‘Hawks in the NBA Media Days highlights
Los Angeles Clippers' Paul Pierce speaks during the team's NBA basketball media day, Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
During the past few days, players for the NBA’s 30 franchises posed for photos, answered questions and took in media day festivities with varying degrees of seriousness.
That means it’s time to get the old ‘Hawks in the NBA blog up and firing again. At this moment 19 former Kansas players draw paychecks in The Association, and they all — well, almost all of them — had their moments in the spotlight at media days.
From rookies just getting started, to veterans joining new teams to role players fitting in, here are some of the KU-related social media highlights from around the league.
COLE ALDRICH, L.A. CLIPPERS
We're making magic today. Follow "Clippers" on @Snapchat for #BehindTheScenes coverage.
Cutest picture of the day goes to Cole Aldrich and Josh Smith's son. pic.twitter.com/DeZUpqozOB
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) September 25, 2015
CLIFF ALEXANDER, PORTLAND
Rookie Cliff Alexander getting a first taste of NBA life at #BlazersMediaDay pic.twitter.com/NHPRDggJFs
— Tim Brown (@timfsbrown) September 28, 2015
Cliff Alexander's enormous Lebron Soldiers @CAlexander pic.twitter.com/1kp1WogHTw
— Tim Brown (@timfsbrown) September 28, 2015
Chi-town's @CAlexander in his first NBA uniform! pic.twitter.com/35eOTG4L4e
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) September 28, 2015
DARRELL ARTHUR, DENVER
Darrell Arthur says he was close to signing with clippers … Felt he could help more with nuggets… pic.twitter.com/yNUmR6ih04
— Patrick Graham (@pgraham34) September 28, 2015
There's a new reporter in the house. Darrell Arthur! pic.twitter.com/WE2zPOT64s
— Denver Stiffs (@denverstiffs) September 28, 2015
TARIK BLACK, L.A. LAKERS
Tarik Black talking with @JabariDavisNBA at media day pic.twitter.com/ehT2uSscDP
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) September 28, 2015
Both Rob Sacre and Tarik Black asked about my 3 daughter – both are generous people off the court
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) September 28, 2015
What's up Laker Family!!! Excited to get the season started @tarikblack25 #BoomBoom #LakersMediaDay pic.twitter.com/6eTYUKAZIk
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) September 28, 2015
MARIO CHALMERS, MIAMI
Spo on @mchalmers15: "He's had a very good summer. He's motivated to be a part of a team that has an opportunity."
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 28, 2015
Spo on @mchalmers15: "He's had a very good summer. He's motivated to be a part of a team that has an opportunity."
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) September 28, 2015
In case you were wondering, “Spo” is Miami coach Erik Spoelstra, and Chalmers’ “new role” will be him coming off the bench.
NICK COLLISON, OKLAHOMA CITY
"I hope guys think I have an authentic approach to being a teammate" @nickcollison4 pic.twitter.com/PViAcPUADX
— The Franchise Sports (@FranchiseOK) September 28, 2015
Nick Collison… "The goal here definitely is to win a championship". #thunder
— Curtis Fitzpatrick (@cfitzfox) September 28, 2015
JOEL EMBIID, PHILADELPHIA
If you were curious about how Joel Embiid is handling his ongoing injury and rehab process, you’re not alone.
Appropriately enough, the injured-for-another-entire-season Embiid wasn’t a part of the 76ers’ media day, according to The Inquirer’s Keith Pompey.
Joel Embiid was the only #Sixers players to not speak at media day @BentonASmith
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) September 28, 2015
Presumably, he’ll attend a media day and play in the NBA one of these years.
Embiid’s last known whereabouts? Going to see the Pope.
DREW GOODEN, WASHINGTON
Before looking for Drew Gooden content, I thought, What’s that maniac up to?
Well, he’s up to this:
Hey Hump, get out of my pic! #WizMediaDay @DrewGooden III checking in pic.twitter.com/ZIYasg8Akf
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) September 28, 2015
#Wizards @DrewGooden getting comfortable with that belt and interviewing w/ @jumokedavis pic.twitter.com/uwl7q0Rn1i
— HoopDistrict (@HoopDistrictDC) September 28, 2015
@DrewGooden wanted this background because he said it "brings out the aquatic hues in his retinas" #Wizards #MediaDay pic.twitter.com/Esc4O3pmCQ
— HoopDistrict (@HoopDistrictDC) September 28, 2015
That dude has to be a blast to cover. Rarely not entertaining.
KIRK HINRICH, CHICAGO
Kirk Hinrich at #BullsMediaDay
.@Thirty2zero, @drose and Kirk Hinrich posing for photos together at #BullsMediaDay.
BEN MCLEMORE, SACRAMENTO
Ben McLemore showing off his ball handling while posing for photos during media day. pic.twitter.com/vUzGEQy9OX
— Ailene Voisin (@ailene_voisin) September 28, 2015
.@bdotadot5 and @benmclemore pic.twitter.com/PsNzGItbQ5
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) September 28, 2015
MARCUS MORRIS, DETROIT
.@MookMorris2 with his game face. #PistonsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/xHx1bbiRRc
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) September 28, 2015
Marcus joining us now! #PistonsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/LT5wiE9jjl
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) September 28, 2015
The Pistons’ Twitter account did a tweet Q&A with a number of Detroit players Monday, but apparently Marcus bounced before they could get one rolling with him.
Marcus had to run, but we have @CartierMartin here now! #Pistonsmediaday
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) September 28, 2015
As a side note, ESPN’s NBA folks ranked Marcus Morris as the 191st-best player in the league. So there’s that.
5 more from #NBArank:
195 @TreyBurke
194 @NoahVonleh
193 @KyleSingler
192 @kporzee
191 @MookMorris2 pic.twitter.com/MwRqiwprA5— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 28, 2015
MARKIEFF MORRIS, PHOENIX
By far the biggest ‘Hawks in the NBA news to come out of media days was presumably disgruntled forward Markieff Morris putting on a happy face and stating he wants to be in Phoenix.
Markieff Morris: "I want to be here." He said he doesn't want to talk about the past (summer issues with the Suns). pic.twitter.com/AAMf7xVQmY
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) September 28, 2015
That’s not what he was saying back in August, when he told The Inquirer’s Keith Pompey: “One thing for sure, I am not going to be there.”
At the time at least, Markieff was hot and bothered about Phoenix shipping his twin brother and roommate Marcus off to the Pistons. He still might be a little sour with Suns general manager Ryan McDonough about that transaction.
Markieff Morris left the podium and gave Jeff Hornacek a high-five and a hug. Didn't look at Ryan McDonough though.
— Andrew Joseph (@AndyJ0seph) September 28, 2015
SASHA KAUN, CLEVELAND
Sasha Kaun is Russian. Timofey Mozgov is Russion. Hijinks ensued.
Russians making the phot rounds now. Sasha Kaun and Timofey Mozgov. #cavsmediaday #Cavs @cavs pic.twitter.com/YibYAPA0C7
— fox8news (@fox8news) September 28, 2015
Sasha & Timofey.
Blatt jokes that signing of Sasha Kaun does not mean he's "trying to recreate the Russian National team." #Cavs
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) September 28, 2015
KELLY OUBRE JR., WASHINGTON
Kelly Oubre’s first #WizMediaDay. He’s got that “you want me to talk to all these people?” face #wizardstalk pic.twitter.com/9vm7coEbWx
— NBC Sports Wizards (@NBCSWizards) September 28, 2015
Looks like Kelly Oubre Jr. loosened up and got comfortable at the Wizards’ media day.
Everybody get up, it's time to slam now! @KELLYOUBREJR gettin' down at #WizMediaDay pic.twitter.com/rMN70SeGYJ
— MonumentalSportsNet (@MonSportsNet) September 28, 2015
Hey rookie, welcome to the #Wizards! @KellyOubreJr knows about that selfie game #WizMediaDay pic.twitter.com/ogOBeCeK6W
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) September 28, 2015
PAUL PIERCE, L.A. CLIPPERS
What's up Clipper Nation… I'm here now!!! #LACMediaDay pic.twitter.com/xz2BJq5v4o
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) September 25, 2015
Paul Pierce 360.
#Shootaround: @paulpierce34 knows what he's likely to do if he helps @LAClippers win a title. http://t.co/anwi5OL59e pic.twitter.com/nUKAnyFz4P
— NBA.com (@NBAcom) September 26, 2015
Paul Pierce: 'I'll Probably Be Done With Basketball' If Clippers Win Championship http://t.co/pD5QPsNgnk pic.twitter.com/4eotadQygc
— SLAM Magazine (@SLAMonline) September 26, 2015
THOMAS ROBINSON, BROOKLYN
The @TwitterMirror is a hit today with the crew. #NetsMediaDay @trobinson0 @andreabargnani pic.twitter.com/gJUJtsy78v
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 28, 2015
LIVE on #Periscope: Thomas Robinson on Nets Media Day https://t.co/7uNYdI3IT0
— NetsDaily.com (@NetsDaily) September 28, 2015
BRANDON RUSH, GOLDEN STATE
Yes, Brandon Rush won an NBA championship with the Warriors. But, no, there isn’t a lot of media interest in him out in Oakland.
Upon posting this blog, Rush hadn’t appeared in any Golden State tweets — or, really, anywhere else in the Twitterverse.
ANDREW WIGGINS, MINNESOTA
.@22wiggins ✅ #WolvesMediaDay pic.twitter.com/YXsZvg8hu0
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) September 28, 2015
Andrew Wiggins hair update: spectacular. pic.twitter.com/M6QJcUbzpa
— Steve McPherson (@steventurous) September 28, 2015
Unlike Marcus Morris, the 2014-15 Rookie of the Year was able to answer a few questions on Twitter.
.@tysonjorstad 4 pounds of muscle!
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) September 28, 2015
.@alswendig I am, 100%.
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) September 28, 2015
.@micah_mal84 Drake
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) September 28, 2015
JEFF WITHEY, UTAH
.@JeffWithey at his first #JazzMediaDay. Watch him discuss it live: http://t.co/QQhU4OcMHL pic.twitter.com/uunx2GHydI
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) September 28, 2015