<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Clippers swingman Corey Maggette says he has something to prove. Maggette is in his eighth season in the NBA, he has twice averaged more than 20 points a game and is considered among the league's best players at getting to the free-throw line, but his standing on the Clippers isn't as high as it once was. Limited to 32 games last season because of foot, hamstring and back injuries, Maggette might be a part-time starter this season and, barring injuries to others, average fewer minutes than in his previous four seasons. That's not the best situation for a proud veteran, but Maggette has embraced the challenge, saying he would let his performance do the talking. "The biggest thing is just trying to believe in my own ability," said Maggette, who suffered a sprained right ankle in practice Monday and is listed as day to day. "When you do that, and you go out there and work hard, people should notice. If we have to compete for positions every year, I know I'll be the guy who worked the hardest and the guy who's going to be in shape. You've got to earn respect, especially with this team." Maggette is respected for his conditioning and his determination for rehabilitation after injuries, teammates said. He declined to undergo season-ending foot surgery last season, returning to help the Clippers advance to Game 7 of a Western Conference semifinal series against the Phoenix Suns. Maggette averaged 17.8 points in the regular season and 17 in the first-round playoff victory over the Denver Nuggets. He averaged 14 points and 8.3 rebounds against the Suns.</div> Source
Maggette + defense + not forcing the action (which at times leads to dumb turnovers) = very nice player, end of story.
Yea, I'm a little worried that he'd be feeling the burn of an injury already IN GAME 1. Maggette's body is really weird, he's a beast, but so injury prone.
