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b to its first MLS Cup championship in 2010. A former member of the U.S. mens team, Mastroeni played in the 2 | Forum
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Nov 18 '16, 09:01AM
MINNEAPOLIS -- When it became clear to Kevin Martin that returning to Oklahoma City wasnt an option, one of his first thoughts was to reunite with Rick Adelman, the coach who got him started in the NBA in Sacramento and later helped him become an offensive force in Houston. Saucony Jazz Original Womens . As much as Martin wanted to play for Adelman, who will begin his third season as coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves in October, it still wasnt exactly clear to him if the desire to get back together was mutual. Adelman is one of the most accomplished coaches in the game, and also one of the hardest to read. He rarely shows much emotion and is known as much for a curmudgeonly demeanour as he is for his famed corner offence. That question was emphatically answered when Martin came to Minnesota in July to sign a four-year deal that will pay him nearly $28 million. "He gave me a hug," Martin remembered on Monday at his introductory press conference. "As we all know Rick, hes not the guy to do anything like that, so thats when it kind of hit the stamp on my decision." Martin played for Adelman during his first two seasons in the league with the Kings, then spent two more years getting coached by him in Houston. In their final season together, Martin averaged 23.5 points, shot 38 per cent on 3-pointers and attempted more than seven free throws a game for the Rockets. When Adelman left, Martin didnt fit in with new coach Kevin McHales system, and he averaged 14 points per game last year in a supporting role with the Thunder. Now back under Adelmans tutelage, and playing for a team that desperately needs more scoring punch in the backcourt, Martin is ready to resume his role as a go-to scorer. New Timberwolves president of basketball operations Flip Saunders made adding size and 3-point range at shooting guard his biggest priorities, and it didnt take long for him to zero in on Martin after having discussions with O.J. Mayo and J.J. Redick as well. Martin shot a career-high 42.6 per cent from 3-point range last season and knows Adelmans offence -- built on an intricate web of passing and cutting without the ball -- as well as anyone. Saunders said Monday that they were looking for a guy who could give them 17-18 points a game at the spot next season after years of dealing with underperformance at that position. "I have no pressure doing that," Martin said. "I feel I can do that in my sleep." Martin said it will be a challenge to get back to the 23.5 he averaged in Houston in 2010-11, but he is shooting for 22 per game. If the Wolves get that kind of production to go with Ricky Rubio, the healthy return of Kevin Love and the anticipated re-signing of restricted free agent Nikola Pekovic, their first playoff berth since 2004 could be well within reach. As much as Saunders is looking forward to Martins production on the court, he is also anxious to see the impact his presence has on a young locker room. The 30-year-old is entering his 10th season and has built a reputation as a hard worker and good locker room guy. Martin has already reached out to first-round draft pick Shabazz Muhammad, who was kicked out of the NBAs rookie transition program last week for violating event rules by bringing a woman to his hotel room. Saunders said the team wont impose any more discipline on Muhammad, who will have to attend the program again next year. "The biggest thing in any situation where there are rules and guidelines, you have to abide by them," Saunders said. "That shows discipline. As I explained to him, part of being successful at our level is being disciplined, both on and off the court." For now, Martin is headed back to Florida to start a six-week training program with longtime trainer David Thorpe and several other NBA players, including new teammate Corey Brewer. He knows that if he wants to play bigger minutes and have bigger responsibilities at his age, he cant afford to take any short cuts. "Im hungry for it," he said. Notes: Saunders has been granted permission by the Washington Wizards to talk to assistant GM Milt Newton about a position in the Timberwolves front office. ... F Robbie Hummel, G Othyus Jeffers and G Lorenzo Brown, have all received invites to training camp, Saunders said.Saucony Shadow 6000 Womens . Still, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke thought taking him out before the fifth inning was an unusual move. "Im looking up at the board and hes got two hits given up and one run, and Im taking him out after the fourth inning," Roenicke said. Saucony Grid 9000 Letterman . Robinson finished with 17 points, all but two in the second half, and Lawson had 14 after halftime and finished with a game-high 11 assists as the Nuggets handed Dallas its first home loss in eight games this season. J.J. Hickson led Denver with 22, and Kenneth Faried added 10 points and 10 rebounds. http:///...r-men-s-women-s.html . Instead of dwelling on the negative, Oates focused on what was good about the clubs recent play. It worked.CARSON, Calif. - The Los Angeles Galaxy have acquired six-time MLS All-Star midfielder Pablo Mastroeni in a trade with the Colorado Rapids. Under the deal announced Monday, the Galaxy also received the rights to midfielder Baggio Husidic. The Rapids received an international roster slot through the end of the 2014 MLS season and Los Angeles second-round pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Mastroeni wwill be eligible to make his Galaxy debut when Los Angeles hosts the Portland Timbers on Wednesday night. Saucony Shadow Original Womens. . The 36-year-old Mastroeni has spent the last 12-plus seasons with the Rapids, leading the club to its first MLS Cup championship in 2010. A former member of the U.S. mens team, Mastroeni played in the 2002 and 2006 World Cup under current Galaxy coach Bruce Arena. Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '
