had we just agreed, Shaun would be sent packing. Yet, not dealing him turned out to be the best move we could have made. He isn’t our most talented player, and that’s not to say he’s not talented. But, with a team consisting of Gerald Green and OJ Mayo, that distinction goes to one of our young wings. But, Shaun gets it done, day in and day out. He’s a gamer. I don’t care what the stats said, he was our most valuable player this season,” Kelley said.
When told of his general managers’ comments, Livingston was a bit touched.
“The word that comes to mind is honored. Honored to share the court with such a tremendously talented team, honored to play in front of the greatest fans in the world, and honored to even hear these comments. He could have said that about any number of guys on this team. Gerald (Green) scored what, 23 points per game? And OJ, pulling down six-plus rebounds per as a 2-guard? That’s impressive, man, and definitely garners some team-MVP consideration. But, as I’ve said before, I’m not a me-guy. The real test for this team is now. It’s the second season. We played hard to get here (in the playoffs), and we’re a little worn out, but it’s fine. We’ll do our best, and hopefully get it done.
“Sure, we’re the underdog. But I like the way we match up with them. With have youthful legs, and are just coming into our primes. Am I predicting victory? Well, lets put it this way, I’m not predicting defeat. I’m going to put the team on my back and hopefully carry them to a first round victory,” Livingston said.
When asked what he planned to do to help his game this off-season, Livingston was a bit testy at first before coming out with an answer.
“This season isn’t over yet, I don’t want to talk about the off-season. But if pressed, I’d say that I need to work on everything. Shooting, ball-handling, passing, everything. I want to get my teammates in better shape, because we’re going to be in the playoffs for a long, long time. I’m so happy to be along for the ride.
And New Orleans is happy to have him.
