Orlando
Former Magic and current Rocket Reece Gaines attended last night's And1 tour as it made its way through Tampa. Basketball News Services lead NBA analyst Steve Kyler caught up with him for a few moments.
Gaines said he was happy to be in Houston. He really felt like he'd get a chance and be part of the team.
In Orlando, Gaines underwhelmed with averages of 1.8 points, 1 rebound, and 1.1 assists per game in near ten minutes of action. Some observers thought before he was drafted last summer that he could be the steal of the draft. But playing behind Tracy McGrady didn't get him many minutes. Could that change in Houston? If the deal with Chicago goes down and Houston parts ways with Eric Piatkowski in favor of Dikembe Mutombo to back up Yao Ming, Gaines could be one of the primary options off the bench, mainly competing with Bob Sura.
Gaines said he likes what Houston has done and thinks they will be an elite team in the West.
Perhaps playing on a winning team will give Gaines a better opportunity to develop his talents. We will see next year.
Also in attendance at the And1 stop was Al Harrington, former Pacer and current Hawk.
TEAM NOTES
The Magic have released the complete 2004-2005 regular season schedule.
Morris Wright ofThe Times and Democratwrites: No ones know better how the system works than Denmark Technical College men's basketball coach and former Voorhees College standout Theodore Chaplin Jr... Chaplin says the NBA is doing more for younger players. "I think the NBA is doing a lot to help young players with the adjustments through various type of financial and health management programs," Chaplin said. "Teams also have some kind of program in tact as well as veteran players helping a young player mature." Eight high school players were selected in the first round of the NBA draft. Heading the list: Dwight Howard of Atlanta SW Christian, selected No. 1 by the Orlando Magic.