The D-League-NBA-Shuffle

Posted by Morris Almond on January 11, 2008

‘My Shuffling’

This is my first blog of ‘08, so I’ll start off by wishing everybody a happy new year. Personally, last year was a good one — I graduated from college, got drafted into the NBA, left Houston and moved out to Salt Lake City. Now that I think about it, ‘07 will be tough to beat. But I’m looking forward to what’s in the cards for these next 12 months.

I’ve been holding it down underground in the D-League for the better part of December. We’ve only had one away game out of the 10 that I’ve played so far, so I’ve pretty much been at home base and had the same routine for the last few weeks. Usually, I’d practice with the Flash in the mornings, come home, and then head over to the Jazz practice facility in the evenings to lift and get some extra shooting in. I’d play in the games with the Flash on Fridays and Saturday evenings, and whenever the Jazz had a home game, I’d go to that.

Two days ago, as I was finishing breakfast in my apartment and just about to head out the door for Flash practice, one of the Jazz athletic trainers called me:

Trainer: “Hey Mo, we need you at shootaround this morning.”

Me: “Ok cool. See you in five.”

Simple as that. I hopped in the car and drove down four blocks to the arena. And that was my ‘call-up.’ We played the Pacers later on that evening; I played about eight minutes. Scored two points. That’s a good night in my book.

And I’ll take two points in the Association over 50 in the D-League any day. That’s just how it is.

Was I expecting to be called back that day? I don’t know — not necessarily. We had a few guys down, and the decision was made to have me re-join the team. I don’t get paid to over-analyze the situation — so I didn’t. I reported to the arena and went about business as usual.

It’s probably best to take things day by day. I could wake up tomorrow morning and have a message waiting for me telling me to head to Flash practice instead of practice with the Jazz. That’s kind of how the league works. I just have to make sure I pack my game wherever I go and keep improving.

I guess that about does it for this entry. I would’ve had something submitted earlier, but I didn’t even know if I was expected to write anymore for NBA.com while I was still playing in the D-League. Plus I can’t have Gilbert Arenas submitting entries more frequently than me. I’ll try and write my blog more often because I know writing these entries make my old English teacher, Professor Tobin at Rice, proud.

13 Comments

Mario on January 11, 2008 said:

Mo Great to see you in a Jazz Uni it’s going to be fun to watch you and Korver shoot the lights out good luck & keep working hard..

Brandon Hammond on January 11, 2008 said:

Its great to see you getting some time and some points in the past couple games. i think your going to start averaging about 4-5 points a game and then during your sophmore year you will be most improved player. i know you can shoot the ball incredibly well b/c you averaged over 20 points your last two years at rice, and your percentage was outstanding.

Good luck, and try hard.

fruitylili on January 11, 2008 said:

Good luck.

Katie on January 12, 2008 said:

It’s awesome to hear your experiences and know what you’re going through, thanks for writing. I was very excited to hear that you got called up the other night and are continuing with the team up here for now. You’re quite the fan favorite here in salt lake. Keep up the good work.

Oh and I’m sure you hear this all the time but you’re really hot…

Brian on January 12, 2008 said:

Hey M, Hey I was there at the OT game where you scored 50+ points. Pretty Sweet! Jazz aint exactly great at defense before Korver came in and that’s what we need along with your great offense.

Brett on January 12, 2008 said:

Best of luck. This D-League is a big asset to the players and to the NBA. It’s great to be able to watch these talented players develop before moving up to the “Association”. I’m expecting to see many more great things from Morris Almond in the future. Hopefully in a Jazz uniform!

claude slack on January 12, 2008 said:

mo so glad to see you with the jazz–look forward each to to seeing you play-I know you will be a great asset to the team–claude

Nico on January 12, 2008 said:

Your a great player!! looking forward to seeing you this year….

Memo on January 13, 2008 said:

Morris great to have you back in practice

Dee on January 13, 2008 said:

Hey Almond, your a heck of a player! You have a very bright future! I think your a great slasher, finisher, and of course a amazing shooter! Keep working hard, stay humble and please stay with the Jazz!

Linda McFarland on January 13, 2008 said:

You didn’t know if you should write after going to the D league? Hey, we are much lower (like maybe the Z league) and we keep writing!! I personally love to read your blogs so please keep writing. Also keep doing so well!!!!!!