Wright rips Into his Teammates

deception · Nov 28, 2009

http://www.thestar.com/sports/artic...ptors-criticized-within-for-pre-game-attitude

BOSTON — Miffed in the wake of the Raptors' worst loss of the season, Antoine Wright, Toronto's veteran swingman, was suggesting a change of approach on Friday night.

Wright, in the lead-up to the Raptors first meeting with the Celtics this season, criticized unnamed teammates for their lack of focus in preparing for games. And he said he appealed to team captain Chris Bosh to deliver the message.

Wright said he told Bosh, "'Hey, you've got guys in here eating popcorn, joking around before the game. And we go out there and lose by 40. It's a direct result of what's going on before the game. Guys not coming in with the right mind frame."

Wright, the 25-year-old in his fifth NBA season, was speaking of Toronto's 35-point loss in Charlotte on Wednesday, and his words appeared to resonate in some corners of the locker room.

"Good comment," said forward Amir Johnson, 22, of Wright's assessment.

Said Sonny Weems, 23: "We do fool around a lot. And it tends to carry over into the game, and that's something that needs to change."

Bosh acknowledged Wright was on to something and said the matter would be addressed.

"Guys get ready in their own way, but I think as a team we could do a lot to get better focused," Bosh said. "Just staying on each other and making sure we're ready to play. It's something we'll talk about."

The message seemed to be getting through on Friday night, when the visitors' locker room was more subdued that usual.

"(Raptor veterans) have to get in the faces of some of these younger guys and get them ready to go. No eating before the game. No joking around before the game. And get these guys focused on the game," said Wright.

Wright promised results momentarily, even if the Raptors, with their 7-9 win-loss record, were facing the 11-4 Atlantic Division leaders.

"I think you're going to see us come out with a lot of energy. You can expect (rookie starting guard) DeMar DeRozan to be crashing the offensive glass. You can expect (DeRozan) to be chasing Ray Allen like it's Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final. You can expect him to dive one time," said Wright. "He's going to come out with a lot of energy and set the tone for us tonight. We're riding our rookie."

DeRozan, who was sitting next to Wright as those words were spoken, bulged his eyes in mock terror. A reporter asked the rookie how he felt about a teammate making promises on his behalf, but Wright interrupted DeRozan's response.

"He don't have a choice. You don't have to talk to him about it. I'm going to answer questions for him today," said Wright.

Chuckled DeRozan: "That's my agent today. Y'all discuss it with him."

Wright is certainly developing a reputation as an insightful spokesman.

"(Young) guys don't know what (is expected). But the good news is we don't have guys who can't take criticism," said Wright. "I've been able to talk to Chris about it a little bit today, and like you see if you come into this locker room, it's a lot more quiet. Guys are getting themselves ready for this game, because it's going to be a big test for us."
Click to expand...

and the video after the game, commenting about the lack of toughness after pierce started taunting bosh

http://www.nba.com/raptors/video/originals/index.html

Chutney · Nov 29, 2009

So who do you guys think he was specifically referring to? Turkoglu comes immediately to mind.

deception · Nov 29, 2009

Chutney said: ↑

So who do you guys think he was specifically referring to? Turkoglu comes immediately to mind.
Click to expand...

almost certain it was sonny weems. u have to respect him because its a contract season for him and he has the ballz to voice his displease in spite of being 10th on the depth chart of a 7-11 team.

Log in or Sign up

Wright rips Into his Teammates

deception JBB Banned Member

Chutney MON-STRAWRRR!!1!

deception JBB Banned Member

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Wright rips Into his Teammates

Moderators

deception JBB Banned Member

Chutney MON-STRAWRRR!!1!

deception JBB Banned Member

Share This Page

Useful Searches