Post by kmatrixg on Dec 14, 2010 18:57:54 GMT -5
When Josh Smith was sidelined due to patella tendinitis earlier this season, the team felt the repurcussions fully - going 9-13 in his absence. The coaching staff reiterated to the players every night how important it was for role players like JaRon Rush and Andy Ellis to step their games up and provide some defensive pressure in the wake of the teams 2nd best defender's injury. While Rush and Ellis were effective in a way, it was mostly on offense. Neither player has shown the coaches they can provide decent help defense when relied upon.
In lieu of the injury, and of this glaring hole the team has survived through, the players created a giant 15'x8' card with everyone's picture on it from when the team photo was taken. However, there was a big hole cutout of the card where Smith was in the photo. Team Captain Dwyane Wade said the hole represented the literal hole on defense that was left open when Smith was injured, along with him being injured and out of play. "Yeah man, we all thought it would be funny and kind of ironic - usually you get a get well soon card for the guy, but this time, we gave him a help us soon card, because he's just that important on the defensive end."
Smith appreciated the sentiment, saying it shows what he brings to the table and what his value is on the team even this early in his career. "It motivates me, because I know how important my role is on the team right now. Being a rookie, you need those things to stay afloat during this long season."
Ellis and Rush got a chuckle, even though it quantified their lack of productivity on the defensive end. Ellis got the biggest laugh out of it, while Rush actually scoffed at the idea after it finally sunk in. "Hey, I'm not offended." said Ellis after a recent practice where the card was introduced. "I know I'm not a great defender - but I do my thing on offense. Do I wish I could be as athletic and imposing on defense as Josh? Damn right I do. But I'm not going to be mad or upset about something we all know is true."
Rush declined a comment, but was rumored to have gotten on the phone with his agent shortly after leaving the practice facility for the night.
While the team has publicly made it known of their disapproval of Rush's "ball-hogging" antics, they have yet to officially announce his inclusion on the trading block. With GM Mr. Stephens telling reporters that he wishes to focus on defense in the coming years - Rush surely doesn't fit in on the team.
Overall, in the 14 games Smith has played the team is 8-6. Smith is averaging 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, along with 13.4 points in a limited role.
In lieu of the injury, and of this glaring hole the team has survived through, the players created a giant 15'x8' card with everyone's picture on it from when the team photo was taken. However, there was a big hole cutout of the card where Smith was in the photo. Team Captain Dwyane Wade said the hole represented the literal hole on defense that was left open when Smith was injured, along with him being injured and out of play. "Yeah man, we all thought it would be funny and kind of ironic - usually you get a get well soon card for the guy, but this time, we gave him a help us soon card, because he's just that important on the defensive end."
Smith appreciated the sentiment, saying it shows what he brings to the table and what his value is on the team even this early in his career. "It motivates me, because I know how important my role is on the team right now. Being a rookie, you need those things to stay afloat during this long season."
Ellis and Rush got a chuckle, even though it quantified their lack of productivity on the defensive end. Ellis got the biggest laugh out of it, while Rush actually scoffed at the idea after it finally sunk in. "Hey, I'm not offended." said Ellis after a recent practice where the card was introduced. "I know I'm not a great defender - but I do my thing on offense. Do I wish I could be as athletic and imposing on defense as Josh? Damn right I do. But I'm not going to be mad or upset about something we all know is true."
Rush declined a comment, but was rumored to have gotten on the phone with his agent shortly after leaving the practice facility for the night.
While the team has publicly made it known of their disapproval of Rush's "ball-hogging" antics, they have yet to officially announce his inclusion on the trading block. With GM Mr. Stephens telling reporters that he wishes to focus on defense in the coming years - Rush surely doesn't fit in on the team.
Overall, in the 14 games Smith has played the team is 8-6. Smith is averaging 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, along with 13.4 points in a limited role.
