The band played. Cheerleaders cheered. Gilbert Arenas tried to hide in plain sight. Midnight Madness has finally come to the NBA.
The Washington Wizards opened training camp at the stroke of 12 this morning (Eastern time), launching a new era that promises to be more fan-friendly as the franchise attempts to recover from the most embarrassing season in its history.
The event drew about 4,000 fans to the Patriot Center on the George Mason University campus in Fairfax, Va. Their focus was on Arenas, who is making a comeback from a felony gun conviction.
But the Wizards see No. 1 overall pick John Wall as their new main man. Arenas was introduced next-to-last, then tried to stand in a teammate’s shadow to avoid a camera. Wall was saved for last.
LEBRON HEARS CRITICS
Since LeBron James joined the Miami Heat, he’s been called a quitter, had his competitive nature questioned, and heard others say he made a bad business decision.
In one breath, he said none of it matters.
But the NBA’s reigning MVP acknowledges, “I do have a lot of motivation.”
James, in his new Heat home uniform and flanked by fellow star teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, said the team “will let our game do the talking.”
The Heat begins training camp today at Hurlburt Field, a U.S. Air Force installation in Fort Walton Beach on Florida’s Panhandle.
NBA TV will televise the Heat’s exhibition opener Oct. 5 against Detroit, when James, Wade and Bosh play together for the first time.
MELO DRAMA
Carmelo Anthony arrived for media in Denver wearing a Nuggets jersey and wouldn’t say he wants out. But he also hasn’t signed a $65 million extension that’s been on the table since June, leading the team to engage in trade talks for their superstar forward.
“I’m here, man. I’m here today. Whatever the future holds, it holds,”
Anthony said. “Practice starts tomorrow and we’ll go from there.”
ELSEWHERE
Center Greg Oden’s surgically repaired right knee has not healed and he’s uncertain when he’ll be able to play for the Portland Trail Blazers. The No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft will not play any exhibitions and would not commit to a timeline when he spoke on the eve of the start of practice. … As expected, the Golden State Warrriors introduced Keith Smart as their new coach, replacing Don Nelson. … New York Knicks center Eddy Curry has a strained right hamstring and will miss at least four weeks, the third season in a row he’s opened training camp sidelined. … Guard Tony Parker said he doesn’t want this season to be his last with San Antonio. He is entering the final year of his contract.
