Yardbarker: RashardLewis

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

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

Just missed my first triple-double!!!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:39:23 -0500

What up y'all? Hope that you guys got to see our game against OKC last night because I almost did something that I’ve never accomplished in my 11-plus years in the NBA.

I nearly recorded my first triple-double in the NBA ever. It was just my second game back from the suspension and my legs were kinda getting heavy out there again, but I was able to get 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Just one assist short!!!! We were all trying to pick up the slack with Jameer Nelson out injured and the nine assists tied a career-high for me.

I haven’t had a triple-double since back in high school in Texas and that was with blocked shots, so I don’t even really count that. It would have been so much cooler to get my first triple-dub in the league.

What makes it even weirder was that I didn’t even play in the fourth quarter because we were up so big. But I did almost get back in the game. Some of the guys on the bench were trying to get Coach Van Gundy to put me back in the game, but I understand what he was doing keeping me out when we were up 30.

When the lead fell to 18, coach sent me and Dwight Howard to the scorer’s table to check back into the game. On one hand, I wanted to get back in to try and go for the triple-double. But on the other hand, I was kinda stiff after sitting on the bench, so I was OK not going back in.

It’s all good, not getting the triple-double. There will be other chances for that to come. This was about me trying to shake that rust off as quick as possible, I kind of struggled in my first game back on Monday because my legs got tired and my shot was flat.

We all know that have a HUGE game coming up on Friday in Boston, and I really wanted to shake the rust off before we played the Celtics. We’ll be going back there for the first time since last spring when we won that Game 7 on their homecourt.

I feel like that’s going to be a statement game for us to show the rest of the NBA how good of a team we really are. The Cleveland game last week was like that, and it killed me not being back for that game.

We know the Celtics are going to be trying to get some revenge against us, but we’ll be ready. It’s a really big game for us to show the rest of the league that we’re still one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference. And hey, you never know, I might get a triple-double in that game!!!

Well, I gotta get outta here. We got practice to get ready for Boston later today and then we fly out this afternoon for Beantown. Ya’ll be sure to check us out on ESPN Friday night and drop me a line when you can. Later.

SHARD 1-888-9RAWLEW

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

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

Sweet Lew's Logo

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:54:38 -0500

To make logos bigger, click here: http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a270/cmor42180/sweetlew2.jpg

Vote for which logo you like the best for yo boy right here: http://snappoll.com/poll/314394.php

Preciate all your support!!!

Later. -SHARD

Talking to Coach John Thompson

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:09:18 -0500

John Thompson and I discussed the ups and downs in my NBA career,

my daughter, and having a horse race in the Kentucky Derby.

Watching is difficult!!!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:35:41 -0500

What’s up everybody? We’re almost ready to launch my new site and I hope you guys really like it. I’m going to try and hit this blog a couple of times a week to give you guys a peek inside our season with the Magic and my life off the court. I think it’s gonna be pretty tight, and we’re all about winning that championship this season, so it’s gonna be a special year.

Ya’ll all know that I’m out and not playing, and I gotta tell you it’s been hard to deal with. I’ve known for months that this was coming, but I guess it didn’t really hit me hard until the night of the first game that I wasn’t there. Tonight vs. Detroit will be the fourth game, so I’m almost halfway through this thing. I’m just glad the team is winning and that’s taken some of the stress off, but it’s still killing me.

It’s kind of like being a kid on Christmas without actually getting to open the presents. I go through all of the practices and walkthroughs and I’m on the roadtrip with the fellas (by the way, dang it’s cold up here in Detroit), but then I don’t get to play in the games. I’m the type who likes to be involved with the team, and mentally this has been hard on me.

For the opener against Philly, I rode the bike before the game because I really wanted to see the team get the Eastern Conference banner. I had a lot to do with that and I didn’t want to miss it. I got a ride in before the game, got a shower and tuned in to make sure I didn’t miss seeing that banner go up.

And then in New Jersey, the game wasn’t on TV in the hotel room. I bet I flipped through those channels 20 times. I went down to the hotel lobby and they didn’t have the game, so I had to walk down the street to a bar. They didn’t even have the Nets on in there and I had to ask them to turn it on.

Even though I haven’t been playing I’ve worked hard to stay in shape. I know that I have to come back ready, but really there’s nothing like actually playing and game shape. No matter how much running you do and cardio, it’s different than playing in the game.

We’ve done as much on the court as possible with a lot of shooting drills and some cardio. I think I’ll have fresh legs, but I also think I’ll get tired early in games because I’ve been out. I haven’t scrimmaged much, so getting the tempo back might take a few games.

Trust me, I’ve already circled Nov. 16 on my calendar. That will be my first night back and I can’t wait for it. Ya’ll know I’m the ultimate team guy and not being a part of the team has been so hard for me. But I’ll survive and get back to help this team.

We’ll I’m out to get a bite. Hopefully we can beat Detroit tonight and get to 4-0. As long as we keep winning, that’s all I’m about.

Later -- SHARD

Appreciate It

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:20:30 -0500

I really appreciate y'all support! Make sure you help tonight by cheering as loud as you can for my Magic brothers against Philly! I'll be watching the game with you. Most people been asking how I'm preparing for my 10 game suspension, here is an article about it:

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2009/10/rashard-lewis-prepares-for-his-10game-suspension.html#more

Again, I want to thank you for your support!!! Magic family, Let's get it!

Later,

SWEET LEW

Art of the Three-Pointer

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:50:51 -0500

Get You Up To Speed

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:35:44 -0500

MY 5 FAVORITE NBA CITIES

October 26, 2009

What up ya’ll? Not much here because I haven’t played since last week, but it’s all good.

I’ve had the best seat in the house for the past three games, sitting on the court next to our bench. But I’ve got to admit that it’s really weird for me to be on the bench through the entire game and not play.

I don’t think I have dressed for a game and not played since my rookie year in the NBA. I did a lot of sitting that season 11 years ago, but this is strange for me. But I know all of the plays. So it’s not too difficult for me.

I know I have to be out for those first 10 games, so I totally understand what’s going on. And it’s not like I’m just sitting over there and not getting to play. The most important thing for the team right now is to get those other guys used to playing with one another and used to how we play.

I came in early today before shootaround and got my work in. And once the season starts, I’ll be on the road doing everything with the team. I’ll go with the team to shootaround and then get in all of my conditioning work afterwards. I can’t be at the arena for the game, but at least I’ll be there for everything else. So it won’t be all bad.

I’m a big list guy, so from time to time this year I’m going to give you guys my top-five lists on a variety of topics. Once we launch my website, Rashardlewis9.com in November, ya’ll will have to give me your feedback on my top five lists.

Here are my five favorite NBA cities:

1. Houston … Obviously because it’s my home.
2. L.A. … Well, because it’s L.AAAAAAAAA.
3. Miami … The weather is so nice there, like Orlando.
4. New York … The Mecca!!!
5. I’d say San Antonio, Dallas or Phoenix because the atmosphere is always so great in those buildings. I guess I’d go with Phoenix because that’s just such a great city.

GETTING MY WORK IN

October 22, 2009

What's up everybody? Everything is good here, but I gotta tell you that it’s strange not playing here lately. I didn’t play Monday night when we were in Chicago and I didn’t play again Wednesday night against Indiana.

We still won 117-87 to make us 7-0 in the preseason. We’re the only undefeated team in the preseason, but it really doesn’t matter much at this point. We’ll be 0-0 on Wednesday when the games start counting for real.

Ya’ll all know by now that I’ll be out the first 10 games of the season and Coach Van Gundy is trying to get the rotations set for how we will open the season. He’s been playing Ryan Anderson, Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes at the four spot and they have been playing really well.

It’s all good not playing in these games because I know the offensive plays and the defensive rotations already. And I certainly know how to play with Dwight and ‘Meer already, so it’s not like I will forget all of that in a couple of weeks.

As for me staying in playing shape, don’t worry about that. I didn’t play Wednesday night, but I definitely got my work in earlier in the day. I stayed after practice Wednesday morning with coach Steve Clifford and our video guy, Charles Klask, for more than an hour.

We got in a good 45 minutes of shooting from all of the spots all over the floor. I shot the ball really well, trying to keep my form straight. Then, after that, I got in another 30-minute run on the treadmill.

It’s not like playing in a game, but I was at least able to get a nice sweat going. I’ll get my work in every day and I believe my legs and lungs will be strong when I get back. And I really think with all of the shooting that I’m planning on doing that my shot will be really tight by the time that I get back in the games.

Well, I better run for now. Ya’ll remember that my site at RashardLewis9.com is launching in November and I really think you guys are going to like it. We’re going to have up several ways you guys can interact with me, so be sure to check it out.

L8 SWEET LEW

WE’RE MAKING THE SACRIFICES

October 19, 2009

Hey everybody, hope ya’ll had a good weekend. Ours was pretty good. We had Friday off, but attended a luncheon with our Magic fans that afternoon. It’s so cool to see how excited and ready for the season that Magic fans are these days. They can’t wait to get started and we can’t either. We gotta bring that championship home to our fans this year.

We practiced on Saturday and Sunday and we’re in Chicago now to play the Bulls tonight. We have three more preseason games this week and then they start counting for real on the 28th.

It’s going to be a weird week for me because coach is going to start cutting my minutes these next few games. I won’t start in any of the three games this week, and I might just play a few minutes to stay sharp.

Ya’ll already know I’ve got to miss those first 10 games because of the suspension, and it’s already on my mind. It’s going to be tough staying away from the arena on game nights, so I’ll have to do something to stay active during the games. I’m thinking about riding a stationary bike during the games just to get my sweat rolling.

I’ve got all the confidence in my teammates they will pick up the slack while I’m out. And it’s been nothing but love from my teammates about my situation. They know I’m upset about having to miss those first few games, and they’ve really had my back through all of this.

We’ll be all right while I’m out because of all of the depth that we have now.Ryan Anderson and Brandon Bass have played great all preseason, so they will split time at the 4. And MP is playing like it’s the playoffs already and Matt Barnes was a great pickup this summer, so we’ll be OK at 3 too. Nice job, Otis Smith!

I was wondering how this team would share the ball and sacrifice coming into camp. We have so many pieces now and so much depth, so I wanted to see if guys were willing to put their egos aside for the good of the team. In our first team meeting, I stood up and talked about how I expected guys to make sacrifices for the good of the team. That’s the only way we’re going to win a championship is if guys put the team first.

So far, I’ve been so happy with how we have played. We’ve shared the ball and guys have worked on playing different positions. There’s been no bickering over the ball, and I really think we have a chance to have a great team again. Let’s hope that carries over to the regular season. I think it will because we have good leadership and character guys on this squad.

Well, I better get outta here for now and get ready for the game. My official website, RashardLewis9.com, is gonna launch in November, so ya’ll be sure to check it out. In the time being, you can follow my blog here and my tweets on Twitter and Facebook. And I even have a Hotline (407-545-6592) where ya’ll can drop me a message and hear my thoughts of the day.

Take care. L8
SWEET LEW

LIFE IS ALL ABOUT CHANGE

October 14, 2009

I have spent the past couple of months making the adjustment from power forward back to small forward. I have heard some people say that I appear to be making the transition very easy, but I can tell you that nothing is ever that easy.

During my time with the Seattle Sonics, I played primarily at the small forward position. When I moved to Orlando I found myself playing both the small forward and power forward spots. Having versatility on the roster gives you more options, thus improving the overall strength of the team. The coaching staff felt we would be a better team if some of us expanded our roles and that included me.

With some changes to our roster, this season Coach Van Gundy wanted me to play more minutes at the small forward spot. Having spent nine seasons playing that position in Seattle, it’s a more comfortable transition this season.

I feel that I have had a pretty good rhythm on the offensive end of the floor. I am shooting about 50% from the field and about 45% from beyond the arc. I have a lot of things I can improve on, but overall I have felt pretty good thus far.

The biggest difference is on the defensive end. On defense it’s a little different because now I find myself chasing guys on the wings instead of defending them on the post. This is my first time doing it this preseason and I think I’ve done okay. I didn’t feel lost at all out there.

This past Tuesday night we posted a 121-86 win over the New Orleans Hornets. I played 30 minutes and felt comfortable. More importantly it provided Ryan Anderson, who we acquired in an off-season trade with the New Jersey Nets, the opportunity to start. Ryan responded with a game-high 22 points.

Right now I think we’re doing a good job of moving the ball and not being selfish. I think we have a chance to be a really good team, provided that we all continue to play as one.

Again I am not the only one that will be bouncing back and forth between positions on the floor. It’s something that our team as a unit has embraced. We understand that each and every one of us must have a willingness to sacrifice for the betterment of the team. It is something that has been talked about since the very first meeting before training camp even began. Our goal is to do whatever it takes to bring a World Championship to Orlando.

Action!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:21:29 -0500