AP, SAN ANTONIO: Deron Williams broke a huddle with "Go Jazz!"
He's kept a sense of humor since his stunning trade to New Jersey. And after his debut with the Nets, a 106-96 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, owner Mikhail Prokhorov began courting his new superstar to stick around in New Jersey beyond next season.
Prokhorov's sales pitch? It began by interrupting a Vancouver ski trip and flying to San Antonio to see his new All-Star point guard — the first time Prokhorov has traveled for a Nets road game.
"It was good to see him. It meant a lot," said Williams, who had 14 points and 12 assists.
Manu Ginobili had 26 points for the Spurs, who despite being the NBA's winningest team, spent the game overshadowed by the 17-win Nets with Williams playing his first NBA game in something other than a Jazz uniform.
Even the Spurs seemed eager to see Williams. Tony Parker, who had 13 points and 10 assists, took Williams to lunch before the game at an Italian restaurant. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who had Williams on his West best last weekend at the All-Star game, shared a few laughs with the two-time All-Star before tipoff.
"He looked really good calling plays and running the show," Ginobili said.
Williams was dealt by Utah on Wednesday in a blockbuster deal before the trade deadline that none saw coming. He went 5 for 13 and played 41 minutes, and helped the lowly Nets keep it interesting against the team with the league's best record.
"It was different at first. I wasn't really nervous or anything," Williams said. "It's just good to be back on the court. I'm excited for this opportunity and to play for these guys and coach (Avery) Johnson, and to make the most of it," Williams said.
Anthony Morrow led the Nets with 25 points.
The Nets led at halftime before the Spurs nearly doubled-up New Jersey in the third quarter, outscoring the Nets 35-18. DeJuan Blair and Tim Duncan finished with 17 points apiece for the Spurs, who pushed their home record to 27-2.
Johnson said before the game they'd have to "wing it" in the first game with Williams, who New Jersey wants to make the long-term face of their franchise. Williams has made no commitment beyond 2012, when he can opt out of his contract.
Williams met after the game with Prokhorov; he said the two will continue talking in London, where the Nets will play Toronto twice starting March 4.
"He was telling me how excited he was, and he wanted to see me in person," Williams said.
Prokhorov did not speak with reporters.
New Jersey shipped point guard Devin Harris, rookie forward Derrick Favors, the No. 3 pick overall in the draft; two first-round draft picks and $3 million in cash for Williams, who had spent all six of his NBA seasons with the Jazz.
The NBA's third-leading assist man didn't look as comfortable once the game started. Williams missed four of his first five shots and weathered the expected handful of broken plays, like a bounce pass Brook Lopez didn't see coming and skipped untouched to the scorer's table.
Williams headlined the 13th different Nets starting lineup, which also included rookie forward Damion James, who played for the first time since Dec. 9 after breaking his right foot.
James, making his second career start, finished with seven points and four rebounds in 20 minutes.
"We're a work in progress, but it's exciting with the possibilities of our future," Johnson said after the game.
The Spurs (48-10) moved within two wins of tying their number of victories from last year, during what is so far San Antonio's best regular season in franchise history.
Notes: Williams blamed his poor shooting on again tweaking a strained tendon in his wrist that has bothered him for weeks. ...Rookie Spurs F Gary Neal didn't play after feeling headaches and sensitivity to light following the morning shootaround. Neal banged his head hard on the baseline in Wednesday's win over Oklahoma City but still returned to finish that game ... The Nets haven't won in San Antonio since 2002 (nine games).
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Lakers rout Clippers with Kobe's 18-point quarter
AP, LOS ANGELES: Kobe Bryant scored 18 of his 24 points in the third quarter, Pau Gasol added 22 points, and the Los Angeles Lakers won their third game in four days out of the All-Star break, beating the weary Los Angeles Clippers 108-95 Friday night.
Andrew Bynum had 16 points and 11 rebounds in another breezy win for the Lakers, who had lost three straight before co-hosting the All-Star weekend with their cross-hallway rivals.
Bryant went to the locker room two minutes before halftime after hurting his right elbow. The All-Star game MVP returned with a monster third quarter, outscoring the Clippers all by himself.
Randy Foye scored 24 points while hitting five 3-pointers for the Clippers, who finally finished an 11-game road trip with nine losses.
Blake Griffin had 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Clippers wrapped up the longest road trip for any NBA team this season — a trip that's thought to be the second-longest in league history.
Clippers rookie Eric Bledsoe struggled in place of traded point guard Baron Davis, managing just eight points on 2-for-11 shooting and eight assists.
Griffin had another high-energy game in the same arena where he jumped over a car last weekend, but couldn't stop the two-time defending NBA champions from leaping past them in the second half.
Bryant went to the Lakers' bench grimacing after fouling Foye on a 3-point attempt with 3:03 left in the first half, and he went to the locker room after a brief chat with trainer Gary Vitti.
But Bryant led an 11-2 run in the third quarter with four jumpers, including a 3-pointer that put the Lakers up 76-62. Bryant was relentless, getting two more baskets in the final seconds and making a final dunk just after the buzzer sounded.
Bryant and Gasol took the fourth quarter off, getting plenty of rest for Sunday's road showdown with revamped Oklahoma City.
Bryant also got hit on his left hand while getting fouled by Foye in the first quarter. He has played through numerous hand injuries in recent years, including an arthritic finger that bothered him last season.
After spending most of the month away while the Grammys and the All-Stars occupied Staples Center, the Clippers will play their first home game since Feb. 2 on Saturday night — but it's against the Boston Celtics, giving them back-to-back games against both defending conference champions to cap a stretch of four games in five days after the break.
What's more, new Clippers Mo Williams and Jamario Moon were in the building, but they can't play until Davis takes his physical in Cleveland to complete Los Angeles' trade with the Cavaliers.
NOTES: The Lakers have won two of three against the Clippers. Their season series ends next month. ... Clippers G Eric Gordon said he hopes to play next week, but isn't certain when he'll suit up again. The 24.1-points-per-game scorer has been out since Jan. 25 with a sprained right wrist and a small broken bone in the same joint. ... The Clippers have won nine of their last 10 home games. ... Fans near courtside included Steve Carell, Heather Locklear, Dr. Drew Pinsky and director Adam McKay.
Andrew Bynum had 16 points and 11 rebounds in another breezy win for the Lakers, who had lost three straight before co-hosting the All-Star weekend with their cross-hallway rivals.
Bryant went to the locker room two minutes before halftime after hurting his right elbow. The All-Star game MVP returned with a monster third quarter, outscoring the Clippers all by himself.
Randy Foye scored 24 points while hitting five 3-pointers for the Clippers, who finally finished an 11-game road trip with nine losses.
Blake Griffin had 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Clippers wrapped up the longest road trip for any NBA team this season — a trip that's thought to be the second-longest in league history.
Clippers rookie Eric Bledsoe struggled in place of traded point guard Baron Davis, managing just eight points on 2-for-11 shooting and eight assists.
Griffin had another high-energy game in the same arena where he jumped over a car last weekend, but couldn't stop the two-time defending NBA champions from leaping past them in the second half.
Bryant went to the Lakers' bench grimacing after fouling Foye on a 3-point attempt with 3:03 left in the first half, and he went to the locker room after a brief chat with trainer Gary Vitti.
But Bryant led an 11-2 run in the third quarter with four jumpers, including a 3-pointer that put the Lakers up 76-62. Bryant was relentless, getting two more baskets in the final seconds and making a final dunk just after the buzzer sounded.
Bryant and Gasol took the fourth quarter off, getting plenty of rest for Sunday's road showdown with revamped Oklahoma City.
Bryant also got hit on his left hand while getting fouled by Foye in the first quarter. He has played through numerous hand injuries in recent years, including an arthritic finger that bothered him last season.
After spending most of the month away while the Grammys and the All-Stars occupied Staples Center, the Clippers will play their first home game since Feb. 2 on Saturday night — but it's against the Boston Celtics, giving them back-to-back games against both defending conference champions to cap a stretch of four games in five days after the break.
What's more, new Clippers Mo Williams and Jamario Moon were in the building, but they can't play until Davis takes his physical in Cleveland to complete Los Angeles' trade with the Cavaliers.
NOTES: The Lakers have won two of three against the Clippers. Their season series ends next month. ... Clippers G Eric Gordon said he hopes to play next week, but isn't certain when he'll suit up again. The 24.1-points-per-game scorer has been out since Jan. 25 with a sprained right wrist and a small broken bone in the same joint. ... The Clippers have won nine of their last 10 home games. ... Fans near courtside included Steve Carell, Heather Locklear, Dr. Drew Pinsky and director Adam McKay.
Howard, Magic silence Thunder in blowout
Reuters, ORLANDO, Florida: Dwight Howard was dominant in leading the Orlando Magic to an easy 111-88 win over an undermanned Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.
"There's got to be a consistency to what we do," Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters. "We've got to try to be that team every night."
Despite shooting just 36 percent through the first three quarters, the Thunder trailed by only 10 points on the strength of Kevin Durant's 20 points.
The Magic held Durant to three points in the final period to finally pull away.
"Their defense was smothering," Thunder coach Scott Brooks admitted. "They made us take tough shots and it seemed like every shot was contested."
The Thunder were without Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson, who were acquired from the Boston Celtics, as well as Nazr Mohammed from Charlotte, and were unable to keep pace with the Magic in the fourth quarter.
Howard tied a season high with 40 points, 10 in each quarter, while pulling down 15 rebounds and blocking six shots.
"I actually left him in to get 40," Van Gundy added. "It may be the first time I've ever done that, but he was so close and I said we'll give him one more possession."
Jason Richardson hit five three pointers and scored 17 points for the Magic and J.J. Redick scored 16 points off the bench including nine points in the fourth quarter.
Russell Westbrook scored 18 points for the Thunder and James Harden added 17.
"There's got to be a consistency to what we do," Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy told reporters. "We've got to try to be that team every night."
Despite shooting just 36 percent through the first three quarters, the Thunder trailed by only 10 points on the strength of Kevin Durant's 20 points.
The Magic held Durant to three points in the final period to finally pull away.
"Their defense was smothering," Thunder coach Scott Brooks admitted. "They made us take tough shots and it seemed like every shot was contested."
The Thunder were without Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson, who were acquired from the Boston Celtics, as well as Nazr Mohammed from Charlotte, and were unable to keep pace with the Magic in the fourth quarter.
Howard tied a season high with 40 points, 10 in each quarter, while pulling down 15 rebounds and blocking six shots.
"I actually left him in to get 40," Van Gundy added. "It may be the first time I've ever done that, but he was so close and I said we'll give him one more possession."
Jason Richardson hit five three pointers and scored 17 points for the Magic and J.J. Redick scored 16 points off the bench including nine points in the fourth quarter.
Russell Westbrook scored 18 points for the Thunder and James Harden added 17.
Smith leads Atlanta past Golden State 95-79
AP, OAKLAND, Calif: Josh Smith scored 26 points, Al Horford had 22 points and 12 rebounds and the Atlanta Hawks beat the Golden State Warriors 95-79 on Friday night.
Joe Johnson added 12 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Hawks (35-23), who snapped a three-game losing streak and won for the first time since the All-Star break.
David Lee had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Monta Ellis scored 16 for Golden State (26-31).
Atlanta was mired in one of its biggest slumps of the season and had fallen eight games behind Miami in the Southeast Division. Coach Larry Drew criticized his team's shot selection during the slump but it wasn't an issue against Golden State.
The Hawks shot nearly 48 percent from the floor (40 of 84), outrebounded the Warriors 49-34 and led by as much as 29 while winning for the first time since Feb. 14. Atlanta had dropped five of six overall.
Three days after scoring just 33 points in the second half against Boston, Golden State shot poorly, committed 16 turnovers and looked out of sync all night in its final home game before a seven-game road trip.
Atlanta built a 29-point lead in the third quarter then cruised the rest of the way while handing Golden State its second straight lopsided loss at home. Fans poured out of the arena with more than 8 minutes left and the Warriors trailing 85-62.
The Hawks remained 1 1/2 games back of Orlando for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Magic beat Oklahoma City 111-88 on Friday night.
The Warriors still cling to their own postseason hopes but they definitely didn't play like it.
The Hawks nearly turned the game into a blowout before halftime, building a 19-point lead early in the second quarter. But Ellis, held to 15 points in a 115-93 loss to Boston on Tuesday, kept Golden State afloat with 10 straight points, including a pair of free throws that helped the Warriors close to 40-31.
Not much went right for Golden State after that.
Johnson scored on an up-and-under move, then fed Marvin Williams down low for an easy bucket. He also picked the ball from Stephen Curry in the final seconds and raced downcourt for a layup just before the buzzer to give the Hawks a 55-35 halftime lead.
Things were going so well for Atlanta that newcomer Kirk Hinrich made a 3-pointer in the second quarter less than five seconds after checking into his first game for the Hawks. Hinrich arrived as part of a five-player trade with Washington on Wednesday.
NOTES: The Warriors re-signed F Jeff Adrien to a 10-day contract. Adrien, who appeared in 15 games for Golden State earlier this season, had been in the NBA Development League. The move comes after the Warriors traded F Brandan Wright and C Dan Gadzuric to New Jersey earlier this week for Troy Murphy and a second-round pick. ... The Hawks have won three straight overall against Golden State. ... The Warriors honored members of their 1974-75 NBA championship team during halftime.
Joe Johnson added 12 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Hawks (35-23), who snapped a three-game losing streak and won for the first time since the All-Star break.
David Lee had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Monta Ellis scored 16 for Golden State (26-31).
Atlanta was mired in one of its biggest slumps of the season and had fallen eight games behind Miami in the Southeast Division. Coach Larry Drew criticized his team's shot selection during the slump but it wasn't an issue against Golden State.
The Hawks shot nearly 48 percent from the floor (40 of 84), outrebounded the Warriors 49-34 and led by as much as 29 while winning for the first time since Feb. 14. Atlanta had dropped five of six overall.
Three days after scoring just 33 points in the second half against Boston, Golden State shot poorly, committed 16 turnovers and looked out of sync all night in its final home game before a seven-game road trip.
Atlanta built a 29-point lead in the third quarter then cruised the rest of the way while handing Golden State its second straight lopsided loss at home. Fans poured out of the arena with more than 8 minutes left and the Warriors trailing 85-62.
The Hawks remained 1 1/2 games back of Orlando for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Magic beat Oklahoma City 111-88 on Friday night.
The Warriors still cling to their own postseason hopes but they definitely didn't play like it.
The Hawks nearly turned the game into a blowout before halftime, building a 19-point lead early in the second quarter. But Ellis, held to 15 points in a 115-93 loss to Boston on Tuesday, kept Golden State afloat with 10 straight points, including a pair of free throws that helped the Warriors close to 40-31.
Not much went right for Golden State after that.
Johnson scored on an up-and-under move, then fed Marvin Williams down low for an easy bucket. He also picked the ball from Stephen Curry in the final seconds and raced downcourt for a layup just before the buzzer to give the Hawks a 55-35 halftime lead.
Things were going so well for Atlanta that newcomer Kirk Hinrich made a 3-pointer in the second quarter less than five seconds after checking into his first game for the Hawks. Hinrich arrived as part of a five-player trade with Washington on Wednesday.
NOTES: The Warriors re-signed F Jeff Adrien to a 10-day contract. Adrien, who appeared in 15 games for Golden State earlier this season, had been in the NBA Development League. The move comes after the Warriors traded F Brandan Wright and C Dan Gadzuric to New Jersey earlier this week for Troy Murphy and a second-round pick. ... The Hawks have won three straight overall against Golden State. ... The Warriors honored members of their 1974-75 NBA championship team during halftime.
Blazers beat Nuggets 107-106 in OT
AP, PORTLAND, Ore: LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points and 14 rebounds, Brandon Roy hit the tying 3-pointer with 5.8 seconds left in regulation, and the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers beat the Denver Nuggets 107-106 in overtime on Friday night.
Roy added 18 points in just his second game since coming back from arthroscopic surgery on both knees. He was supposed to be limited to 15 minutes but played 25, as new acquisition Gerald Wallace was not yet available.
Newcomer Danilo Gallinari led the Nuggets with 30 points and nine rebounds.
Wesley Matthews' 3-pointer gave the Blazers a 100-97 lead in the extra period, but Arron Afflalo's 3-pointer tied it at 104.
Afflalo's 12-foot jumper gave Denver the lead with a minute left. After Matthews missed one of two free throws, Aldridge hit a pair to put Portland up 107-106 with 23 seconds left.
Gallinari missed a 3-pointer and Afflalo missed another on an inbound at the buzzer to give the Blazers the victory.
The Nuggets had an 11-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but Portland closed to 80-78 on Matthews' follow shot with just under six minutes to go. Wilson Chandler answered with a 3-pointer for Denver and Raymond Felton added a jumper to thwart the threat.
The Blazers pulled within 91-88 on Roy's layup, but Afflalo's 3-pointer made it 94-88. Roy added a 3 with 39 seconds left to make it 94-91.
After Felton's jumper, Rudy Fernandez hit a 3-pointer to keep the Blazers close. Gallinari made a pair of free throws before Roy hit another clutch three to tie it at 97 with 5.8 seconds to go and send the game to overtime.
Both teams were getting used to some major moves before the trade deadline.
The Nuggets are integrating five new players after sending All-Star Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to the New York Knicks. The new group was coming off an 89-75 victory over the Boston Celtics in Denver on Thursday night.
Chandler got his first start with Denver against the Blazers because Kenyon Martin had the flu and did not make the trip.
Before the game, the Blazers introduced Wallace, acquired in a trade Thursday with Charlotte. The Blazers sent centers Przybilla and Sean Marks, forward Dante Cunningham and two conditional first-round draft picks to the Bobcats.
The move left the Blazers thin at center while Marcus Camby rehabs from knee surgery. Coach Nate McMillan said the team would experiment in the interim, sliding Aldridge or even Nicolas Batum over to center.
Camby could be back as early as Sunday night's game against Atlanta.
But as a result, the Blazers had just nine available players.
Portland led by as many as eight points early in the game, but Chandler's 3-pointer pulled the Nuggets into a tie at 32 midway through the second quarter.
Denver was never able to pull in front, and Roy's driving layup closed out the first half with the Blazers in front 49-39.
The Nuggets finally took a 61-60 lead in the third quarter on Afflalo's fast-break layup, then extended it on Chandler's layup. Denver went up 76-67 early in the fourth on Al Harrington's driving dunk.
The Blazers were coming off a 106-101 loss in overtime to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Portland had won six straight heading into the game against the two-time defending NBA champions.
Notes: Wallace watched the game from the bench, sitting next to injured Blazers center Greg Oden. When he was shown on the video scoreboard during the game to a rousing ovation, Wallace nodded. .. James Collier, 23, of Portland, wearing a Batum jersey, hit a half-court shot during a break in the first half to win a new Toyota. It was the first half-court shot for a car since the 2006-07 season. ... Olympian Dominque Dawes was among those attending the game.
Roy added 18 points in just his second game since coming back from arthroscopic surgery on both knees. He was supposed to be limited to 15 minutes but played 25, as new acquisition Gerald Wallace was not yet available.
Newcomer Danilo Gallinari led the Nuggets with 30 points and nine rebounds.
Wesley Matthews' 3-pointer gave the Blazers a 100-97 lead in the extra period, but Arron Afflalo's 3-pointer tied it at 104.
Afflalo's 12-foot jumper gave Denver the lead with a minute left. After Matthews missed one of two free throws, Aldridge hit a pair to put Portland up 107-106 with 23 seconds left.
Gallinari missed a 3-pointer and Afflalo missed another on an inbound at the buzzer to give the Blazers the victory.
The Nuggets had an 11-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but Portland closed to 80-78 on Matthews' follow shot with just under six minutes to go. Wilson Chandler answered with a 3-pointer for Denver and Raymond Felton added a jumper to thwart the threat.
The Blazers pulled within 91-88 on Roy's layup, but Afflalo's 3-pointer made it 94-88. Roy added a 3 with 39 seconds left to make it 94-91.
After Felton's jumper, Rudy Fernandez hit a 3-pointer to keep the Blazers close. Gallinari made a pair of free throws before Roy hit another clutch three to tie it at 97 with 5.8 seconds to go and send the game to overtime.
Both teams were getting used to some major moves before the trade deadline.
The Nuggets are integrating five new players after sending All-Star Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups to the New York Knicks. The new group was coming off an 89-75 victory over the Boston Celtics in Denver on Thursday night.
Chandler got his first start with Denver against the Blazers because Kenyon Martin had the flu and did not make the trip.
Before the game, the Blazers introduced Wallace, acquired in a trade Thursday with Charlotte. The Blazers sent centers Przybilla and Sean Marks, forward Dante Cunningham and two conditional first-round draft picks to the Bobcats.
The move left the Blazers thin at center while Marcus Camby rehabs from knee surgery. Coach Nate McMillan said the team would experiment in the interim, sliding Aldridge or even Nicolas Batum over to center.
Camby could be back as early as Sunday night's game against Atlanta.
But as a result, the Blazers had just nine available players.
Portland led by as many as eight points early in the game, but Chandler's 3-pointer pulled the Nuggets into a tie at 32 midway through the second quarter.
Denver was never able to pull in front, and Roy's driving layup closed out the first half with the Blazers in front 49-39.
The Nuggets finally took a 61-60 lead in the third quarter on Afflalo's fast-break layup, then extended it on Chandler's layup. Denver went up 76-67 early in the fourth on Al Harrington's driving dunk.
The Blazers were coming off a 106-101 loss in overtime to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Portland had won six straight heading into the game against the two-time defending NBA champions.
Notes: Wallace watched the game from the bench, sitting next to injured Blazers center Greg Oden. When he was shown on the video scoreboard during the game to a rousing ovation, Wallace nodded. .. James Collier, 23, of Portland, wearing a Batum jersey, hit a half-court shot during a break in the first half to win a new Toyota. It was the first half-court shot for a car since the 2006-07 season. ... Olympian Dominque Dawes was among those attending the game.
Bobcats' Jordan defends trade, reassures Przybilla
AP, CHARLOTTE, N.C: Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan was busy on Saturday defending his decision to trade Gerald Wallace and playing a major role in getting a reluctant Joel Przybilla comfortable with his new boss.
In a brief interview with The Associated Press, Jordan said "I love the trade" that sent the former All-Star Wallace to Portland. While the backup center Przybilla was the only likely rotation player Charlotte got in return, Jordan says it gives his club "flexibility" to make future moves because they acquired two first-round picks and cleared salary-cap space.
"I think it's one of the best trades," Jordan said.
Jordan said he's not content with jockeying for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. He believes the deal puts the franchise in better shape ahead of perhaps a lower payroll ceiling in the next labor deal as he tries to build a contender.
"We're all right," Jordan said as he left the practice floor. "I like where we are."
In the short term, the Bobcats must replace Wallace, who was their second leading scorer, and backup center Nazr Mohammed, who was traded to Oklahoma City in a separate deal Thursday.
That's where the 7-foot-1 Przybilla comes in. He took a red eye flight from Portland early Saturday unsure if he'd be in Charlotte long. He thought he might be bought or released.
"They traded away an All-Star, and I'm an expiring contract," Przybilla said. "I didn't know what to expect."
Przybilla, who passed his physical despite concerns over his surgically repaired right knee, met with Jordan and coach Paul Silas.
"They were honest with me and told me they wanted me here," the 31-year-old Przybilla said. "That means a lot, especially coming from Michael Jordan. He looked me in the eye and told me this. I've never, to be honest, had a general manager tell me that."
Przybilla acknowledged his knee is still not 100 percent after twice tearing his patella tendon in the past year. He played in his first game Dec. 3 and was averaging just 1.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in just over 14 minutes a game with the Trail Blazers.
With the Bobcats, his minutes will likely increase significantly as he backs up starter Kwame Brown.
"I probably won't be 100 percent for another couple of years maybe," Przybilla said. "But every time I'm out there I'm going to give it everything I've got. If he wants me to play 40 minutes, 2 minutes, I just want to win."
Concerned over how much Przybilla will be able to play, general manager Rod Higgins said they're reconsidering their decision to waive center Sean Marks, also acquired in the Portland trade.
Przybilla and fellow newcomers D.J. White and Dante Cunningham were in Charlotte on Saturday. They join a team that lost a key player but also sat just a half game behind Indiana for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Jordan is eyeing something bigger down the road.
"We don't want to be the seventh or eighth seed," he said.
In a brief interview with The Associated Press, Jordan said "I love the trade" that sent the former All-Star Wallace to Portland. While the backup center Przybilla was the only likely rotation player Charlotte got in return, Jordan says it gives his club "flexibility" to make future moves because they acquired two first-round picks and cleared salary-cap space.
"I think it's one of the best trades," Jordan said.
Jordan said he's not content with jockeying for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. He believes the deal puts the franchise in better shape ahead of perhaps a lower payroll ceiling in the next labor deal as he tries to build a contender.
"We're all right," Jordan said as he left the practice floor. "I like where we are."
In the short term, the Bobcats must replace Wallace, who was their second leading scorer, and backup center Nazr Mohammed, who was traded to Oklahoma City in a separate deal Thursday.
That's where the 7-foot-1 Przybilla comes in. He took a red eye flight from Portland early Saturday unsure if he'd be in Charlotte long. He thought he might be bought or released.
"They traded away an All-Star, and I'm an expiring contract," Przybilla said. "I didn't know what to expect."
Przybilla, who passed his physical despite concerns over his surgically repaired right knee, met with Jordan and coach Paul Silas.
"They were honest with me and told me they wanted me here," the 31-year-old Przybilla said. "That means a lot, especially coming from Michael Jordan. He looked me in the eye and told me this. I've never, to be honest, had a general manager tell me that."
Przybilla acknowledged his knee is still not 100 percent after twice tearing his patella tendon in the past year. He played in his first game Dec. 3 and was averaging just 1.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in just over 14 minutes a game with the Trail Blazers.
With the Bobcats, his minutes will likely increase significantly as he backs up starter Kwame Brown.
"I probably won't be 100 percent for another couple of years maybe," Przybilla said. "But every time I'm out there I'm going to give it everything I've got. If he wants me to play 40 minutes, 2 minutes, I just want to win."
Concerned over how much Przybilla will be able to play, general manager Rod Higgins said they're reconsidering their decision to waive center Sean Marks, also acquired in the Portland trade.
Przybilla and fellow newcomers D.J. White and Dante Cunningham were in Charlotte on Saturday. They join a team that lost a key player but also sat just a half game behind Indiana for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Jordan is eyeing something bigger down the road.
"We don't want to be the seventh or eighth seed," he said.
Knicks' Anthony says he'll play against Heat
AP, MIAMI: Carmelo Anthony took some easy shots about 12 feet from the basket Saturday afternoon, swishing just about every attempt.
All were left-handed — a clear sign that the New York Knicks' newly acquired star was having plenty of distress in his right elbow again.
Regardless, Anthony said he would "without a doubt" be in the lineup Sunday night when the Knicks visit LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat in a game that has all the makings of being far from another ordinary part of the NBA's marathon regular season.
Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said Anthony told him the elbow pain, which flared up in New York's loss at Cleveland on Friday night, stemmed from a lingering bursa sac problem. Anthony went through New York's practice in Miami, which started about 13 hours after the loss to the Cavaliers.
"He should be fine," D'Antoni said. "He didn't take a whole lot of shots, let's put it that way, but he ran through everything. Most of the things we did was try to get our defense on the same page."
Anthony had his right elbow in a protective sleeve, like the one he's been wearing on his left arm. He said he doesn't plan on being 100 percent for a couple of weeks, but noted that since the Knicks have 26 games remaining before the postseason, there's little time for him to wait around.
They need to start clicking as soon as possible, he said — and finding a way to handle the likes of Wade and James in Miami would be a good start.
"For us, it should be a statement game to come out here and want to beat this team ... just make a statement right now going down the stretch," Anthony said. "I'm pretty sure it's going to be an exciting game."
Knicks-Heat games always seem that way.
It was a major rivalry a decade or so ago, after Miami played New York four straight times in the playoffs from 1997 to 2000. Each of those series went to a deciding game, and the Knicks won three of them — all on the Heat home floor.
Sunday night may easily rekindle some of that Heat-Knicks bad blood.
"We know the Heat-Knicks rivalry goes way beyond our years," James said. "It basically started with the departure of the man upstairs, coming down here and leaving New York."
The man upstairs, as James put it, is Heat president Pat Riley — who left the Knicks for Miami a decade-and-a-half ago and instantly became someone New York loved to hate.
He'll be low profile on Sunday, but the atmosphere should still be electric.
"It's going to be great. It's going to be great," Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire said. "There's a lot of New Yorkers here in Miami, proud of the Knicks. It's going to be fun to play."
New Yorkers, transplants in South Florida or otherwise, always show up for games at Miami. Tickets for Sunday were going for as much as $2,500 in the lower levels on the online fan-to-fan marketplace StubHub.com, and that doesn't even include the $9,000 asking price for some courtside spots.
"Since I've been here, the New York Knicks have always gotten cheers in the Miami Heat arena," Wade said. "I'm sure both sides will get some cheers. Everybody will be coming out to see the game."
The Knicks practiced for nearly two hours on Saturday, which constitutes a long workout by NBA standards this late in the season, especially the night after a road game followed by another couple hours of travel.
Trading for Anthony and Chauncey Billups created a significant challenge for the Knicks. They got much better, but the process of becoming a cohesive unit in time for the playoffs needs to be fast-tracked.
"This is not going to happen in the next week or the next two weeks," Anthony said. "Let's just face it. That's reality. It took everybody who made moves like this a period of time to come together and get right on the same page.
"We know that, but still, we can't just say, 'That's going to happen.' We've got to go for it right now."
All were left-handed — a clear sign that the New York Knicks' newly acquired star was having plenty of distress in his right elbow again.
Regardless, Anthony said he would "without a doubt" be in the lineup Sunday night when the Knicks visit LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat in a game that has all the makings of being far from another ordinary part of the NBA's marathon regular season.
Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said Anthony told him the elbow pain, which flared up in New York's loss at Cleveland on Friday night, stemmed from a lingering bursa sac problem. Anthony went through New York's practice in Miami, which started about 13 hours after the loss to the Cavaliers.
"He should be fine," D'Antoni said. "He didn't take a whole lot of shots, let's put it that way, but he ran through everything. Most of the things we did was try to get our defense on the same page."
Anthony had his right elbow in a protective sleeve, like the one he's been wearing on his left arm. He said he doesn't plan on being 100 percent for a couple of weeks, but noted that since the Knicks have 26 games remaining before the postseason, there's little time for him to wait around.
They need to start clicking as soon as possible, he said — and finding a way to handle the likes of Wade and James in Miami would be a good start.
"For us, it should be a statement game to come out here and want to beat this team ... just make a statement right now going down the stretch," Anthony said. "I'm pretty sure it's going to be an exciting game."
Knicks-Heat games always seem that way.
It was a major rivalry a decade or so ago, after Miami played New York four straight times in the playoffs from 1997 to 2000. Each of those series went to a deciding game, and the Knicks won three of them — all on the Heat home floor.
Sunday night may easily rekindle some of that Heat-Knicks bad blood.
"We know the Heat-Knicks rivalry goes way beyond our years," James said. "It basically started with the departure of the man upstairs, coming down here and leaving New York."
The man upstairs, as James put it, is Heat president Pat Riley — who left the Knicks for Miami a decade-and-a-half ago and instantly became someone New York loved to hate.
He'll be low profile on Sunday, but the atmosphere should still be electric.
"It's going to be great. It's going to be great," Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire said. "There's a lot of New Yorkers here in Miami, proud of the Knicks. It's going to be fun to play."
New Yorkers, transplants in South Florida or otherwise, always show up for games at Miami. Tickets for Sunday were going for as much as $2,500 in the lower levels on the online fan-to-fan marketplace StubHub.com, and that doesn't even include the $9,000 asking price for some courtside spots.
"Since I've been here, the New York Knicks have always gotten cheers in the Miami Heat arena," Wade said. "I'm sure both sides will get some cheers. Everybody will be coming out to see the game."
The Knicks practiced for nearly two hours on Saturday, which constitutes a long workout by NBA standards this late in the season, especially the night after a road game followed by another couple hours of travel.
Trading for Anthony and Chauncey Billups created a significant challenge for the Knicks. They got much better, but the process of becoming a cohesive unit in time for the playoffs needs to be fast-tracked.
"This is not going to happen in the next week or the next two weeks," Anthony said. "Let's just face it. That's reality. It took everybody who made moves like this a period of time to come together and get right on the same page.
"We know that, but still, we can't just say, 'That's going to happen.' We've got to go for it right now."
Span will get more days off in 2011
AP, FORT MYERS, Fla: Denard Span played a career-high 153 games in 2010 for the Minnesota Twins — nine too few for the centerfielder and probably about 10 too many for manager Ron Gardenhire.
Without a suitable backup in center field or at the top of the order for Span, Gardenhire was forced to trot him out there day after day as the Twins chased their sixth AL Central title in nine seasons.
Span finished the season hitting .264 — 47 points lower than 2010 — and Gardenhire said it was clear that Span got tired. He hit .236 in September with three home runs and a .331 on-base percentage.
"He wore down at the end of the season," Gardenhire said. "He had a lot of at-bats. He takes a lot of pitches. He does a lot of things for his teammates. He puts himself in the hole so his teammates can see pitches. He does his job. Now it's my job to make sure we rest him a little bit more and give him the breaks he needs to get the best out of him."
He has more options at his disposal this season. Fourth outfielder Jason Repko is with the Twins from the beginning this season. He started 2010 in Triple-A after signing with the Twins and wasn't called up until June.
Repko also played the last two months of the season with a torn ligament in his left thumb, limiting his production at the plate and requiring surgery in the offseason. Now Repko, a very good defensive player, is healthy and available to play more in center field.
"Coming in last year, not really knowing a lot of guys, it was just different having to adjust and get to know people, know the staff and the coaches and the manager," Repko said. "But coming into spring training this year, it feels great."
When the light-hitting Repko is in center field, Gardenhire likely will use one of his two speedy middle infielders — Tsuyoshi Nishioka or Alexi Casilla — in the leadoff spot. The increased lineup flexibility this season is another reason Gardenhire can afford to give Span some more rest.
"I have no problem leading off Nishi, leading off Lexi," Gardenhire said. "They all take pitches. That gives me a little more options with speed at the top of the lineup and a little more maneuverability with my lineup where I can change guys around a little bit.
"Last year I just didn't have it. I didn't have a leadoff guy without Span there."
Span, of course, doesn't think he needs any rest. He wants to be in the lineup as much as possible.
"I pride myself on being an everyday player and I take that to heart," Span said. "Playing 162 games, everybody's going to be nicked up. The good players find a way to play through those little injuries. That's the type of player I want to be and be remembered for."
Spoken like a player who spent nearly six years in the minors before finally breaking through in 2008. It's been a long, slow, and sometimes frustrating climb up the ladder for Span. He signed a five-year, $16.5 million contract before last season and is determined to be in the lineup as much as possible.
He spent some time this offseason making a few minor adjustments to his swing, focusing on bringing his hands back at the start to get his timing corrected.
"This year I'm just focused on putting everything that happened last year behind me," Span said. "I learned a lot from last year and I think I'm going to be a better player because of it."
Repko knows his role as well. He's a defensive wizard who can play all three outfield spots and has one of the best arms on the team. But he's also a career .227 hitter who knows he has to be better offensively if he's going to be a regular contributor on a team that is going for its third straight division title.
"I'd love to say my offense is right there, but when you look at the numbers, it just doesn't look like it," he said. "I think, given a chance, they could be. But I've always taken pride in defense and just get out there and work hard and try to help the team win."
Gardenhire has always put defense first, and he loves Repko's tools and his mindset. Now he's hoping that a healthy thumb will get his bat going as well.
"He's a gamer, our kind of player," Gardenhire said. "He's healthy now, and I think he'll be a better offensive player for that. He's a really good outfielder and a good guy to have on your ballclub. He's a perfect fit."
Without a suitable backup in center field or at the top of the order for Span, Gardenhire was forced to trot him out there day after day as the Twins chased their sixth AL Central title in nine seasons.
Span finished the season hitting .264 — 47 points lower than 2010 — and Gardenhire said it was clear that Span got tired. He hit .236 in September with three home runs and a .331 on-base percentage.
"He wore down at the end of the season," Gardenhire said. "He had a lot of at-bats. He takes a lot of pitches. He does a lot of things for his teammates. He puts himself in the hole so his teammates can see pitches. He does his job. Now it's my job to make sure we rest him a little bit more and give him the breaks he needs to get the best out of him."
He has more options at his disposal this season. Fourth outfielder Jason Repko is with the Twins from the beginning this season. He started 2010 in Triple-A after signing with the Twins and wasn't called up until June.
Repko also played the last two months of the season with a torn ligament in his left thumb, limiting his production at the plate and requiring surgery in the offseason. Now Repko, a very good defensive player, is healthy and available to play more in center field.
"Coming in last year, not really knowing a lot of guys, it was just different having to adjust and get to know people, know the staff and the coaches and the manager," Repko said. "But coming into spring training this year, it feels great."
When the light-hitting Repko is in center field, Gardenhire likely will use one of his two speedy middle infielders — Tsuyoshi Nishioka or Alexi Casilla — in the leadoff spot. The increased lineup flexibility this season is another reason Gardenhire can afford to give Span some more rest.
"I have no problem leading off Nishi, leading off Lexi," Gardenhire said. "They all take pitches. That gives me a little more options with speed at the top of the lineup and a little more maneuverability with my lineup where I can change guys around a little bit.
"Last year I just didn't have it. I didn't have a leadoff guy without Span there."
Span, of course, doesn't think he needs any rest. He wants to be in the lineup as much as possible.
"I pride myself on being an everyday player and I take that to heart," Span said. "Playing 162 games, everybody's going to be nicked up. The good players find a way to play through those little injuries. That's the type of player I want to be and be remembered for."
Spoken like a player who spent nearly six years in the minors before finally breaking through in 2008. It's been a long, slow, and sometimes frustrating climb up the ladder for Span. He signed a five-year, $16.5 million contract before last season and is determined to be in the lineup as much as possible.
He spent some time this offseason making a few minor adjustments to his swing, focusing on bringing his hands back at the start to get his timing corrected.
"This year I'm just focused on putting everything that happened last year behind me," Span said. "I learned a lot from last year and I think I'm going to be a better player because of it."
Repko knows his role as well. He's a defensive wizard who can play all three outfield spots and has one of the best arms on the team. But he's also a career .227 hitter who knows he has to be better offensively if he's going to be a regular contributor on a team that is going for its third straight division title.
"I'd love to say my offense is right there, but when you look at the numbers, it just doesn't look like it," he said. "I think, given a chance, they could be. But I've always taken pride in defense and just get out there and work hard and try to help the team win."
Gardenhire has always put defense first, and he loves Repko's tools and his mindset. Now he's hoping that a healthy thumb will get his bat going as well.
"He's a gamer, our kind of player," Gardenhire said. "He's healthy now, and I think he'll be a better offensive player for that. He's a really good outfielder and a good guy to have on your ballclub. He's a perfect fit."
Blake DeWitt getting acclimated with Cubs
AP, MESA, Ariz: Blake DeWitt reserves his mornings before workouts for crossword puzzles. It's been that way for a couple of years.
"Doing them just to do them," the Chicago Cubs infielder said. "Kind of getting into the routine of doing one every day."
No surprise there. DeWitt is trying to get acclimated in his first spring training with the Cubs. Chicago acquired DeWitt from the Los Angeles Dodgers for second baseman Ryan Theriot and pitcher Ted Lilly. DeWitt was caught by surprise when informed he'd been dealt, but said he "had a lot of fun with it."
DeWitt is expected to platoon with Jeff Baker this season with DeWitt seeing the majority of action against left-handers.
"It's just different. Hard to explain," DeWitt said. "I'd been with one team forever, not that it was that long, but that's the only team I knew."
DeWitt's rise to a prominent role with the Dodgers came quickly. The 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2004 draft, he was rushed to a big league role in 2008 because of injuries.
He was the opening-day starter at third base even though he never played above Double-A. DeWitt shuttled back and forth between the Dodgers and Triple-A Las Vegas, then Albuquerque, in 2008 and '09, before becoming the Dodgers' starting second baseman in 2010.
"I like second better because you're just more involved," DeWitt said. "There's still a lot of work to do."
In 2010, DeWitt's hit .270 in 82 games for the Dodgers with only seven errors and hit .250 with 22 RBIs in 53 games for the Cubs.
DeWitt, who has adjusted his approach at the plate with Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, will start at second base and bat eighth in the Cubs' first game of spring training Sunday.
"I'd love to see him working the middle of the field," manager Mike Quade said of DeWitt. "He looked to me when we first got him a little pull-happy in his approach, which more times than not, may allow him to drive the ball out of the ballpark. but his average will suffer. I'd like to see him use the whole field."
Heading into his second full season in the majors, DeWitt reported to a different spring training facility on the opposite end of Valley of the Sun. The Dodgers' camp is in Glendale.
"It's important that I'm starting the year off here, it's a great place to play and a great group of guys," DeWitt said of the Cubs.
Notes: Quade named his scheduled starting lineup for the Cubs' spring training opener against Oakland on Sunday in Mesa. It's RF Kosuke Fukudome leading off, followed by SS Starlin Castro, CF Marlon Byrd, 3B Aramis Ramirez, 1B Carlos Pena, LF Alfonso Soriano, C Geovany Soto, DeWitt and P Carlos Zambrano. Quade expressed a preference for Fukudome as leadoff hitter based on how he finished last season, even though Fukudome batted .193 in the top spot in 2010. ... Position players will have a two at-bat minimum, five-inning maximum as far as playing time in spring training games, at least early, Quade said. ... Immediately following Friday's workout at Fitch Park, the Cubs packed their equipment and gear and moved less than a mile away to HoHoKam Park, where they play home spring training games and will work out Saturday.
"Doing them just to do them," the Chicago Cubs infielder said. "Kind of getting into the routine of doing one every day."
No surprise there. DeWitt is trying to get acclimated in his first spring training with the Cubs. Chicago acquired DeWitt from the Los Angeles Dodgers for second baseman Ryan Theriot and pitcher Ted Lilly. DeWitt was caught by surprise when informed he'd been dealt, but said he "had a lot of fun with it."
DeWitt is expected to platoon with Jeff Baker this season with DeWitt seeing the majority of action against left-handers.
"It's just different. Hard to explain," DeWitt said. "I'd been with one team forever, not that it was that long, but that's the only team I knew."
DeWitt's rise to a prominent role with the Dodgers came quickly. The 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2004 draft, he was rushed to a big league role in 2008 because of injuries.
He was the opening-day starter at third base even though he never played above Double-A. DeWitt shuttled back and forth between the Dodgers and Triple-A Las Vegas, then Albuquerque, in 2008 and '09, before becoming the Dodgers' starting second baseman in 2010.
"I like second better because you're just more involved," DeWitt said. "There's still a lot of work to do."
In 2010, DeWitt's hit .270 in 82 games for the Dodgers with only seven errors and hit .250 with 22 RBIs in 53 games for the Cubs.
DeWitt, who has adjusted his approach at the plate with Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, will start at second base and bat eighth in the Cubs' first game of spring training Sunday.
"I'd love to see him working the middle of the field," manager Mike Quade said of DeWitt. "He looked to me when we first got him a little pull-happy in his approach, which more times than not, may allow him to drive the ball out of the ballpark. but his average will suffer. I'd like to see him use the whole field."
Heading into his second full season in the majors, DeWitt reported to a different spring training facility on the opposite end of Valley of the Sun. The Dodgers' camp is in Glendale.
"It's important that I'm starting the year off here, it's a great place to play and a great group of guys," DeWitt said of the Cubs.
Notes: Quade named his scheduled starting lineup for the Cubs' spring training opener against Oakland on Sunday in Mesa. It's RF Kosuke Fukudome leading off, followed by SS Starlin Castro, CF Marlon Byrd, 3B Aramis Ramirez, 1B Carlos Pena, LF Alfonso Soriano, C Geovany Soto, DeWitt and P Carlos Zambrano. Quade expressed a preference for Fukudome as leadoff hitter based on how he finished last season, even though Fukudome batted .193 in the top spot in 2010. ... Position players will have a two at-bat minimum, five-inning maximum as far as playing time in spring training games, at least early, Quade said. ... Immediately following Friday's workout at Fitch Park, the Cubs packed their equipment and gear and moved less than a mile away to HoHoKam Park, where they play home spring training games and will work out Saturday.
Giants' Belt makes strong spring impression
AP, SCOTTSDALE, Ariz: The hype surrounding Brandon Belt compares to that around Buster Posey two years back.
Posey is now the reigning NL Rookie of the Year. The San Francisco Giants have equally lofty hopes for the highly touted Belt, their fifth-round pick in the 2009 draft.
Especially after what the sure-handed first baseman showed last year in his first season of pro ball: batting .352 with 23 home runs and 112 RBIs in 136 games between high Class A, Double-A and Triple-A. He wound up with 76 extra-base hits, a .455 on-base percentage, drew 93 walks and stole 22 bases.
All of that and Belt, the soft-spoken Texan with the big left-handed bat, is still feeling like the new guy in big league camp this spring. Probably not for long.
"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing," the 22-year-old Belt said, standing at his locker before a recent workout. "I'm just following the people who have been here before. I'm still trying to not look very stupid."
He took over at first base in the sixth inning of the Giants' 7-6 victory against Arizona in their Cactus League opener Friday and grounded out to the pitcher in his only at-bat.
"It felt good. It's nice to get that first one out of the way," Belt said. "I'll probably be more relaxed in the next one."
Belt is doing a lot of observing of the veterans for now, keeping his mouth shut and going about his work.
He is still a mystery to most of his teammates — and Belt has been working mostly on a back field so far, away from the regular roster players for the World Series champions. The Giants' brass came out to watch him and others in an intrasquad game Thursday at Scottsdale Stadium. Belt got one hit.
"I don't know how much advice he needs," Posey said. "He batted .350 with 20-something home runs last year. He probably has a pretty good idea of what he wants to do this year."
The plan is for Belt to start the season at Triple-A Fresno to give him more time to develop, though the talented infielder will stay in major league camp at spring training for as long as the front-office executives need to fully evaluate him.
"It's early. He's trying to find his timing," manager Bruce Bochy said. "I look forward to seeing him this spring."
The Giants project Belt as their first baseman of the future, though he also can play the outfield.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Belt is focused more on his nutrition and training this season, determined not to lose the 15 or 20 pounds he dropped a year ago just over the course of a grueling season. He also was fatigued by the end, learning he has to take better care of himself to stay at this level.
Pitcher Madison Bumgarner has been impressed with Belt's focus and performance so far.
"I'd heard about his hitting. I knew he could hit, but I hadn't seen him at first base and didn't know how good he was," Bumgarner said. "He's smooth and makes good plays."
Belt definitely feels the buzz of being part of the World Series champions — even if he wasn't part of the special run last fall to the franchise's first title since moving west in 1958 and first overall since the New York Giants won it all in 1954.
"It's very exciting right now," Belt said. "It's fun to come in here and see all the banners. It's a good opportunity for me to show people in the front office what I can do."
Posey is now the reigning NL Rookie of the Year. The San Francisco Giants have equally lofty hopes for the highly touted Belt, their fifth-round pick in the 2009 draft.
Especially after what the sure-handed first baseman showed last year in his first season of pro ball: batting .352 with 23 home runs and 112 RBIs in 136 games between high Class A, Double-A and Triple-A. He wound up with 76 extra-base hits, a .455 on-base percentage, drew 93 walks and stole 22 bases.
All of that and Belt, the soft-spoken Texan with the big left-handed bat, is still feeling like the new guy in big league camp this spring. Probably not for long.
"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing," the 22-year-old Belt said, standing at his locker before a recent workout. "I'm just following the people who have been here before. I'm still trying to not look very stupid."
He took over at first base in the sixth inning of the Giants' 7-6 victory against Arizona in their Cactus League opener Friday and grounded out to the pitcher in his only at-bat.
"It felt good. It's nice to get that first one out of the way," Belt said. "I'll probably be more relaxed in the next one."
Belt is doing a lot of observing of the veterans for now, keeping his mouth shut and going about his work.
He is still a mystery to most of his teammates — and Belt has been working mostly on a back field so far, away from the regular roster players for the World Series champions. The Giants' brass came out to watch him and others in an intrasquad game Thursday at Scottsdale Stadium. Belt got one hit.
"I don't know how much advice he needs," Posey said. "He batted .350 with 20-something home runs last year. He probably has a pretty good idea of what he wants to do this year."
The plan is for Belt to start the season at Triple-A Fresno to give him more time to develop, though the talented infielder will stay in major league camp at spring training for as long as the front-office executives need to fully evaluate him.
"It's early. He's trying to find his timing," manager Bruce Bochy said. "I look forward to seeing him this spring."
The Giants project Belt as their first baseman of the future, though he also can play the outfield.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Belt is focused more on his nutrition and training this season, determined not to lose the 15 or 20 pounds he dropped a year ago just over the course of a grueling season. He also was fatigued by the end, learning he has to take better care of himself to stay at this level.
Pitcher Madison Bumgarner has been impressed with Belt's focus and performance so far.
"I'd heard about his hitting. I knew he could hit, but I hadn't seen him at first base and didn't know how good he was," Bumgarner said. "He's smooth and makes good plays."
Belt definitely feels the buzz of being part of the World Series champions — even if he wasn't part of the special run last fall to the franchise's first title since moving west in 1958 and first overall since the New York Giants won it all in 1954.
"It's very exciting right now," Belt said. "It's fun to come in here and see all the banners. It's a good opportunity for me to show people in the front office what I can do."
Mets acknowledge they got loan from MLB
AP, PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla: Hounded by a multimillion dollar lawsuit filed by the trustee trying to recover money for victims of the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme, the New York Mets acknowledged Friday that they received a loan in November to help cover expenses.
"We said in October that we expected to have a short-term liquidity issue," the team said in a statement. "To address this, we did receive a loan from Major League Baseball in November. Beyond that, we will not discuss the matter any further."
The New York Times and Daily News said the loan amount was $25 million.
The trustee, Irving H. Picard, sued Mets owner Fred Wilpon, brother-in-law and team President Saul Katz and various family members and entities related to Sterling Equities, seeking at least $300 million.
Picard claimed the Mets profited with their Madoff investments and ignored warnings that his high returns might be false. Losses in the Ponzi scheme are estimated at around $20 billion.
The Wilpons have said they are victims in the scheme.
The Mets announced last month they were looking to sell a non-controlling interest in the team of 20 to 25 percent to raise several hundred million dollars. Wilpon insisted his family would remain in control of the team.
Less than two weeks ago, Moody's Investors Service lowered its outlook on the company that operates the ballpark used by the New York Mets because of the litigation. The ratings firm cut the outlook on Queens Ballpark Co. LLC to "Negative," but maintained its "Ba1" rating on the company's bonds.
"We said in October that we expected to have a short-term liquidity issue," the team said in a statement. "To address this, we did receive a loan from Major League Baseball in November. Beyond that, we will not discuss the matter any further."
The New York Times and Daily News said the loan amount was $25 million.
The trustee, Irving H. Picard, sued Mets owner Fred Wilpon, brother-in-law and team President Saul Katz and various family members and entities related to Sterling Equities, seeking at least $300 million.
Picard claimed the Mets profited with their Madoff investments and ignored warnings that his high returns might be false. Losses in the Ponzi scheme are estimated at around $20 billion.
The Wilpons have said they are victims in the scheme.
The Mets announced last month they were looking to sell a non-controlling interest in the team of 20 to 25 percent to raise several hundred million dollars. Wilpon insisted his family would remain in control of the team.
Less than two weeks ago, Moody's Investors Service lowered its outlook on the company that operates the ballpark used by the New York Mets because of the litigation. The ratings firm cut the outlook on Queens Ballpark Co. LLC to "Negative," but maintained its "Ba1" rating on the company's bonds.
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