Yardbarker: Rashard Lewis

Ask J.D. Mailbag: November 27

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:03:52 -0500

Every Friday, OrlandoMagic.com's John Denton answers your questions. In this week's edition of the mailbag, J.D. touches on Rashard Lewis' struggles, J.J. Redick's improvement and Dwyane Wade's comments about joining Dwight Howard.

The 10-man rotation, starring the San Francisco Warriors jerseys

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:41:04 -0500

A look around the league and the web that covers it. It's also important to note that the rotation order and starting nods aren't always listed in order of importance. That's for you, dear reader, to figure out.C: Golden State of Mind. The Warriors will don the above retro garments five times this season. You like?PF: Eight Points, Nine Seconds. If you gonna read one NBA/Thanksgiving post today, make it this. SF: Silver Screen & Roll. "The Lakers, we should probably just...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:53:48 -0500

What's up everybody??? Happy Thanksgiving to everybody out there, hope you guys are getting to eat some good bird today and spend time with your families. Of course, we’re not because we’re on the way to Atlanta right now to play the Hawks on Thanksgiving Day.

We’re not getting any of the holidays off this year, but that just comes with the territory in the NBA. It’s not like I can just skip a day of work because I don’t want to work on Thanksgiving.

But it’s not all bad because really it’s an honor to play on the holidays. They are obviously picking us to play in prime time on Thanksgiving and Christmas because we were a Finals team last year and they think we’re pretty good this year, too.

It’s a weird time for me right now because I’m so thankful for everything that I have in my life on Thanksgiving, but I’m struggling on the basketball court.

Our game versus Miami was a really bad one because we blew a big lead and then lost it down the stretch because we missed free throws and didn’t rebound the ball. I mean, who would have ever guessed that D-Wade woulda fired up an airball in that situation, making it easier for Miami to get that put-back bucket that beat us by one???

It’s going to be hard to get that taste out of our mouths, so maybe it’s a good thing that we turn around and play the Hawks tonight. That’s better than sitting around for a few days and thinking about what we did wrong. I know Atlanta has had four days off, but I think we’ll be ready to bounce back from the Miami loss.

As for me right now, I’m not shooting the ball well and I just don’t feel like my legs are up under me for some reason. I feel like I’m pushing my shot and my legs feel heavy. I feel like I’m playing catch-up with the rest of the guys. I’m playing pretty good defense, but on offense I haven’t gotten myself in a good rhythm yet.

I know it will come in time, but I want it to happen right away. Missing those 10 games really put me behind, but I really think I’ll catch up soon. I just feel like I need a streak of two or three shots to go in and I can break out of this funk.

But I’m not going to complain too much because it’s Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for. All my dreams have come true playing basketball and now I just want us to go and win that championship this season. I’m thankful for my family, my health and my successful career. So even though I’m kind of upset about my play right now, I’m going to keep reminding myself that I should be thankful today.

Hope you guys have a good Turkey Day, and I need you to eat a few sweet potatoes and turkey legs for me. And be thankful for everything that you have in your life. Talk to y'all later everybody! Don't forget to vote for me and my Magic brothers everyday!!!

SHARD

Catching Up With Rashard Lewis

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:32:47 -0500

When Rashard Lewis was in Toronto this weekend I talked with him about where his fascination with shooting three's came from, what he learned while playing with Ray Allen in Seattle and he talked about the kinds of shooting battles he has in practices with Vince Carter and J.J. Redick.

The 10-man rotation, starring Lewis, Ray, PEDs and playoffs

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:35:48 -0500

A look around the league and the web that covers it. It's also important to note that the rotation order and starting nods aren't always listed in order of importance. That's for you, dear reader, to figure out.C: NBA FanHouse. Should Rashard Lewis(notes) have been suspended during the playoffs?PF: STF. NBA stars of our youth have fathered sons who are starting to make their college debuts.SF: Nets Are Scorching. A statistical look at Sean Williams(notes) and why he should play m...

We didn’t get to the Finals for nothing!!!

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:27:19 -0500

What's up everybody???

Beating Boston on Friday, now that’s what I’m talking about. It just killed me last week missing the loss to Cleveland, and I was determined to bring it for this game against the Celtics. These are what I like to call statement games and you always have to go out with the mindset that you need to prove yourself to the opponent and to everybody in the NBA.

We were back in Boston for the first time since May when we beat the Celtics in a Game 7. Not many people gave us a chance that night, and I’m sure they didn’t give us much of a chance again on Friday.
But I think we showed people some things with the way we won this game. Coach Van Gundy always told us when we’re not playing well on the offensive end that’s when you’ve got to pick it up on defense. Our defense kept us in this game, no doubt.

This is a big win for us and a real confidence boost. Cleveland came in (last week) and took it to us. This kind of lets us know that we’re still a good team. We didn’t get to The Finals for nothing. We’re still a very good team.

And we’re a team on the same page. There was a lot of talk in the media the last few days about Stan Van Gundy’s negativity towards us in practice and in games. Stan is an intense dude and sometimes he really goes at us. All of that bashing can take a toll on some guys, so Stan said he’s going to try and limit his negativity in the future. (We’ll see how long it lasts!!! Ha ha ha)

On Friday, Stan was positive the whole night. He did do a good job of cutting back on the screaming and yelling. He was doing more coaching in the huddles instead of bashing. Usually he bashes us for the first two minutes of the timeouts and then he’ll coach the game. Last night he was strictly coaching.

I really think that’s going to help us out and let guys feel like they can play looser and not have to worry about being so uptight. Instead of getting mad at coach and going out there playing frustrated this way sort of put our minds at ease. Stan just has to pick and choose his moments and not try to be a nice coach. He still has to stay on top of us because that makes us play harder.

I’m just hoping that by beating Boston we showed people we’re still a pretty damn good team. It seems like the Lakers, Cavs and Celtics get all the pub as being the top teams, but maybe this will make folks remember the Magic.

I also gave away 3 tickets to Angel last night in Boston, whose Dad left me a message on my Saynow # (1-888-9RAWLEW). Stay in touch, may be you next time. Outta here for now, but I wanna hear back as to what you guys think about how we played last night. Ya’ll be good!!! Don't forget to vote for me and my bro's for 2010 NBA All-Star!!!

SHARD

Orlando Magic News & Notes: Showdown at the Garden

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:02:09 -0500

The Magic will take on the Boston Celtics tonight. You can read my preview of tonight’s game here. Rashard Lewis declared Friday night’s game a second-chance “statement game.” “It’s a big game for us,” Lewis said. “We’re playing against one of the best teams in the NBA. I think it’s a statement game, just like the Cleveland [...]

So good to be back again!!!

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:51:18 -0500

What up to everybody out there! Monday night was my first game back and I gotta tell you guys that I was the happiest person in Amway Arena. No, I didn’t shoot the ball great, but we won the game and finally I was back with my teammates.

You don’t really realize how much you love something until it’s taken away from you. And not playing these first 10 games of the season showed me just how much I love the game of basketball and being around my teammates.

Ya’ll know that this is my 12th year in the league, but I was like a rookie before this game. I couldn’t sleep Sunday night, I got to the arena early and I caught myself with a few butterflies before the tip. I forgot how much I missed the little things like the coaches going over the game plan before the game and being in the huddle with the guys during timeouts.

As for the game, well my legs did get tired out there. I knew that it really didn’t matter how much running I did on the treadmill and out on that track that it would be different once I got into the game. I felt like I rushed a few of my shots and on some of them my legs were so heavy that it made my shot flat. It was a rough night with the 3-ball, but I just tried to get to the rim some and get some post-ups to get my flow going again.

Really, it’s just about catching up with that rhythm again. NBA game speed is no joke and it’s not something you can simulate after being out for three weeks, but it will come back to me soon enough.

Coach left me out there for 34 minutes and that’s what I wanted because I gotta get this rust out quick. We’re trying to win a championship here, so there’s not going to be any easing into things.

I know I’ll play better come Wednesday night against OKC. Those dudes embarrassed us a couple of weeks ago, so we’ve got to be ready on Wednesday. Me, I’m going to get some shots up later today and get some more work in Wednesday morning and hopefully my timing will be better by Wednesday night.

But this first step was a good one for me. Being away for those 10 games, I got a slap in the face that the league and the game of basketball goes on without you if you can’t play. So being back now doing what I love on the basketball court means so much more to me.

It’s a long season, but this was a good night for me. I’ll get my shot tighter and my flow back real soon, and I really think our team is about to hit a good run with all of our guys coming back now.

Well, I’m about to run up out of here and get to the gym for some more work. You guys drop me a line and some voice mails on our hotline and I’ll keep the blogs up and give you guys some insight into our season. Trust me when I say that this is going to be a really good season for myself and the Magic. SHARD

Magic Defeat the Bobcats

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:07:06 -0500

Rashard Lewis returned to the Magic lineup on Monday night and helped Orlando improve their record to 8-3 with a win over the Charlotte Bobcats Monday night. It was the second win over the Bobcats in a week but once again Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy was unhappy with his team’s play. “It was a good [...]

Charlotte Bobcats @ Orlando Magic

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:24:57 -0500

Tip is set for 7:00 pm EST. The story of the game was Rashard Lewis’ comeback after serving a 10-game suspension, but now there is another headline: Stephen Jackson was acquired from the Golden State Warrios Monday morning and will play for the Bobcats tonight. You can find my preview here. Starters Orlando Dwight Howard Rashard Lewis Mickael Pietrus Vince Carter Jameer [...]

Orlando Magic News & Notes: Rashard’s Return

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:16:38 -0500

The story of the night in Orlando is Rashard Lewis’ return to the team after serving a 10-game suspension. He will be starting as his usual Power Forward spot when the Magic take on the Charlotte Bobcats Monday night at 7:00 pm EST. Click here to read my preview of the game. Rashard Lewis is very [...]

After tonight, I’m back

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:20:20 -0500

What up, how is everybody out there???? Finally, at long last, tonight is the last game that I have to miss because of my suspension. I’ve known this thing was coming since June, but it’s been a lot harder to deal with than I thought it was going to be. Man, let me tell you that 10 games have felt like an entire 82-game season. It’s been killing me not playing.

Really, it feels like today is my last day in jail!!! I’m excited about it and I actually can’t wait for our game against Jersey tonight to be over because then it means my suspension is up. I might not even ride the bike at the house tonight because I’m so happy.

Watching that Cleveland game that we lost on Wednesday was so, so tough. I feel like those are statement games and we didn’t play well at all on the offensive or defensive end of the floor. They came in and almost bullied us around and I didn’t like that at all. I really wanted to be out there with my team for that one, whether we won or lost.

It’s crazy what’s happened to all of our power forwards. I’m out, Ryan Anderson gets hurt and then Brandon Bass gets sick. It’s been a rough first 10 games for all of us, really, with me being suspended and all the people getting hurt and sick. But once we get at full strength, we’ll be OK. I just wish I could help out tonight with none of our power forwards healthy. I might go out and celebrate after the game because my suspension is over.

Trust me, if you guys see me out at a restaurant tonight with my teammates I’ll be the one with a big smile on my face.

I actually woke up early this morning just ready to get to the gym and get my workout in. This is the last game that I have to sit out and knowing that has given me that extra boost of energy.

So after tonight, I’m back in full effect. I’ll get a run in on Saturday on my own and then I’ll be on the practice court with the fellas on Sunday. And then Monday night when I run on that floor, it will be so special to me. Sometimes not having something let’s you know how much it really means to you. I’ve missed playing basketball and I can’t wait for Monday to get here!!!

Remember we breaking the record tomorrow night on Saynow when I go live sometime between the time of 8-10pm EST time. Jonas Bros record is 2,200, we got to beat that!!! Cheer my bro's on tonight!! Peace out. -- SHARD

I’m paying attention to the games!!!

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:51:15 -0500

Friday’s game against the Pistons was No. 6 of my 10 games out of action, so I’m so happy now that this thing is almost over now. I’m actually ready to get back on the road and get these next two games in, and then after the Cleveland game, then I’m just one game out.

Trust me, Nov. 16 against Charlotte is circled on my calendar. It’s obviously tough being out, but I am happy when the team wins. It was tougher on me in Detroit when we lost that game. That was one where I got down on myself a little bit, but the guys have been doing a good job for the most part.

Everybody keeps asking me about what I’m doing during games. Well, I know this might come as a surprise to some of you (kidding!!!) but I actually watch the games really closely.

During the game I get a few text messages from friends, but I don’t respond until after the game. When I’m sitting there, I pay attention to what’s going on in the game. I watch every little detail, watching the rotations and I’m watching Stan with the play calls. Even when I can’t hear him, I know what he’s mad about. I guess because I’m on this team I really know every little thing going on that other people wouldn’t know even though I’m not at the arena.

It does make it tough sometimes to watch the game because my little girl, Gianna, usually wants to play then. She’s just 2 so she doesn’t understand that daddy needs to watch the game. She’s jumping on top of me, wanting candy and telling me to play with her, but I tell her that I have to watch the game. I’m watching her, but I’m paying attention to the game at the same time.

When I’m there she wants me to hold her and when I go out of the room she’s right behind me. When I go into my movie room – that’s where I watch the games -- she’s right there with me. With little kids you have to watch every little movement because you don’t want her to put anything in her mouth or jump down off the couch and hurt herself. I’m watching her and watching the game too.

It has been kind of hard on me mentally lately because I’m working out really hard, but I’m not getting to play in the game. But I’ve made it that far and I can get through the rest of this.

I need ya’ll’s support when I get back. My timing might be a little rusty, but I think my shot is going to be tight and my legs will be fresh. I’m out now and I’ll holler at you guys again real soon.

SWEET LEW

Rashard Lewis Suspended 10 Games After Testing Positive for PEDs

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 15:35:40 -0500

The Orlando Sentinel and several other outlets are reporting that Magic Forward Rashard Lewis has tested positive for a performance enhancing substance. According to league sources, Lewis was taking nutritional supplements at the end of last season that unknowing to him contained a substance commonly known as DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) — a chemical compound made naturally in [...]