Things look a bit differently for Andray Blatche today than they did a year ago.
Last October, Blatche entered training camp with the Nets on a non-guaranteed deal after being amnestied by the Wizards earlier in the summer, needing to prove himself every day. But after he became one
of the best bargain signings of last season, averaging 10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds off the bench behind Brook Lopez to form the best 1-2 punch at center in the league, Blatche returned to Brooklyn on a one-year deal this offseason and entered camp as a key member of the team’s rotation.
Even after last year’s success, however, Blatche said he is entering this season with the same mentality he had last October, when he had to prove himself daily.
“I’m comfortable being here in New York and with the organization,” Blatche said after Monday’s practice at the team’s practice facility before Tuesday’s preseason game against his former team. “But other than that the focus is still the same, and the mindset is still the same.
“I’m here to do a job, just the same as last year. I’m here to do a job, and my head is still in the same place. I’m staying humble and continuing to work.”
Blatche’s tenure came to an ugly end in Washington, with the team opting to use the amnesty provision in the collective bargaining agreement to pay him the final two years of his contract to play elsewhere. But after being given a chance to prove his worth with the Nets, he showed why Washington chose to give him a big-money contract in the first place.
“I thought Andray Blatche was a player who had the potential to be a rising star in this league when he was in Washington,” Jason Terry said. “For some reason or another, whenever we played him, he killed us. He averaged 25 points against us, whether it was preseason or regular season, and I thought, ‘Damn. What is this kid doing?’
“Watching his progression last year, it seemed like it finally turned on for him, and to see him here this year, watching him in September and in training camp thus far, he is a player that has stood out. Whether it’s defensively or making shots — which we know he can do — he looks like he’s ready to turn the corner.”
Blatche came into training camp looking stronger than in the past, and said he spent the summer working out in the weight room with strength and conditioning coach Jeremy Bettle and Lopez. It was the first time Blatche said he had lifted weights on a regular basis.
The 6-foot-11 center said he was happy with the results, and Lopez said he has noticed improvement, as well.
“Absolutely,” Lopez said. “It was great to get to take a look at Andray and see his work ethic and effort in the weight room. That really translates to the court, and it’s shown this past season and in this training camp.”
After the Nets gave Blatche a chance, he made it clear after re-signing he wanted to return that show of faith and come back to the Nets for another season. As part of a deep bench — which includes
Andrei Kirilenko and Terry — Blatche has a chance to play a big role behind Kevin Garnett on a team he thinks has a chance to compete for a championship.
His presence should afford coach Jason Kidd the ability to both limit Garnett’s minutes when he does play and periodically give him nights off to help keep him fresh.
“[Garnett is] working extremely hard,” Blatche said. “He’s putting a lot of pressure on our bigs because he can shoot. … He’s another guy who has had a great camp so far.”
As for his decision to stay in Brooklyn, Blatche said he hasn’t had a second thought about it since putting pen to paper in early July.
“Some teams reached out, and I did put some thought into [where he’d play this year],” Blatche said. “But at the same time, I wanted to show loyalty here.
“[The Nets] gave me an opportunity, and I wanted to come back. Especially after the trade [with the Celtics for Garnett, Terry and Paul Pierce], I really wanted to be a part of this.”