indy star article- The scouting report on Indiana Pacers center Primoz Brezec the past two years goes something like, "Nice touch, if he's open. But he won't get in the game. Is a bit slow, doesn't react well and can be a bit soft."
Not exactly a flattering appraisal of an NBA career still in its embryonic stage. But that was the analysis on the 7-1 Slovenian before training camp.
"Right now, it looks like Primoz is a guy that's our third center off the bench," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "But the things I've really been impressed with are his work ethic, his enthusiasm and his will to become a better player. From afar, I wasn't really sure what this guy could do.
"Now that I've been around him for a month, he was here working out before we started training camp, he's a better basketball player than I thought he was. He's a guy that, if we get into foul trouble or injury trouble, I will not be afraid to put in games because he's going to be an effective player."
Brezec had an impact in the Pacers' 96-82 exhibition victory over Chicago on Wednesday. He was active on the glass, finishing with seven rebounds and three points during a 10-minute stretch in the second quarter that fueled the Pacers' comeback.
Unfazed by his seemingly breakout performance, Brezec said he's far from reaching his goal of erasing the memory of his nondescript first two seasons.
"I know what's going to keep me in the game and in this league, and that's rebounding and defense," said Brezec, 24, who'll resume his pursuit of increased playing time against Boston tonight at Conseco Fieldhouse.
"This is the right approach. My main concern is to help the team, play defense and be strong on the boards. That means I have to do the dirty work first."
Brezec prepped for training camp by playing for the Slovenian national team in the European Championships. He wasn't nearly as impressed with his performances -- averages of 10.0 points and 3.0 rebounds -- as others.
He did, however, notice an improvement in both his strength and his overall game after returning to the system that prepared him for his NBA career.
"All throughout the summer I got a lot stronger," said Brezec, who came to camp at 258 pounds. "I worked really hard. We practice two times a day in Europe and I kind of got back to the old process of being in the gym and just working hard on my skills."
A first-round pick of the Pacers in the 2000 draft, Brezec figured it would take time to get acclimated to the NBA. He never imagined it would take this long. He started doubting himself last season when it became clear that he would not be a part of the playing rotation.
"I was thinking 'What's wrong with my game?' and 'Can I still play this game at this level?' " said Brezec, who will be paid $861,600 this season.
So far, the answer appears to be yes. But on a team stocked with quality post players, opportunities will be hard to come by.
Associate head coach Mike Brown believes Brezec's appe e for compe ion and his aggressive nature, along with his natural gifts, will work in his favor.
Concentrating on his offensive development, at the expense of the other parts of his game, limited Brezec's role. There's no doubt he fancied himself an offensive specialist, not unlike many of the European big men who've crossed the Atlantic with suitcases full of offensive tricks.
"Primoz just needs to forget all that and concentrate on defense and rebounding," Brown said. "He needs to concentrate on being a big presence in the middle."
Brezec has no problem with that job description. In fact, he'd welcome the opportunity to show the coaching staff just how determined he is to become an integral part of the playing rotation.
"Look, it's not my job to decide how much I'm going to play. I can't control that," Brezec said. "What I can control is that I work hard in practices and bust my (rear) in the games."
Anderson to sit
Veteran point guard Kenny Anderson still is nursing a hamstring injury and won't play tonight.
I was very impressed with Brezec last night. He was a monster on the boards and he hit some good shots. He also looks a lot better, all of the pacers have worked very hard this summer. I'm ready for the regular season because I honestly think the pacers are going to be the Eastern Conference Champions.
Yeah, judging how well they have looked these past two games, and how focused the first team has become, they look on track to be a serious contender for the Eastern Conference le.
checking out my picture..
One game means nothing. Just like Omar Cook's first game meant nothing.
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