scotsman13
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Paul Coro
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 5, 2006 12:00 AM
Jerry Colangelo talked Wednesday to Philadelphia's Allen Iverson about being a part of the USA Basketball men's senior national team that Colangelo has revamped as its managing director.
Today, Colangelo plans to meet with Miami's Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade to have the same talk. San Antonio's Tim Duncan will sit down with Colangelo on Saturday, when the Spurs visit Phoenix.
Such structure is not necessary with Amaré Stoudemire and Shawn Marion, the two most familiar players in the Suns chairman's mix for USA Basketball's entries in the 2006 World Championship and 2008 Olympics. He is picking 20 players who will give three-year commitments and vie for spots at a July camp, which is believed to be in Las Vegas but has not been confirmed. advertisement
"Anytime I get the chance to play for the USA, I'm in for it," said Stoudemire, who is not sure whether he would play this summer on his rehabilitated knee. "You can count me in."
Colangelo said, "I laid it out for Amaré. It took him about 30 seconds and he was in."
With Marion, Colangelo said, "I told Shawn last year in the playoffs against Dallas that he was going to be one of the guys. He's one of the most underrated players in the game."
As to whether he would be on board, Marion said, "I'll tell you when I'm asked."
LB on mend
Suns guard Leandro Barbosa is expected to return to the court from his second left knee sprain in the next 10 days.
Team physician Thomas Carter cleared him to begin practicing today.
Stoudemire also had a magnetic resonance imaging test, which showed normal progression and allows him to begin agility drills today.
Center Jared Reiner will be waived today so that he can clear waivers before Tuesday, when all player contracts are guaranteed for the remainder of the season. Reiner has been inactive for 29 games with a crack in his left kneecap.
Amaré for president
Stoudemire is the Suns' new team representative for the NBA Players Association.
"I wanted to be more involved in what's going on," Stoudemire said. "There a lot of decisions some players don't agree with. I want to be able to keep my teammates informed.
"I want to end up being a (union) president, too, as soon as I win a few championships."
Hunter's return
Center Steven Hunter faced the Suns for the first time since leaving them this summer to sign a four-year, $16 million contract with Philadelphia.
"It's been up and down," Hunter said of being in and out of coach Maurice Cheeks' good graces. "The inconsistency comes with inconsistency as a team overall. That's what happens when you're on a .500 team. Lately, I've been able to find my rhythm and be more comfortable."
Unlike Joe Johnson, Hunter was cheered in his return.
No C-Webb
Philadelphia's Chris Webber (lower back strain) sat out Wednesday's game.
The Arizona Republic
Jan. 5, 2006 12:00 AM
Jerry Colangelo talked Wednesday to Philadelphia's Allen Iverson about being a part of the USA Basketball men's senior national team that Colangelo has revamped as its managing director.
Today, Colangelo plans to meet with Miami's Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade to have the same talk. San Antonio's Tim Duncan will sit down with Colangelo on Saturday, when the Spurs visit Phoenix.
Such structure is not necessary with Amaré Stoudemire and Shawn Marion, the two most familiar players in the Suns chairman's mix for USA Basketball's entries in the 2006 World Championship and 2008 Olympics. He is picking 20 players who will give three-year commitments and vie for spots at a July camp, which is believed to be in Las Vegas but has not been confirmed. advertisement
"Anytime I get the chance to play for the USA, I'm in for it," said Stoudemire, who is not sure whether he would play this summer on his rehabilitated knee. "You can count me in."
Colangelo said, "I laid it out for Amaré. It took him about 30 seconds and he was in."
With Marion, Colangelo said, "I told Shawn last year in the playoffs against Dallas that he was going to be one of the guys. He's one of the most underrated players in the game."
As to whether he would be on board, Marion said, "I'll tell you when I'm asked."
LB on mend
Suns guard Leandro Barbosa is expected to return to the court from his second left knee sprain in the next 10 days.
Team physician Thomas Carter cleared him to begin practicing today.
Stoudemire also had a magnetic resonance imaging test, which showed normal progression and allows him to begin agility drills today.
Center Jared Reiner will be waived today so that he can clear waivers before Tuesday, when all player contracts are guaranteed for the remainder of the season. Reiner has been inactive for 29 games with a crack in his left kneecap.
Amaré for president
Stoudemire is the Suns' new team representative for the NBA Players Association.
"I wanted to be more involved in what's going on," Stoudemire said. "There a lot of decisions some players don't agree with. I want to be able to keep my teammates informed.
"I want to end up being a (union) president, too, as soon as I win a few championships."
Hunter's return
Center Steven Hunter faced the Suns for the first time since leaving them this summer to sign a four-year, $16 million contract with Philadelphia.
"It's been up and down," Hunter said of being in and out of coach Maurice Cheeks' good graces. "The inconsistency comes with inconsistency as a team overall. That's what happens when you're on a .500 team. Lately, I've been able to find my rhythm and be more comfortable."
Unlike Joe Johnson, Hunter was cheered in his return.
No C-Webb
Philadelphia's Chris Webber (lower back strain) sat out Wednesday's game.
