Post by MizzouTiger on Jan 22, 2008 1:23:38 GMT -5
www.kansascity.com/167/story/454757.html
Kareem Rush enjoys rebirth in NBA
By BRADFORD DOOLITTLE
The Kansas City Star
SALT LAKE CITY | Maybe he’s not quite basketball’s version of “The Natural,” but Kareem Rush can probably identify a little bit with Roy Hobbs.
Rush is enjoying an NBA renaissance of late, averaging double figures for the Indiana Pacers over the last month and finding his way into the team’s starting lineup.
“He’s been a great pickup for us,” Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien said.
Like the mythical Hobbs, Rush grew up excelling in his chosen sport, first at Pembroke Hill, then later at Missouri. He left the Tigers after three years and became a first-round pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 2002 draft, ahead of players like Tayshaun Prince and Carlos Boozer. A draft-day swap landed him with the champion Los Angeles Lakers.
Rush enjoyed some early success in the pros as a sideman to the Shaq and Kobe show in LA. He helped the Lakers to the 2004 championship series by hitting six three-pointers in a clinching, game-six win over Minnesota in the Western Conference finals. But mostly he rode the bench, close to his dream but not quite in it.
And like Roy Hobbs, Rush would soon see his dream snatched away altogether.
Rush was traded to the expansion Charlotte Bobcats in 2004. In 2005-06, Rush was averaging a career-best 10.1 points for the Bobcats. Nevertheless, he was summarily dumped late in the season.
“The Bobcats are about two things: hard work and maximum effort,” Charlotte general manager Bernie Bickerstaff told reporters at the time. “With that in mind, we think that it is best to go in a different direction with Kareem.”
Rush went to camp with Seattle the following season but was released after four games without playing a minute. He cited injuries, including a groin tear, for his problems with the Sonics.
“In Seattle, I didn’t get a chance to show them what I could do,” Rush said. “I know I would have made that team if I was healthy.”
Unable to catch on with another NBA organization, Rush headed for the Baltics — Lithuania, to be exact. Rush played well there, winning MVP honors in the Baltic League Final Four.
“In Lithuania, I re-dedicated myself to the game,” Rush said. “I went over there, stayed in shape and played some good basketball. When I came back over, I knew I was going to stay here for good.”
Meanwhile, back stateside, hoops legend Larry Bird was overhauling the Indiana Pacers. Bird had taken the reins in the Pacers’ front office after sharing responsibility for four years with longtime Indiana executive Donnie Walsh.
Bird wanted the plodding Pacers to switch to an up-tempo, motion offense, and for that to work, the team needed shooters. They signed Rush in early July, and after a strong performance for the Pacers’ summer-league entrant, Rush made the team out of training camp.
Rush’s playing time was inconsistent until early December. Since Dec. 11, however, Rush has averaged 25.7 minutes and 12.0 points over 21 games. He moved into Indiana’s starting lineup on Jan. 9 and has started the last six games for the Pacers, highlighted by a 14-point fourth quarter in a come-from-behind win over Golden State on Jan. 16.
Rush was able to ride the momentum from the game to a 22-point performance Saturday against the Kings, matching his season high. He topped that output on Monday, pouring in a team-high 25 points in a win against Philadelphia. Rush is averaging 22 points over his last three contests.
“When you play, you get in a rhythm, and that was the biggest obstacle I faced early in the season,” Rush said. “I couldn’t get enough time on the court where I could find my shot.
“The last 10-15 games, I’ve been getting in there quite a bit, and it’s starting to pay off on the court.”
After a season out of the league, Rush’s NBA future now seems to be secure, though his contract with the Pacers is only for one season.
“He’s done a really terrific job at both ends (of the court),” O’Brien said. “He’s been a surprisingly tough defender. He’s a great shooter but, more than that, he can create his own shot.
“We’re hoping he’s in a Pacer uniform for many years.”
Kareem Rush enjoys rebirth in NBA
By BRADFORD DOOLITTLE
The Kansas City Star
SALT LAKE CITY | Maybe he’s not quite basketball’s version of “The Natural,” but Kareem Rush can probably identify a little bit with Roy Hobbs.
Rush is enjoying an NBA renaissance of late, averaging double figures for the Indiana Pacers over the last month and finding his way into the team’s starting lineup.
“He’s been a great pickup for us,” Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien said.
Like the mythical Hobbs, Rush grew up excelling in his chosen sport, first at Pembroke Hill, then later at Missouri. He left the Tigers after three years and became a first-round pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 2002 draft, ahead of players like Tayshaun Prince and Carlos Boozer. A draft-day swap landed him with the champion Los Angeles Lakers.
Rush enjoyed some early success in the pros as a sideman to the Shaq and Kobe show in LA. He helped the Lakers to the 2004 championship series by hitting six three-pointers in a clinching, game-six win over Minnesota in the Western Conference finals. But mostly he rode the bench, close to his dream but not quite in it.
And like Roy Hobbs, Rush would soon see his dream snatched away altogether.
Rush was traded to the expansion Charlotte Bobcats in 2004. In 2005-06, Rush was averaging a career-best 10.1 points for the Bobcats. Nevertheless, he was summarily dumped late in the season.
“The Bobcats are about two things: hard work and maximum effort,” Charlotte general manager Bernie Bickerstaff told reporters at the time. “With that in mind, we think that it is best to go in a different direction with Kareem.”
Rush went to camp with Seattle the following season but was released after four games without playing a minute. He cited injuries, including a groin tear, for his problems with the Sonics.
“In Seattle, I didn’t get a chance to show them what I could do,” Rush said. “I know I would have made that team if I was healthy.”
Unable to catch on with another NBA organization, Rush headed for the Baltics — Lithuania, to be exact. Rush played well there, winning MVP honors in the Baltic League Final Four.
“In Lithuania, I re-dedicated myself to the game,” Rush said. “I went over there, stayed in shape and played some good basketball. When I came back over, I knew I was going to stay here for good.”
Meanwhile, back stateside, hoops legend Larry Bird was overhauling the Indiana Pacers. Bird had taken the reins in the Pacers’ front office after sharing responsibility for four years with longtime Indiana executive Donnie Walsh.
Bird wanted the plodding Pacers to switch to an up-tempo, motion offense, and for that to work, the team needed shooters. They signed Rush in early July, and after a strong performance for the Pacers’ summer-league entrant, Rush made the team out of training camp.
Rush’s playing time was inconsistent until early December. Since Dec. 11, however, Rush has averaged 25.7 minutes and 12.0 points over 21 games. He moved into Indiana’s starting lineup on Jan. 9 and has started the last six games for the Pacers, highlighted by a 14-point fourth quarter in a come-from-behind win over Golden State on Jan. 16.
Rush was able to ride the momentum from the game to a 22-point performance Saturday against the Kings, matching his season high. He topped that output on Monday, pouring in a team-high 25 points in a win against Philadelphia. Rush is averaging 22 points over his last three contests.
“When you play, you get in a rhythm, and that was the biggest obstacle I faced early in the season,” Rush said. “I couldn’t get enough time on the court where I could find my shot.
“The last 10-15 games, I’ve been getting in there quite a bit, and it’s starting to pay off on the court.”
After a season out of the league, Rush’s NBA future now seems to be secure, though his contract with the Pacers is only for one season.
“He’s done a really terrific job at both ends (of the court),” O’Brien said. “He’s been a surprisingly tough defender. He’s a great shooter but, more than that, he can create his own shot.
“We’re hoping he’s in a Pacer uniform for many years.”