BOSTON’S THOMAS
AND SAN ANTONIO’S ALDRIDGE NAMED
NBA EASTERN AND
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
The Boston Celtics’ Isaiah
Thomas and the San
Antonio Spurs’ LaMarcus Aldridge today were named NBA Eastern and Western
Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Feb. 1
through Sunday, Feb. 7.
Thomas led the Celtics to a 4-0 week, including a
road victory against the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged 20.3 points (12th in
the East), 7.0 assists (tied for fourth in the conference) and 4.5
rebounds. On Feb. 7, the Celtics’ point
guard capped his week by recording 22 points, nine assists, four rebounds, two
steals and only one turnover as Boston defeated the Sacramento Kings 128-119
for its ninth victory in 10 games.
Thomas, a first-time NBA All-Star selection, will appear in the 65th
NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 14 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
Aldridge, who was also
selected to the 2016 NBA All-Star Game, sparked the Spurs to a 4-0 week. He averaged 26.0 points (tied for seventh in
the NBA), 7.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots (tied for fourth in the
West). He shot 59.7 percent from the
field and 90.9 percent from the free throw line. Aldridge scored at least 26 points in three
of four games, including a season-high 36-point performance to go with six
rebounds and three blocks in a 110-97 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans
on Feb. 3.
Here is a recap of the week for Thomas and Aldridge:
Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
Feb. 2 @ New
York: Scored 20 points and added eight
assists and five rebounds during a 97-89 victory against the Knicks.
Feb. 3 vs. Detroit:
Finished with 17 points, seven
assists and five rebounds in a 102-95 win over the Pistons.
Feb. 5 @ Cleveland: Recorded 22 points (11-of-11 on free throws), four assists and four
rebounds in a 104-103 win over the Cavaliers.
Feb. 7 vs. Sacramento: Posted 22 points, nine assists, four rebounds and two
steals in a 128-119 victory against the Kings.
LaMarcus Aldridge, San
Antonio Spurs
Feb. 1 vs. Orlando: Scored 28 points (9-of-13 from the field) and chipped in five blocks
and four rebounds in a 107-92 win over the Magic.
Feb. 3 vs. New Orleans: Scored 36 points and added six rebounds and three
blocks during a 110-97 victory against the Pelicans.
Feb. 5 @ Dallas: Contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two
steals in a 116-90 win over the Mavericks.
Feb. 6 vs. L.A. Lakers: Recorded 26 points and nine rebounds in a 106-102
victory against the Lakers.
Other nominees for the NBA Eastern and Western
Conference Players of the Week were Atlanta’s Jeff Teague, Charlotte’s Marvin
Williams, Golden State’s Stephen Curry, the Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre
Jordan, the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan and Utah’s
Gordon Hayward.
LISA BORDERS NAMED WNBA PRESIDENT
- Veteran Executive to Take Helm as
League Celebrates its 20th Season -
Lisa Borders, who brings more than 25 years of experience in operations, marketing,
government relations and public service, has been appointed President of the
WNBA, it was announced today by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Borders, who served most recently as Chair of The Coca-Cola Foundation and Vice President, Global Community Affairs at The Coca-Cola Company, will lead the world’s premier women’s basketball league, which tips off its historic 20th season on May 14. She will join the WNBA on March 21.
Borders was instrumental in bringing the WNBA to Atlanta in 2008, when she served as Vice Mayor of Atlanta and President of the City Council. The Atlanta Dream has since become a mainstay of the Atlanta sports scene and part of the fabric of the local community.
“As a
proven executive with a passion for the WNBA and the game of basketball, Lisa
is the right leader at a pivotal time in the league’s history,” said
Silver. “She will be responsible for spearheading
our efforts to strengthen the WNBA and accelerate its growth.”
“The WNBA has reached a
significant milestone, and I feel privileged to be joining the league at such
an exciting time,” said Borders. “I have
always been a staunch supporter of this league and its tremendous
athletes. I am impressed by their talent
and inspired by their passion. The
athleticism of the game and the sportsmanship exhibited between teams offers
clear evidence of our ability to grow women’s basketball.” Borders has worked and delivered results in all three sectors: public, private and non-profit. Prior to The Coca-Cola Company, Borders was President of the City Council and Vice Mayor of Atlanta, where her duties included managing the legislative branch of government and maintaining the relationship with the Mayor’s office during Mayor Shirley Franklin’s administration. Among her community initiatives were increasing the availability of affordable housing, addressing the region’s traffic challenges, and promoting neighborhood safety and preservation. She was also President of the Grady Health Foundation, the fundraising arm of Grady Health System, Georgia’s largest public hospital and metro-Atlanta’s premier level I trauma center.
She also served as Senior
Vice President of Marketing and External Affairs with Cousins Properties Incorporated,
an Atlanta-based Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), as well as President of
the Cousins Properties Foundation. Prior
to joining Cousins, Borders worked for more than 15 years as a senior health
care administrator and operations executive, where she formulated successful long-term
operational strategies, financial plans and budget objectives to ensure the
organizations met their goals and operated efficiently.
Borders’ work in the community has focused primarily on family issues in the areas of education, healthcare and housing. She serves as a trustee of Duke University and The Westminster Schools, and she is a board member of Atlanta Women's Foundation, Grady Health System, Woodruff Arts Center and Operation Hope. As a co-founder of No Labels, Borders remains deeply engaged with public policy. She has received numerous honors and consistent recognition for her corporate and civic work.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a master’s of science in health administration from the University of Colorado.
Borders’ work in the community has focused primarily on family issues in the areas of education, healthcare and housing. She serves as a trustee of Duke University and The Westminster Schools, and she is a board member of Atlanta Women's Foundation, Grady Health System, Woodruff Arts Center and Operation Hope. As a co-founder of No Labels, Borders remains deeply engaged with public policy. She has received numerous honors and consistent recognition for her corporate and civic work.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a master’s of science in health administration from the University of Colorado.
About the WNBA
The WNBA, which features 12 teams, is a unique global sports
property combining competition, sportsmanship, and entertainment with its
status as an icon for social change, achievement, and diversity. The
league, which counts Verizon as its leaguewide marquee partner, will begin its
20th season on May 14, 2016.
Through WNBA Cares, the WNBA is deeply committed to creating
programs that improve the quality of life for all people, with a special
emphasis on programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive body image,
increase breast and women’s health awareness, support youth and family
development, and focus on education. For more information on the WNBA,
log on to www.wnba.com.
STEVE NASH, YAO MING, ANDRE DRUMMOND, KARL-ANTHONY
TOWNS, DEVIN BOOKER NAMED HONORARY COACHES FOR FIFTH ANNUAL NBA CARES SPECIAL
OLYMPICS UNIFIED® BASKETBALL GAME AT
NBA ALL-STAR 2016
– Stephen Curry and
Dell Curry to Tip Off Game at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 13 –
NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2016 – The National
Basketball Association (NBA) and Special Olympics today announced that two-time
Kia NBA MVP Steve Nash, NBA Legend Yao Ming, NBA All-Star Andre Drummond and 2016 BBVA Compass Rising
Stars Challenge participant Karl-Anthony Towns have
been named Honorary Coaches for the fifth annual NBA Cares Special Olympics
Unified® Basketball Game at NBA All-Star 2016. They will join ESPN’s
Sage Steele, 2016 Foot Locker Three-Point Contest participant Devin Booker, Milwaukee
Bucks forward Khris Middleton and NBA Cares Ambassador Isaiah Austin to lead
the East and West squads. 2015 NBA Champion Stephen Curry and his father, NBA
Legend Dell Curry, will tip off the game at Toronto’s Enercare Centre at 2 p.m.
ET on Saturday, Feb. 13.
This year’s 40-minute
demonstration game will feature 12 Special Olympics athletes from around the world
playing alongside NBA legends and WNBA legends/players, including Bruce Bowen, Jason
Collins, Tamika Catchings and Ticha Penicheiro for the West, and Detlef
Schrempf, Tracy McGrady, Special Olympics Global Ambassador Elena Delle Donne
and WNBA Cares Ambassador and 2003 WNBA Finals MVP Ruth Riley for the East. The
majority of Special Olympics athletes competing in the game also competed at
the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
First held at NBA All-Star 2012, the NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified®
Basketball Game will bring together athletes with and without intellectual
disabilities as teammates to showcase the power of Special Olympics, which
helps to unify communities and foster an environment of acceptance and
inclusion. Following the game, NBA
Legend A.C. Green, Jeremy Lamb, Rodney Hood and Lindsay Whalen will host 75
youth athletes from local Special Olympics Programs for a basketball clinic on
the NBA FIT Court presented by Kumho Tire at Enercare Centre.
“The NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified® Basketball
Game has become a highlight of our NBA Cares All-Star efforts,” said NBA Senior
Vice President, Social Responsibility Todd Jacobson. “We value the passion Special Olympics shares
for basketball and inclusion and are looking forward to bringing together some
of the best athletes from across the globe for this terrific game.”
West East
Bruce Bowen, NBA Legend
Jason Collins, NBA Cares Ambassador
Tamika Catchings,
Indiana Fever
Ticha Penicheiro,
WNBA Legend
Eliza Mills, Australia
Franck Cedric
Koffi, Cote d’Ivoire
Milton Vieira, Italy
Natalie
Branscombe, Canada (Nova Scotia)
Sarah Byrne, Ireland
Gohulan Rajalingam,
Canada (Toronto)
Detlef Schrempf, NBA Legend
Tracy McGrady, 7-time NBA All-Star
Elena Delle
Donne, Chicago Sky
Ruth Riley, WNBA Cares Ambassador & 2003 WNBA Finals
MVP
Duquan Walker, U.S. (Mississippi)
James Black, U.S. (Washington, D.C.)
Jose Rondon
Zapata, Venezuela
Maria-Lamprini
Dragkola, Greece
Matt Grimes, U.S. (Massachusetts)
Temitope Amodu, Nigeria
These 12 Special
Olympics athletes will also enjoy a memorable NBA All-Star experience,
including a meet-and-greet with members of the NBA family and tickets to
marquee events throughout the week.
“Giving our athletes the chance to compete alongside NBA
and WNBA players on a world stage as part of NBA All-Star helps us continue to
break down the barriers that exist for our population – a population that is
marginalized and oftentimes ignored all over the world,” said Mary Davis,
Acting CEO, Special Olympics. “We are
incredibly thankful to our longstanding partners at the NBA and their continued
support of this fifth annual NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified®
Basketball Game.”
The NBA’s global partnership with Special Olympics began more than
30 years ago when the league helped introduce basketball as a new sport to the
organization. The NBA has since provided
sponsorship to Special Olympics basketball tournaments, created public service
announcements featuring NBA players and participated in major Special Olympics
events. Through NBA Cares, the NBA
family has hosted international clinics for Special Olympics athletes in China, Turkey,
Puerto Rico, Russia, France, Greece, Italy, Brazil, Spain, England, Mexico and,
with this event, Canada.
TIP OFF IN TORONTO THURSDAY,
FEB. 11
– Inaugural
Jr. NBA Day Highlights More Than 35 Events Impacting Tens of Thousands of
Local Youth and Families –
The NBA Cares All-Star efforts tip off Thursday,
Feb. 11, when the NBA family will work with more than 250 schools and community
organizations to give back to the city of Toronto. More than 35 community events will take place
over four days, impacting tens of thousands of local youth and families.
On Friday, Feb. 12, the Jr. NBA presented
by Under Armour will host its first-ever Jr. NBA Day at Enercare Centre for
more than 2,500 children from the Peel District School Board, Dufferin-Peel
Catholic District School Board, Halton District School Board, Halton Catholic District
School Board, York Region District School Board, and York Catholic District School
Board. The 2016 NBA All-Stars will join
current and former NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League players to lead Jr. NBA
basketball clinics on more than 40 courts and baskets. Each of the kids in attendance will be fully
outfitted by Under Armour, including sneakers, T-shirts, shorts, and
socks.
The Jr. NBA, the league’s youth
basketball participation program that teaches the fundamental skills as well as
the core values of the game, launched its expanded efforts in October 2015 with
the goal of reaching five million youth in the U.S. and Canada over a two-year
period. Earlier this season, the Jr. NBA
“Rookie Division” launched in Canada to engage boys and girls ages five to
seven with the support of BMO Financial Group, the Official Bank of NBA Canada
and an official partner of the Jr. NBA program in Canada. YMCA
Canada, on behalf of its nationwide network of YMCAs, is partnering with the
Jr. NBA and has registered to be part of its network. YMCA Canada will also launch a new public
service campaign featuring Canadian-born NBA players to promote opportunities
for kids to forge new friendships and learn essential life skills through the
game of basketball.
Also on Friday, nearly 1,000 members
of the NBA family and NBA All-Star guests will roll up their sleeves to sort
and repack 110,000 pounds of food donations to benefit more than 30,000 Canadians
in need. The project, in partnership
with Daily Bread Food Bank, will take place with the support of SAP and State
Farm®
as part of the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service.
The NBA Cares All-Star efforts
get underway Thursday, Feb. 11, when current and former NBA, WNBA and NBA
D-League players lead basketball and fitness clinics at 10 schools throughout
Toronto as part of the NBA All-Star FIT Celebration. With support from Kaiser Permanente, the NBA
will work with the Toronto District School Board and the Toronto Catholic
District School Board to host basketball clinics focusing on the importance of
healthy living while teaching the fundamentals of the game.
The fifth annual NBA Cares Special
Olympics Unified Basketball Game & Clinic highlights the community events
on Saturday, Feb. 13. The Unified
Basketball Game will feature NBA legends, WNBA players and legends, and 12
Special Olympics athletes from around the world competing in a 40-minute
demonstration game at Enercare Centre as part of NBA Centre Court. Also on Saturday, NBA Cares will partner with
The Remix Project, a youth-led arts organization that helps level the playing
field for young people from underserved communities, to host a leadership panel
featuring prominent figures in sports and entertainment.
The NBA will partner with
Make-A-Wish®
and The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada to grant wishes to five families
at NBA All-Star 2016, including meet-and-greets with NBA All-Star participants
and a host of other activities. Current
and former NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League players will also visit young patients at
The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (SickKids).
The community service efforts
continue Sunday, Feb. 14, when members of the NBA family and Wheelchair
Basketball Canada host an NBA Cares Wheelchair Basketball Clinic at Enercare
Centre for 30 local youth with and without disabilities.
NBA Cares is the league’s global
social responsibility initiative that builds on the NBA’s mission of addressing
important social issues. This season, as
part of the 10th anniversary of its creation, NBA Cares is renewing
its commitment to communities around the world by inspiring play and
teaching basketball’s values to more than 15 million youth, providing an
additional 3 million hours of hands-on service to others, and leaving a lasting
legacy in communities by building 1,000 more safe places to live, learn or play
by 2025.
Moderator: Josephine Mezzina
February
5, 2016
10:30 am ET
Operator: Ladies
and gentlemen, thank you for standing by and welcome to the Paul George
International Media Call. As a reminder, if you would like to ask a question on
today’s call, it’s the star followed by the 1 on your telephone keypad. I’ll
turn the call over to Mike Perrelli. Please go ahead.
Mike Perrelli:
Good morning, good afternoon, good evening everybody. Mike Perrelli from
NBA PR here along with Chase Kressel and Elliot Steinbaum. Just as a reminder,
if you need to ask a question, please dial star, 1 on your keypad. We have Paul
here now. Paul George who is appearing in his third career All Star Game in
Toronto on Sunday, February 14 at 8:30 pm Eastern. Just as a reminder, this is
the first NBA All Star Game to be held outside of the United States. With that,
let’s open it up to questions.
Operator:
Okay. Our first question is from David Chinellato with NBA Italy. Please
go ahead.
David Chinellato:
Hi Paul. Thank you for doing this. My question is about your unique
journey from being seriously injured and then making it to the All Star Game.
How tough was that for you to make it back and how good is it to be in an All
Star Game?
Paul George: It’s amazing. This one is probably the
one that touches the most ((inaudible)) and built my way back up because
((inaudible)) an All Star once more. I just feel like that everyone that
followed me through the journey played a huge part and I’m very thankful for all
the fans that have and voted me back and got me into my third All Star Game.
Operator: Next
question comes from (Shen Yang) with Tencent. Please go ahead.
(Shen Yang):
Hi Paul. ((inaudible)) Kobe challenged Jordan for the MVP title. Since
this year it will be Kobe’s last All Star Game do you look to challenge Kobe
((inaudible)) Kobe stopped Jordan from winning the MVP title?
Paul George:
I’m more just looking forward to just giving a great performance for the
fans that voted me in. I definitely wanting to play my best and just have fun
out there. I’m definitely looking at to enjoy the moment so if me and Kobe
play, go around the All Star Game just looking forward to and enjoying that
moment.
Operator: Next
question is from Nira Khurana with Excelsior.
Nira Khurana:
Hi Paul. You’ve talked a lot about the injury that you had but I was
wondering if you had seen the replay of your injury and if so, what are your
thoughts on what happened?
Paul George:
No, I’ve only watched it once and I won’t watch it again. It’s a
one-time thing. Just had to see what happened. I’ve put it behind me in the
past. Passed that situation now.
Operator:
Thank you. Next question is from Martin Klotz with SPOX in Germany.
Martin Klotz:
Hi Paul. You had a fantastic start to the season but you’re in a little
bit of a shooting slump right now. Is it the different kind of defense that’s
bothering you or is it maybe you just simply doubting yourself a little bit too
much lately?
Paul George:
It’s more so of just not being in competition for a little over a year.
I think I’m still just getting adjusted to this. Trying to work my way through
it, battling fatigue and legs tiring out. So just trying to build my legs back
up and getting that endurance back up. But it’s something that I definitely
((inaudible)) just something for now and I’ll definitely turn it back up.
((inaudible)).
Operator: Next
question is from Julian Greenwood with Die Welt in Germany. Please go ahead.
Julian Greenwood:
Hi Paul. Thanks for your time. Really appreciate it. I’d just like to
know after that great comeback you’ve got now after that terrible injury, and
you’ve been to the All Star and to start immediately. Do you consider that as a
sign of how much the people love you but also what they expect from you in the
near future?
Paul George:
Yes, it definitely is a sign of both. That’s the reason why this to me
is so special. It’s not just because the love for them to vote me back to being
starter, it’s just the love. Then also, I expect a lot from myself. After the
injury, going into the summer I expected to return to form. I expected to be my
old self. I knew it was going to take some time to get back used to my legs,
get back used to my body, get back top form on the court, but I did see myself
being back to where I’m at now. I didn’t know I’d be here so soon. I was kind
of just playing it by ear, going through the motion of this being the last step
of rehab more or less be ((inaudible)) and work out whatever I needed to work
out. But I am very happy to be at the point where I’m at right now.
Operator:
Thank you. The next question is from Brad Graham with Full Court Report
in Australia. Please go ahead.
Brad Graham:
Paul, Brad from Full Court Report. Congratulations on a ((inaudible)) All
Star selection. My question for you is at one point or another during the first
half of this season you’ve played four of the NBA’s traditional positions.
There seems to be this sort of growing importance on multi-faceted players,
((inaudible)) are moving away from the basket more, guards are sort of taking
on sort of more rebounding responsibility. Do you feel like the old walls have
come down and that we’re in the sort of era where there’s more positionless
play in the NBA?
Paul George:
Yes. I mean certainly the game’s changed. It’s really the taller guys
and stronger guys are really the ((inaudible)) the guard’s skill set nowadays.
The game has definitely transitioned to where you’re playing it further and
further away from the basket. It’s just a different game. It’s almost like
having four guards now and one big man. It’s just a luxury to have a big guard
that can play that forward spot and match up with a traditional big. The game
is definitely changing. You know, it’s changing and it’s only going to I think
at this rate and training I think it’s only going to transition to more and
more bigger guards and more perimeter oriented game.
Operator:
Thank you. The next question is from Benny Bonsu with True Africa from
the U.K. Please go ahead.
Benny Bonsu: Hi
Mr. George. How are you?
Paul George:
I’m good.
Benny Bonsu: I
just wanted to find out how excited are you to be doing the voice-over for the
Cartoon Network’s Bare Bears ahead of the All Stars and what are you most
looking forward to in Toronto?
Paul George: I
was very excited to be a part of the We Bare Bears little skit we did. First
time doing something animated and doing a voice-over for it. It’s something I
knew that’d be special ((inaudible)). But it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed it.
What
I’m looking forward to in Toronto is just being back in that moment, being
back, hanging with the guys, being back playing in front of a lot of fans,
playing in front of a great crowd and being in a great environment in Toronto.
You just, you cherish those moments and just looking forward to being back to
that.
Operator:
Thank you. The next question is from Vinay Sundar with Sportskeeda in
India. Please go ahead.
Vinay Sundar:
Hi Paul. So my question is Indiana have now moved from a more
defense-oriented style in the previous seasons to one where it’s a much more
fluid style of basketball. As ((inaudible)) pointed out earlier, you moved from
the small forward position to the power forward more and you’re also averaging
your highest points per game in a season. Do you think the change in style has
helped you become a more overall basketball player?
Paul George: I
think I have but I haven’t played forward since the beginning of the season. I
moved back to the three-spot, but I have become a more complete player playing
with a smaller group just because triple-drive game, understanding space and
understanding where guys are at on the floor, playing a faster style. So it was
a different adjustment that I think added on to me playing traditional big to
now learning how to play with ((inaudible)). So I’ve definitely learned a lot.
Operator:
Thank you. The next question is from Akinbode Oguntuyi with Sportsvision
Nigeria. Please go ahead.
Akinbode Oguntuyi:
Hello Paul. My colleagues have pointed out that you’re playing better,
you’re scoring more points but if you look at Indiana, Indiana were one of the
powerhouse teams in the East a couple of years back and then your injury
happened. Nowadays, you’re playing better, you’re scoring more points. Do you
think you need help in the (team)? Do you think there’s any chance that in
their future Indiana will again be in a position to challenge for the title?
Paul George:
Can you ask that again? Can you ask that question again?
Akinbode Oguntuyi:
Okay Paul. I said that my colleagues have pointed out that you’re
playing better, you’re scoring more points but Indiana, before your injury,
they were one of the powerhouse teams in East. Now you’re number seven. Do you
think you need more help and do you think - how soon do you think Indiana will
be back challenging for the title?
Paul George: I
think we’re doing a well job. We all here at Indiana think we should be a lot
better than what we are, but bigger picture we’ve lost a lot of close games
that we possibly could have won. Just, you know, us being a new group and not
understanding how to put it together yet and close games. But I don’t think
we’re that bad off. Again, we’ve challenged every team. We’ve challenged the
best teams. It’s a tough game, but again, it’s just our inexperience with us
being together sort of our first year I think is - we took some growing pains
and some learning pains but this is the type of group that if we continue to
play well, we continue to learn each other, going into playoff time this is one
of those teams that really ignites, come together at the right time and learn
from our mistakes earlier in the season.
Operator:
Thank you. Next is Dario Vismara with NBA Official Magazine in Italy.
Please go ahead.
Dario Vismara:
Hello Paul. You’re currently seventh in the standing with the Indiana
Pacers, just two games behind the third place because this conference is
conference crazy this year. Behind Cleveland, what’s your ranking of the teams
in the playoffs that you’d like?
Paul George: What’s
our - the rankings?
Dario Vismara:
Yes.
Paul George:
Could you ask that question again?
Dario Vismara:
Yes. Behind Cleveland, what’s your ranking of the teams in the playoff
race in the Eastern Conference right now?
Paul George: I
mean the rankings is what it is. The East is very ((inaudible)) this year. I
think we definitely should be one of the top echelon teams in the East. We
would have been had we learned how to close games out sufficient where we
wanted to be. But the East is competitive this year and every team ends up
slotted where they are right now is deserving of that position.
Operator:
Thank you. The next question is from David Chinellato with NBA Italy.
Please go ahead.
David Chinellato:
Paul, what about your team? What do you think it can do ((inaudible))?
Paul George:
Ask that again.
David Chinellato:
What about your Pacers? What do you think you can do in the East and in
the playoffs this season? You kind of - it seems like you have finally found a
starting five you like and you can go on the whole season with.
Paul George:
Yes. Yes, we have a group that’s playing well. Our starting lineup is
playing really well right now and it’s good that we’re getting some experience
of chemistry with one another. But again, this team can really make a push late
in the season if we continue to grow together. We started out hot and we kind
of peaked, we kind of peaked early while the rest of the teams, or the rest of
the league just gets better and improving ((inaudible)). For us, it’s just
continue to improve, continue the chemistry and, again, we’ll be pretty happy
and satisfied at the end of the year.
Mike Perrelli:
Guys, we have time for two more questions. Thank you.
Operator: Thank you. Our next question is from (Jan
Sude) with L’Equipe in France. Please go ahead.
(Jan Sude):
Hello Paul. Ian Mahinmi is having his best season and the first one as a
starter. How important is he for the team on and off the court?
Paul George: Ian
has been real important for us, especially losing Roy. Ian is the next best
thing in terms of ((inaudible)) and protecting the (run) for us. He’s also been
great for our young guy Myles Turner to learn from and to set examples for. But
this year he’s definitely picked up his play and I think one of the things that
makes the game easier for us as far as not just playing a small-ball style and
have four guards playing around that can facilitate setting him up with the
easy baskets. He’s definitely had a big year for us. He’s definitely a huge
piece for us and we’re very happy to have him here.
Operator:
Thank you. The next question is from Naveen Ganglani with Rappler.com in
the Philippines. Please go ahead.
Naveen Ganglani:
Hey Paul, based on the season you’ve had so far do you feel like your
name should be mentioned in the MVP conversation more than it is?
Paul George: I
mean if we won the games that we should have and we were where we’re supposed
to be then yes. But right now I’m not doing a good enough job of finishing
games for this team, and you look at the top guys that are performing well and
in the MVP conversation, they’re doing an amazing job with their respective
teams and that’s the point I’m trying to get to right now. I wouldn’t even be
satisfied if I was in the conversations right now.
Mike Perrelli:
Awesome. Paul, thank you so much for joining us today. We really
appreciate it.
Paul George:
Yes, no problem. Thanks you guys for asking.
Mike Perrelli:
You got it. We’ll see you in Toronto.
Paul George:
Okay. Sounds good.
Mike Perrelli:
All right. Folks on the line, just a reminder that this is Paul George’s
third All Star Game. The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 14 at 8:30 pm
Eastern, and that this is the first All Star Game to be held outside of the
United States.
We’ll
have a full transcript and audio file available on Media Central, probably
within the next two hours or so. If you have any questions you could reach out
to me via email at mperrelli - M-P-E-R-R-E-L-L-I at NBA.com. Thanks a lot for
joining us today and we’ll talk to you all soon. Bye-bye.
Operator: Ladies
and gentlemen, thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.
END
BULLS’ GASOL TO REPLACE BUTLER IN 2016 NBA ALL-STAR
GAME
Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol has been named by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to replace his teammate, injured Eastern Conference All-Star reserve Jimmy Butler (strained left knee), in the 2016 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 14 at Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
This
marks the sixth NBA All-Star Game selection for Gasol, who is averaging 17.0
points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 blocks for the Bulls (27-24).
The
65th NBA All-Star Game, the first NBA All-Star Game held outside the
United States, will be televised by TNT at 8 p.m. ET and broadcast by ESPN
Radio. TNT will air the All-Star Game in the U.S. for the 14th
straight year, marking Turner Sports’ 31st year of NBA All-Star
coverage. Sportsnet ONE and TSN will simulcast the All-Star Game in
Canada. The game will be seen by fans in 215 countries and territories
and will be heard in 49 languages.
NBA ALL-STAR 2016 BY THE NUMBERS
- Toronto
to Host First NBA All-Star Game Outside the United States -
TORONTO, Feb. 10, 2016 – NBA All-Star 2016 in Toronto marks the first time that the
league’s midseason classic will be held outside the United States. The 65th NBA All-Star Game, televised
by TNT and broadcast by ESPN Radio in the United States on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 8
p.m. ET from Air Canada Centre, will reach fans in 215 countries and territories
in 49 languages. Sportsnet ONE and TSN
will simulcast the game in Canada.
In honor of this being the Toronto
Raptors’ 21st NBA season, here are 21 facts and figures pertaining
to NBA All-Star 2016:
NBA All-Star in Toronto
·
1 – The
first NBA game was played in Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto on Nov. 1, 1946, and
featured the New York Knicks and the Toronto Huskies.
·
12 – A
record-tying 12 Canadians are
playing in the NBA this season, more than any other country outside the United
States. Canadians Trey Lyles, Dwight Powell and Andrew Wiggins will be playing
on the World Team in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge.
·
40 – NBA Centre Court at Enercare Centre will offer fans the opportunity to
participate in a variety of basketball competitions and challenges on more than
40 courts and baskets.
·
52 – Fifty-two of the top high school boys
and girls from 27 countries will travel to Toronto for the second annual Basketball
without Borders Global Camp.
·
216 –
NBA All-Star 2016 will feature 216
current NBA players and legends participating in events, including 41 members
of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
NBA Cares
·
35 / 250
– Highlighted by the inaugural Jr. NBA Day on Feb. 12, the league will host
35 events with more than 250 schools and community organizations
in Toronto.
·
1,800 – For
every assist made during the NBA All-Star Game, State Farm and NBA Cares will
donate $1,800 to Boys & Girls
Clubs.
·
110,000
– As part of the NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service, nearly 1,000 members of the
NBA family and NBA All-Star guests will roll up their sleeves to sort and
repack 110,000 pounds of food donations to benefit more than 30,000
Canadians in need.
NBA on TNT
·
14 / 31 – TNT will televise the All-Star Game in the U.S. for the 14th consecutive year,
marking Turner Sports’ 31st year
of NBA All-Star coverage.
· 27
/ 21 – TNT sideline reporter Craig
Sager returns to All-Star, marking the 27th time he has covered
the midseason celebration, while play-by-play announcer Marv Albert will be
calling his 21st All-Star Game.
NBA on ESPN Radio
·
20 – ESPN Radio will broadcast its 20th NBA All-Star Game,
having aired its first in 1996.
NBA on NBA TV
· 4 – NBA TV’s The
Starters, a collective of four
fan-focused voices – J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey Kerby and Leigh Ellis – return to their
hometown of Toronto with a special weeklong All-Star series.
NBA All-Star Players
·
18 –
Kobe Bryant has been named to 18
straight All-Star Games, a record for consecutive selections. His 18 all-time
selections are one shy of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record.
·
280 –
Kobe Bryant has scored 280 points in
the All-Star Game, the most all time. LeBron James is two points behind with 278.
·
3 – First-time
All-Star selection Kawhi Leonard is one of three
players in NBA history to be named an All-Star, Finals MVP and Kia NBA
Defensive Player of the Year. The others are Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon.
·
8 – Eight players in All-Star
events have NBA D-League experience:
o
Will Barton (Verizon
Slam Dunk); Khris Middleton (Foot Locker Three-Point Contest); Patrick Beverley
(Taco Bell® Skills Challenge); CJ McCollum (Skills); Jordan Clarkson
(BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge); Marcus Smart (Stars); Clint Capela
(Stars); and Dwight Powell (Stars).
·
10 – Ten 2016 NBA All-Stars are part of
State Farm® All-Star Saturday Night:
o
Chris Bosh (Three-Point); DeMarcus Cousins (Skills);
Stephen Curry (Three-Point); Anthony Davis (Skills); Andre Drummond (Dunk); Draymond
Green (Skills); James Harden (Three-Point); Kyle Lowry (Three-Point); Isaiah
Thomas (Skills); and Klay Thompson (Three-Point).
·
26 – Kevin
Durant’s All-Star Game scoring average of 26.0
points is the highest of all time.
·
40 –
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson give the Golden State Warriors
three players in an All-Star Game for the first time in 40 years. Rick Barry, Phil Smith and Jamaal Wilkes represented the
Warriors in the 1976 All-Star Game.
·
44 –
Toronto’s Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan give the host city two guards in the
All-Star Game for the first time in 44 years.
Gail Goodrich and Jerry West represented the Lakers at the 1972 All-Star Game
in Los Angeles.
·
60 –
First-time All-Star selection Isaiah Thomas was the 60th and final pick in NBA Draft 2011.
