http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...TS04/607130466
ORLANDO, Fla. -- It was supposed to be a mismatch.
At one point guard was Marcus Williams, the player some called the best at his position in this year's draft.
At the other point guard was Snap Hunter, whose well-traveled playing career doesn't include NBA experience.
In the end it was the journeyman outplaying the rookie.
Hunter made up for a poor first two days of summer league to control the tempo and get the upper hand against Williams in the Pacers' 89-62 victory over the New Jersey Nets.
"I thought he came out with a little bit more force and intensity and the competitiveness that shows he wants to have a career in this league," Pacers assistant coach Chuck Person said.
Hunter finished with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal in 23 minutes. Williams went scoreless on 0-for-7 shooting, with four rebounds, four assists and three turnovers.
"Of course, you want to make your mark," Hunter said. "It's good for him to play against veteran guys. Playing against him, you can see why he's rated so high. He's very controlled and he plays with the passion of wanting to get his teammates open. He's a true point guard. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself in the first couple games. As you get older, you think your window of opportunity is closing."
Hunter committed four turnovers in the first game and was benched for most of Tuesday's game against Orlando. Person and Mel Daniels, the Pacers' director of player personnel, told Hunter to settle down and play his game.
"For a lack of a better statement, sitting on the bench has a lot to do with Snap getting things turned around," Person said. "Snap understands his opportunity is now and he has to seize the moment. He can't reach his potential sitting on the bench."
Hunter played well last summer to earn an invitation to the Pacers' training camp. He was one of the last players cut, at least in part because the Pacers already had four point guards under contract.
Hunter averaged nearly 28 points, 5.4 assists and 5.4 rebounds while with Gary of the CBA before playing in a Spanish league.
Several teams contacted Hunter this summer. He decided to return to the Pacers because he's familiar with the system and knows the team is undergoing roster changes.
"I know the plays and that gives me self-confidence," Hunter said. "It makes me work even harder because I know what they want from me. I'm trying to open their eyes even wider on who I am to give myself a chance."
Williams likes his situation
Williams sat patiently, waiting to hear his name called on draft night in New York.
Even though there was some talk that the Pacers would draft him at No. 17, Williams didn't think they would because of their point guard situation.
He fell to the Nets at No. 22. Williams, who is averaging 13.3 points and 8.3 assists this week, feels he went to the right team because he has a chance to play with and learn from Jason Kidd, a seven-time All-Star.
"New Jersey had been saying they needed a backup point guard for a couple of years," Williams said. "I don't think I could be in a better situation playing with wings like Vince (Carter) and Richard (Jefferson) and arguably one of the best point guards. I think it's great."
2 Pacers sit
Danny Granger and rookie Shawne Williams sat out Wednesday's game.
Granger said he'll play tonight, but won't play Friday.
Williams missed his second straight game with a hamstring injury. The Pacers say the injury isn't serious, but they want to make sure he doesn't aggravate it. Williams said he hopes to play tonight.
Etc.
Rookie James White, nicknamed "Flight" for his leaping ability, missed a breakaway dunk in the first half. . . . David Harrison, who was excused from Tuesday's game for personal reasons, led the Pacers with 18 points.
Call star reporter Mike Wells at (317) 444-6053.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- It was supposed to be a mismatch.
At one point guard was Marcus Williams, the player some called the best at his position in this year's draft.
At the other point guard was Snap Hunter, whose well-traveled playing career doesn't include NBA experience.
In the end it was the journeyman outplaying the rookie.
Hunter made up for a poor first two days of summer league to control the tempo and get the upper hand against Williams in the Pacers' 89-62 victory over the New Jersey Nets.
"I thought he came out with a little bit more force and intensity and the competitiveness that shows he wants to have a career in this league," Pacers assistant coach Chuck Person said.
Hunter finished with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal in 23 minutes. Williams went scoreless on 0-for-7 shooting, with four rebounds, four assists and three turnovers.
"Of course, you want to make your mark," Hunter said. "It's good for him to play against veteran guys. Playing against him, you can see why he's rated so high. He's very controlled and he plays with the passion of wanting to get his teammates open. He's a true point guard. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself in the first couple games. As you get older, you think your window of opportunity is closing."
Hunter committed four turnovers in the first game and was benched for most of Tuesday's game against Orlando. Person and Mel Daniels, the Pacers' director of player personnel, told Hunter to settle down and play his game.
"For a lack of a better statement, sitting on the bench has a lot to do with Snap getting things turned around," Person said. "Snap understands his opportunity is now and he has to seize the moment. He can't reach his potential sitting on the bench."
Hunter played well last summer to earn an invitation to the Pacers' training camp. He was one of the last players cut, at least in part because the Pacers already had four point guards under contract.
Hunter averaged nearly 28 points, 5.4 assists and 5.4 rebounds while with Gary of the CBA before playing in a Spanish league.
Several teams contacted Hunter this summer. He decided to return to the Pacers because he's familiar with the system and knows the team is undergoing roster changes.
"I know the plays and that gives me self-confidence," Hunter said. "It makes me work even harder because I know what they want from me. I'm trying to open their eyes even wider on who I am to give myself a chance."
Williams likes his situation
Williams sat patiently, waiting to hear his name called on draft night in New York.
Even though there was some talk that the Pacers would draft him at No. 17, Williams didn't think they would because of their point guard situation.
He fell to the Nets at No. 22. Williams, who is averaging 13.3 points and 8.3 assists this week, feels he went to the right team because he has a chance to play with and learn from Jason Kidd, a seven-time All-Star.
"New Jersey had been saying they needed a backup point guard for a couple of years," Williams said. "I don't think I could be in a better situation playing with wings like Vince (Carter) and Richard (Jefferson) and arguably one of the best point guards. I think it's great."
2 Pacers sit
Danny Granger and rookie Shawne Williams sat out Wednesday's game.
Granger said he'll play tonight, but won't play Friday.
Williams missed his second straight game with a hamstring injury. The Pacers say the injury isn't serious, but they want to make sure he doesn't aggravate it. Williams said he hopes to play tonight.
Etc.
Rookie James White, nicknamed "Flight" for his leaping ability, missed a breakaway dunk in the first half. . . . David Harrison, who was excused from Tuesday's game for personal reasons, led the Pacers with 18 points.
Call star reporter Mike Wells at (317) 444-6053.
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