greens
02-24-2008, 02:56 AM
Spurs Notebook: Thomas learning ropes
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA022408.spursnotes.en.3e174f1.html
Web Posted: 02/24/2008 12:19 AM CST
Mike Monroe
Express-News staff writer
Kurt Thomas walked into the Spurs' locker room at the AT&T Center hours before Saturday's game against the New Orleans Hornets with a suitcase in his hand and a smile on his face.
He had come straight from the airport after a flight from Seattle, arriving in time for a pregame workout and a chance to say hello to his new teammates as they arrived.
Acquired from the Seattle SuperSonics in a Thursday trade that cost the Spurs Brent Barry and Francisco Elson, along with a 2009 first-round draft pick, Thomas donned a Spurs uniform and watched the game from the bench. The 13-year NBA veteran was bewildered a bit watching Gregg Popovich signal plays from the sideline like a third-base coach giving signs to a baseball hitter.
"I'm going to have to work on my sign language," said Thomas, a 35-year-old power forward-center. :lol
Thomas, a Texas native who went to TCU, said he was thrilled when he learned that San Antonio was his new home base.
His first reaction when the Sonics told him of the trade?
"Wow," he said. "I was completely taken by surprise. Knowing I was coming back to Texas always makes me feel good. To know the tradition and history of this team, and what they stand for and what they do out there on the floor just makes me feel good inside. I'm just looking to go out there and contribute in any way I can."
Thomas smiled after hearing that Popovich said he had been trying to acquire the power forward since the veteran played for the Knicks.
"That means a lot," he said. "When a team really has interest in you and wants you to be part of their system, it definitely makes you feel good inside. I hope I can come in and jell with these guys and help these guys get a win."
Amazing feats: Tim Duncan couldn't decide which was the more amazing feat in Saturday's 98-89 victory over the Hornets: Robert Horry's two-handed dunk in the third quarter or the fact the Spurs made all 17 of their free throws.
"It's been like 1963 since (Rob) two-hand dunked like that," Duncan said of his 37-year-old teammate. :lol
The last time the Spurs were perfect from the foul line in a game was on Feb. 18, 2005, when they made 18 against Memphis. That was too long ago for Duncan to recall.
"We haven't had a (perfect) night like that since, well, I don't think we've ever had a night like that," Duncan said. "We're shooting the ball well from the line right now and taking advantage of everything."
Duncan hit five foul shots, giving him 13 in a row and making him 23 of 26 during the past five games.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA022408.spursnotes.en.3e174f1.html
Web Posted: 02/24/2008 12:19 AM CST
Mike Monroe
Express-News staff writer
Kurt Thomas walked into the Spurs' locker room at the AT&T Center hours before Saturday's game against the New Orleans Hornets with a suitcase in his hand and a smile on his face.
He had come straight from the airport after a flight from Seattle, arriving in time for a pregame workout and a chance to say hello to his new teammates as they arrived.
Acquired from the Seattle SuperSonics in a Thursday trade that cost the Spurs Brent Barry and Francisco Elson, along with a 2009 first-round draft pick, Thomas donned a Spurs uniform and watched the game from the bench. The 13-year NBA veteran was bewildered a bit watching Gregg Popovich signal plays from the sideline like a third-base coach giving signs to a baseball hitter.
"I'm going to have to work on my sign language," said Thomas, a 35-year-old power forward-center. :lol
Thomas, a Texas native who went to TCU, said he was thrilled when he learned that San Antonio was his new home base.
His first reaction when the Sonics told him of the trade?
"Wow," he said. "I was completely taken by surprise. Knowing I was coming back to Texas always makes me feel good. To know the tradition and history of this team, and what they stand for and what they do out there on the floor just makes me feel good inside. I'm just looking to go out there and contribute in any way I can."
Thomas smiled after hearing that Popovich said he had been trying to acquire the power forward since the veteran played for the Knicks.
"That means a lot," he said. "When a team really has interest in you and wants you to be part of their system, it definitely makes you feel good inside. I hope I can come in and jell with these guys and help these guys get a win."
Amazing feats: Tim Duncan couldn't decide which was the more amazing feat in Saturday's 98-89 victory over the Hornets: Robert Horry's two-handed dunk in the third quarter or the fact the Spurs made all 17 of their free throws.
"It's been like 1963 since (Rob) two-hand dunked like that," Duncan said of his 37-year-old teammate. :lol
The last time the Spurs were perfect from the foul line in a game was on Feb. 18, 2005, when they made 18 against Memphis. That was too long ago for Duncan to recall.
"We haven't had a (perfect) night like that since, well, I don't think we've ever had a night like that," Duncan said. "We're shooting the ball well from the line right now and taking advantage of everything."
Duncan hit five foul shots, giving him 13 in a row and making him 23 of 26 during the past five games.