Albert & Theus Speak Out

By George Stahl

Some of the items discussed by TNT announcers Marv Albert and Reggie Theus in their half-hour conference call Wednesday.

On how Albert may feel Friday:

(Albert) “I think I’ve been helped by doing the games with the Knicks. If I was just going into it, I think there would be even more anxiety. I think it was very, very good for me to do the studio show in Atlanta."

“I feel comfortable. ... When I think back to games on NBC or Knick games on MSG, I’d have that little ripple, that little anxiety. And I like that. I think that’s good because you care, and you want to have that just before you go on the air. I want to have that and I certainly will - certainly for the first game."

“Otherwise, I’m comfortable with doing the game, I don’t have any problem with that. I really look forward to it.”

(Theus) “All I have to say about working with Marv is 'Yes!' I’m looking forward to it.”

“We’re going to be fine. I’m excited as hell, that’s all I can tell you, it’s going to be a lot of fun for me. I’m sure that Marv feels the same way.”

"As a matter of fact, one thing that Marv said to me and it was important 'Hey, Reg, we’re just going to have fun. We’re going to have a good time talking about the game.'”

On his appearance Monday with David Letterman:

(Albert) “I didn’t think that [he was more subdued than normal]. Although, it’s hard for me to have a measuring stick. I don’t want to come out with a litany of kneeslappers. I don’t think that’s appropriate.”

“To me, it was not any different. I’m really comfortable there. I’ve done about three or four over the last year or so. I feel real comfortable with Dave and with that situation.”

On returning to television:

(Albert) "I’m thrilled that it’s come. No question, it’s great. I just feel that I’m getting back to - quote - normal now, closing in on whatever that level is that, when I do games or I’m in the studio, I’m reacting the way I did when I was at NBC over the years."

On his lowest moments 1 1/2 to two years ago:

(Albert) "Yeah I didn’t know if this day would come. At the lowest moments, I had no idea."

On people heckling him:

(Albert) "People have been unbelievable actually. I have done quite a few road games and, if anything, it’s been the opposite. The people have gone out of their way and have been extremely nice."

"I’m sure there will be someone down the line where someone will yell something, but it hasn’t happened and I’m hoping it continues in that direction. People have been just terrific."

On Albert's slower personal schedule:

(Albert) “It’s getting a little busier for me but not what it was, and I intend to maintain that because it’s nice having some few days.”

On answering the same questions in conference calls:

(Albert) “I’m kind of delighted that I reached this point where I am taking this type of conference call and answering questions. I hope maybe we’re winding down in that area.”

“In many ways, it’s a good thing for me because I’m able to express certain feelings that I have. ... Being part of the media for many years, I certainly understand what it’s all about.”

On NBC:

(Albert) “I think they do a great job, as always, in every phase. I’m still very close to people who are there both on and off the air, and we talk all the time. I think they are on top of their game."

On being the voice of NBA:

(Albert) "I don’t look for that. I just want to go on the air and do the best possible job I can do. I think that’s for others to assess. I want to do a tremendous job, and I have such passion for the game and for doing broadcasts. ... I’m just so happy to be back doing that and just looking to do the best possible job I can do."

(Theus) “Marv is very humble. Marv is the voice of the NBA, by the way. He always has been."

"We all grew up listening to Marv. He’s being humble, but his voice is synonymous with the NBA.”

On the possibility of replacing famed Lakers announcer Chick Hearn, whenever he would retire:

(Albert) “I am tied into the Knicks for a couple of years, and I’m very happy in New York. ... It’s just a great setup - the combination of Madison Square Garden and Turner.”

“That’s [replacing Hearn] not something I even think about.”

“I’m so ingrained in the New York situation, and they have been so terrific to me, that I think that’s the direction I’m going in. That, with the combination of Turner, I couldn’t be happier with it.”

On Rodman and the Lakers:

(Albert) “I’m not going to make a judgment on someone’s lifestyle, and I don’t know if what we see publicly ... is what takes place privately."

“What I can make a judgment on is the that fact that, I think, the guy when he shows up is a tremendous player, in terms of basketball I.Q. I think everybody would agree that’s how you win championships with somebody like that because he’s a complimentary-type player."

“If his mind is into it, the guy could win them a championship.”

"I wonder why they accept it [Rodman's antics] only from the point of view is there anybody there that [the Lakers] felt that he would respect? ... I think they’re still trying to figure that out.”

On Michael Jordan buying the Hornets:

(Albert) “I would love to see it happen. I’m sure the NBA would also.”

(Theus) “I think the more basketball people we have in management positions and ownership positions is just going to enhance the league. I think it’s great. Obviously, it’s still just rumored. I don’t know if there is any concrete things said about it, although I keep hearing it from different types of various sources. I think it would be a wonderful thing. Michael Jordan involved in basketball in any capacity is good for the league.”

On the lack of offense this season in the NBA:

(Albert) “I just think it has to do with the fact that teams never practice. No preseason - two games. While the players may - deep down - enjoy the fact that they don’t go to practice, I think it’s affected the fundamentals and some of the shooting."

(Theus) “This is one of the few times that I have ever heard players actually talk to me about missing practice. So I think it’s been an eye-opener and quite a difference in understanding of what is necessary to be on top of your game.”

“Doing those things after practice really does help guys with their shooting, [because] it helps you remember what you’re doing from a mechanical situation right or wrong.”

“I don’t think the guys are really in that great of shape yet. I think that by the end of the season, you’re going to see guys basically getting into the best shape of the season right at the end just before the playoffs."

"I don’t think the games have been any less exciting because of the low scoring. I think, that obviously we’ve seen a little bit more sloppy basketball. But I think, all in all, it’s still been very exciting, and guys have really worked hard to get where they are right now."

"Its a tough thing playing three games in three nights, even if you’re eating steak and lobster on a chartered plane.”