duncan228
02-13-2009, 11:46 AM
Spurs won't take it easy during break (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_wont_take_it_easy_during_break.html)
Jeff McDonald
Spurs guard Roger Mason Jr. had been waiting most of his life for an invitation to the NBA 3-point shootout.
As such, he's taking his duties for this year's All-Star weekend quite seriously.
“I've been watching tapes of some of the past 3-point contests,” said Mason, who will compete in this year's event against a field headed by a two-time defending champion, Toronto's Jason Kapono.
The lesson he has taken from his studies: Quickness counts.
“You don't have time to shoot and watch your follow-through,” Mason said. “You shoot one, and you're already taking your next shot at the basket.”
The NBA All-Star break officially began after Thursday's three-game schedule. Games return Tuesday, when the Spurs resume their rodeo trip in New York. For some players, the scheduled hiatus is a time of rest. For others, not so much.
The Spurs — 35-16 at the break, tied with Denver for second in the Western Conference and four games in front of the field in the Southwest Division — will be well-represented in this weekend's All-Star festivities.
Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are slated to compete in Sunday's showcase event in Phoenix, the 58th annual All-Star game. Duncan, who will make his franchise-record 11th All-Star appearance, was selected as a starter in the fan voting for the 10th consecutive season. Parker received a reserve slot for the third time in four seasons.
Duncan and Parker have Saturday night chores, as well. Duncan will again team with David Robinson and Silver Stars player Becky Hammon to defend San Antonio's title in the shooting stars competition.
Parker, meanwhile, will participate in the skills challenge, which measures how quickly a player can navigate a shooting, dribbling and passing obstacle course. Unlike Mason, Parker hasn't spent much time fretting about his extracurricular All-Star event.
“How do you practice for that?” Parker said.
The skills challenge, however, does hold a special place for Parker.
In 2003, as a 21-year-old second-year player, Parker participated in the inaugural skills challenge in Atlanta against a field that also include seasoned veterans Jason Kidd, Stephon Marbury and Gary Payton.
“They made me do the first one,” Parker said. “I was the guinea pig.”
Whether the Spurs will participate in the NBA's other All-Star Weekend tradition — the annual league-wide swap meet — remains to be seen.
With next Thursday's trade deadline fast approaching, general managers and other front office types will converge on Phoenix for a one-stop shop of buying and selling.
The Spurs have interest in acquiring another big man or perimeter player and will continue look into trade options, but probably don't possess the bargaining chips required to land anyone of consequence.
A sign and trade with Robert Horry — who has not filed retirement papers with the league — could open some doors. Horry, however, said Thursday he had not been contacted by the Spurs.
Restful or hectic, the Spurs are sure of this much: The All-Star break will be over before they know it. Then, the real work begins.
“These four days are going to be important,” said Manu Ginobili, who does not plan to leave San Antonio during the break. “After this, the season flies by. Before you know it, you'll be in the playoffs.”
Jeff McDonald
Spurs guard Roger Mason Jr. had been waiting most of his life for an invitation to the NBA 3-point shootout.
As such, he's taking his duties for this year's All-Star weekend quite seriously.
“I've been watching tapes of some of the past 3-point contests,” said Mason, who will compete in this year's event against a field headed by a two-time defending champion, Toronto's Jason Kapono.
The lesson he has taken from his studies: Quickness counts.
“You don't have time to shoot and watch your follow-through,” Mason said. “You shoot one, and you're already taking your next shot at the basket.”
The NBA All-Star break officially began after Thursday's three-game schedule. Games return Tuesday, when the Spurs resume their rodeo trip in New York. For some players, the scheduled hiatus is a time of rest. For others, not so much.
The Spurs — 35-16 at the break, tied with Denver for second in the Western Conference and four games in front of the field in the Southwest Division — will be well-represented in this weekend's All-Star festivities.
Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are slated to compete in Sunday's showcase event in Phoenix, the 58th annual All-Star game. Duncan, who will make his franchise-record 11th All-Star appearance, was selected as a starter in the fan voting for the 10th consecutive season. Parker received a reserve slot for the third time in four seasons.
Duncan and Parker have Saturday night chores, as well. Duncan will again team with David Robinson and Silver Stars player Becky Hammon to defend San Antonio's title in the shooting stars competition.
Parker, meanwhile, will participate in the skills challenge, which measures how quickly a player can navigate a shooting, dribbling and passing obstacle course. Unlike Mason, Parker hasn't spent much time fretting about his extracurricular All-Star event.
“How do you practice for that?” Parker said.
The skills challenge, however, does hold a special place for Parker.
In 2003, as a 21-year-old second-year player, Parker participated in the inaugural skills challenge in Atlanta against a field that also include seasoned veterans Jason Kidd, Stephon Marbury and Gary Payton.
“They made me do the first one,” Parker said. “I was the guinea pig.”
Whether the Spurs will participate in the NBA's other All-Star Weekend tradition — the annual league-wide swap meet — remains to be seen.
With next Thursday's trade deadline fast approaching, general managers and other front office types will converge on Phoenix for a one-stop shop of buying and selling.
The Spurs have interest in acquiring another big man or perimeter player and will continue look into trade options, but probably don't possess the bargaining chips required to land anyone of consequence.
A sign and trade with Robert Horry — who has not filed retirement papers with the league — could open some doors. Horry, however, said Thursday he had not been contacted by the Spurs.
Restful or hectic, the Spurs are sure of this much: The All-Star break will be over before they know it. Then, the real work begins.
“These four days are going to be important,” said Manu Ginobili, who does not plan to leave San Antonio during the break. “After this, the season flies by. Before you know it, you'll be in the playoffs.”