some_user86
11-19-2007, 12:01 AM
Spurs notebook: Horry rounding into shape
Web Posted: 11/18/2007 10:48 PM CST
Mike Monroe
Robert Horry is too old to go to the National Basketball Development League. But his practice sessions would give the impression he is preparing to head to the Austin Toros along with Spurs rookies Ian Mahinmi and Darius Washington.
As the rest of the Spurs worked on their shooting strokes and honed their free-throw routines after the conclusion of practice on Sunday, Horry joined Mahinmi and Washington in a series of wind sprints. With conditioning coach Chris White manning a stop watch, the two rookies and the team's oldest player got in extra running to help them make up for the playing time they are missing in games.
Horry, who strained a hamstring after returning from personal leave that cost him most of training camp, has yet to participate in drills with his teammates. He spends most of practice on an exercise machine. After joining the rookies in wind sprints, the 16-year veteran spent another 30 minutes shooting — what else? — 3-point shots.
Horry is to let Spurs coach Gregg Popovich know when he feels up to getting back to a regular practice routine.
Washington has played only three minutes in the two games since veteran Jacque Vaughn returned to back up point guard Tony Parker and Mahinmi has played only four minutes in the past three games. With the Toros scheduled to open the NBDL season on Friday, both players likely will head to Austin to gain valuable game experience.
"We're going to look at their schedule, see if there are going to be a lot of games," Popovich said. "With Jacque getting healthy it will probably be good for both Darius and Ian to get down there so they can play 35 minutes and get some experience, instead of sitting at the end of our bench and cheering."
Practice makes perfect: With three days in between games, Popovich put his troops through a long practice session Sunday and will have another practice today before heading to Atlanta on Monday afternoon.
"When you get a chance to get a couple practices in a row, it has to be taken advantage of," Popovich said. "You may go lighter or heavier on one of the days, and (today) we'll go lighter. (Sunday) was a good, physical practice and a lot of running and contact. We'll still be very specific (today) in a couple of areas."
[email protected]
LINK: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA111907.03D.BKNspurs.notebook.240db8c.html
Web Posted: 11/18/2007 10:48 PM CST
Mike Monroe
Robert Horry is too old to go to the National Basketball Development League. But his practice sessions would give the impression he is preparing to head to the Austin Toros along with Spurs rookies Ian Mahinmi and Darius Washington.
As the rest of the Spurs worked on their shooting strokes and honed their free-throw routines after the conclusion of practice on Sunday, Horry joined Mahinmi and Washington in a series of wind sprints. With conditioning coach Chris White manning a stop watch, the two rookies and the team's oldest player got in extra running to help them make up for the playing time they are missing in games.
Horry, who strained a hamstring after returning from personal leave that cost him most of training camp, has yet to participate in drills with his teammates. He spends most of practice on an exercise machine. After joining the rookies in wind sprints, the 16-year veteran spent another 30 minutes shooting — what else? — 3-point shots.
Horry is to let Spurs coach Gregg Popovich know when he feels up to getting back to a regular practice routine.
Washington has played only three minutes in the two games since veteran Jacque Vaughn returned to back up point guard Tony Parker and Mahinmi has played only four minutes in the past three games. With the Toros scheduled to open the NBDL season on Friday, both players likely will head to Austin to gain valuable game experience.
"We're going to look at their schedule, see if there are going to be a lot of games," Popovich said. "With Jacque getting healthy it will probably be good for both Darius and Ian to get down there so they can play 35 minutes and get some experience, instead of sitting at the end of our bench and cheering."
Practice makes perfect: With three days in between games, Popovich put his troops through a long practice session Sunday and will have another practice today before heading to Atlanta on Monday afternoon.
"When you get a chance to get a couple practices in a row, it has to be taken advantage of," Popovich said. "You may go lighter or heavier on one of the days, and (today) we'll go lighter. (Sunday) was a good, physical practice and a lot of running and contact. We'll still be very specific (today) in a couple of areas."
[email protected]
LINK: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA111907.03D.BKNspurs.notebook.240db8c.html