[TimesPicayune] Hornets' rookies find adviser in Polynice
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Hornets' rookies find adviser in Polynice
Pickett, Smith seek early help adjusting
Thursday, July 15, 2004
By John Reid
Staff writer
LONG BEACH, CALIF. -- After 15 seasons in the NBA, Olden Polynice
has seen plenty of rookies come in thinking they can make an
immediate impact without knowing what's all involved.
But Polynice has found Hornets' second-round draft pick Tim Pickett
to be different.
At the Southern California Summer Pro League this week, Pickett has
sought out Polynice for advice about making the adjustment from
college star at Florida State to NBA rookie.
Polynice is assisting Jeff Bower, the Hornets' director of player
of personnel, with coaching duties in the tournament. And Polynice,
who is 6 feet 11, is a backup center on the team.
"I thank God to have somebody like that in my ear, telling me things
I need to know," said Pickett, who was the 44th pick in the draft.
"It's all a learning experience, and anything that can be gained I
think can only help you in the long run."
After Pickett missed his first three shots in Tuesday's loss to the
Golden State Warriors, Polynice advised him to take fewer jump shots
and drive to the basket more. Pickett did and finished with 12 points,
despite missing all six 3-point attempts.
"I just try to talk to him because it's a big difference from college
to the NBA," Polynice said. "He seems like a kid who wants to work.
But a lot of guys who come into the league are not like him. They
don't realize the end result.
"They see Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant and Jermaine O'Neal right now,
and they don't remember that they spent a lot of time on the bench as
rookies. It's such a tough road, and it's not as easy as people make
it out to be. That's what somebody needs to talk to them about."
Hornets first-round pick J.R. Smith also has sought advice from
Polynice, who at 39 is one of the oldest players competing in the
tournament.
"He gives the best advice, because he's been in the league and he's
been in this situation and knows what everybody is going through,"
said Smith, who is averaging 15 points after two games.
Pickett said he has asked Polynice for tips on what to do against
various defenses. Hornets coach Byron Scott also has offered advice.
Pickett scored nine points and had two assists in his professional
debut Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Hornets drafted him
to play point guard and shooting guard. But in summer league
competition, Pickett has been more effective at shooting guard,
despite being only 6 feet 4 inches. He moves well without the ball
to get open for shot opportunities.
"At Florida State I mostly played shooting guard, but I can handle
the ball and get everybody involved," Pickett said. "Right now I'm
just trying to get a better understanding of the game. Most of the
these guys in the NBA are explosive, versatile and creative, and I
need to learn what they know. So my ears are open."
Pickett is a spirited player. He talks to himself when he misses
shots and raises both arms up when he makes 3-pointers.
Before participating in the summer league, he worked out twice a day
at Florida State for two consecutive weeks.
"I need this, because I have to grow if I want to become a complete
player," Pickett said. "I've been playing basketball since I was 13,
and each year I've been able to step up my game. Right now I'm trying
to get better and be more patient. I'm definitely not going to stop
working."
NOTES: The Hornets didn't sign any free agents Wednesday, the first
day players could sign. Hornets general manager Allan Bristow
declined to say whether the team is close to re-signing Robert
Traylor. On Tuesday, Bristow said the team was in negotiations
with Traylor's agent, Andre Colona. The Hornets also have
expressed an interest in shooting guard Morris Peterson, a
restricted free agent with the Toronto Raptors. Bristow
declined to say whether any progress has been made in
discussions. . . . Hornets first-round draft pick J.R. Smith
scored a game-high 35 points against the Dallas Mavericks on
Wednesday in the Southern California Summer Pro League.
. . . . . . .
John Reid can be reached at jreid@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3405.
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