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LOS ANGELES -- The art of blocking out things beyond your control is a task for most. Often we exert and exorbitant amount of injury focusing on what we have no say in. It’s something most of us can relate to.
So when the Portland Trail Blazers upgraded their bench over the summer and acquired the athletic power forward Thomas Robinson in a trade, it would have been easy for Joel Freeland to start penciling in a probable rotation based on what media reports were stating.
In fact, initially, he admits the new additions made him think.
“Maybe at first I was a little concerned because if you think about it, I didn’t play much on the team we had last year,” Freeland said to CSNNW.com. “But I didn’t stay on it too long. Instead of over thinking myself, I just told myself that I got to get to work.”
And that he did.
Over the summer, Freeland trained in the Canary Islands and withdrew from the Great Britain National Team to concentrate solely on his progression as a defensive NBA player.
Known as an offensive dominant big man in Europe, that skillset will not translate over in the NBA and he has come to grips with that. Which is why building up his core, becoming more explosive in order to challenge shots at the rim were some of his main workout objectives.
We are seeing the fruits of his labor during preseason play. He’s lighter, more aggressive, more explosive and gobbling up rebounds that nobody’s business. And if there’s a loose ball, you better believe he’s on the court wrestling for the ball.
It’s not easy to be a star one moment and the next, relegated to scratching and clawing for minutes. But when you’re a competitor, you’ll do anything to make a positive impact on the outcome of the game.
“In this game, at this level, you have to be mentally tough. Nobody is going to feel sorry for you,” he said. “You have to go out there and give it your all and that’s what I try to do. If things don’t work out, they don’t work out. But I want to make sure I’m doing all I can do, first.”
Freeland still has an uphill battle. Backup time behind LaMarcus Aldridge looks as if it’s Robinson’s for now even though his play has been suspect thus far this preseason. Head coach Terry Stotts has marveled about how much improved Freeland is from last year, meaning the 26-year old second year pro is making a great case for backup duty.
Who knows what the future holds for Freeland this year. His talent may be on full display every night this season. Then again, he might be collecting a hearty dose of DNP’s, similar to last year.
Whatever may be in store for the big man this year, he’s not concerning himself with it. He has mastered the art of minding his own business. And so far, he is handling his business.
“If I’m thinking about who the team brought in, who’s playing my position, I’m not allowing myself to focus on what I need to do,” Freeland said. “I can’t control what goes on as far as my playing time is concerned, but I can control how I prepare and hopefully coach will see that I’m being productive. “
Chris Haynes, Trail Blazer & NBA Insider
http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/freeland-masters-art-minding-his-own-business-shapes-him-season
So when the Portland Trail Blazers upgraded their bench over the summer and acquired the athletic power forward Thomas Robinson in a trade, it would have been easy for Joel Freeland to start penciling in a probable rotation based on what media reports were stating.
In fact, initially, he admits the new additions made him think.
“Maybe at first I was a little concerned because if you think about it, I didn’t play much on the team we had last year,” Freeland said to CSNNW.com. “But I didn’t stay on it too long. Instead of over thinking myself, I just told myself that I got to get to work.”
And that he did.
Over the summer, Freeland trained in the Canary Islands and withdrew from the Great Britain National Team to concentrate solely on his progression as a defensive NBA player.
Known as an offensive dominant big man in Europe, that skillset will not translate over in the NBA and he has come to grips with that. Which is why building up his core, becoming more explosive in order to challenge shots at the rim were some of his main workout objectives.
We are seeing the fruits of his labor during preseason play. He’s lighter, more aggressive, more explosive and gobbling up rebounds that nobody’s business. And if there’s a loose ball, you better believe he’s on the court wrestling for the ball.
It’s not easy to be a star one moment and the next, relegated to scratching and clawing for minutes. But when you’re a competitor, you’ll do anything to make a positive impact on the outcome of the game.
“In this game, at this level, you have to be mentally tough. Nobody is going to feel sorry for you,” he said. “You have to go out there and give it your all and that’s what I try to do. If things don’t work out, they don’t work out. But I want to make sure I’m doing all I can do, first.”
Freeland still has an uphill battle. Backup time behind LaMarcus Aldridge looks as if it’s Robinson’s for now even though his play has been suspect thus far this preseason. Head coach Terry Stotts has marveled about how much improved Freeland is from last year, meaning the 26-year old second year pro is making a great case for backup duty.
Who knows what the future holds for Freeland this year. His talent may be on full display every night this season. Then again, he might be collecting a hearty dose of DNP’s, similar to last year.
Whatever may be in store for the big man this year, he’s not concerning himself with it. He has mastered the art of minding his own business. And so far, he is handling his business.
“If I’m thinking about who the team brought in, who’s playing my position, I’m not allowing myself to focus on what I need to do,” Freeland said. “I can’t control what goes on as far as my playing time is concerned, but I can control how I prepare and hopefully coach will see that I’m being productive. “
Chris Haynes, Trail Blazer & NBA Insider
http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/freeland-masters-art-minding-his-own-business-shapes-him-season
