Price is right for Bulls' Larry Hughes
By K.C. Johnson | Tribune staff reporter
11:38 PM CST, December 13, 2008
As if the Bulls haven't tormented the Cavaliers enough in their shared history, now Larry Hughes is shooting the highest percentages of his career thanks in part to help from an unlikely source— Mark Price.
The longtime Cavaliers guard helped Hughes with his shot during the summer of 2007, when Hughes still played for Cleveland. Now the benefits belong to the Bulls.
"I took some things he showed me as far as technique and squaring up to the basket better and getting more arc on my shot," said Hughes, who scored 10 on Saturday. "That helped tie everything together. He helped me out a lot."
So did Hughes working consistently the last two summers basically to rework his jumper. Like a golfer rebuilding his swing, Hughes had to adjust to a new release point after he missed 45 games in 2006 because of a shattered knuckle on his shooting hand.
"I'm not able to open my hand up all the way," Hughes said. "And I never will be able to. So I had to get used to how the ball comes off my hand now. I basically have a different shooting stroke than I did before the injury.
"It's something I've done for the past two summers now, finding the best way to regain a good release without having the full motion of my finger. This is as comfortable as I've been with the hand since I suffered the injury."
Hughes entered Saturday night shooting 45.2 percent, second-highest of his 11-year career behind a 46.7 percent mark with Washington in 2002-03. He also is at a career-best 46.3 on three-pointers, tied for ninth in the league.
Yet Hughes joked he didn't want to jinx his recent hot streak by talking about it, preferring to discuss his release point.
"Now I have to make sure the ball is in the right spot or there's no telling where it's going to go," he said.
12/10/08
Hughes Hits Critical 3 Pointer in Bulls Win Over Knicks
Hughes shot 6/14 from the field(2/5 from behind the arc, 2/2 from the free throw line) grabbed a season high 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 1 blocked shot. Hughes blocked a layup attempt by Quentin Richardson with 1:14 remaining in the 4th quarter as well as nailed a 3pt shot with :55 remaining in the forth to bring Chicago ahead 100-97.
12/8/08
Chicago Tribune Article on Hughes By K.C Johnson
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Bulls' Larry Hughes nothing to laugh at
Veteran guard stepping into shot, stepping up game
By K.C. Johnson | Tribune reporter
8:21 PM CST, December 7, 2008
The creator of the hilarious Web site heylarryhughespleasestoptakingsomanybadshots.com has posted only two entries since the February trade that sent Larry Hughes from Cleveland to the Bulls.
The self-described Cavaliers fan claims his work is done now that Hughes plays elsewhere. But even if the witty site were still being mined for material daily, the serious truth is Hughes wouldn't be giving anybody much with which to work.
Hughes is—no joke—currently taking good shots.
"I'm being aggressive and putting the practice time in," Hughes said. "If I didn't put the time in, I don't think any of this would be happening. But I've really been working at shooting the ball in rhythm and stepping into shots. Right now the three-pointer is what I'm getting."
Related links
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Larry Hughes in action Larry Hughes in action Photos
*
2008-09 Bulls schedule, results
And the three-pointer is what Hughes is hitting: 12 of his last 17. Hughes is up to 47.7 percent on his three-pointers and 44.8 percent overall, far above his career figures of 30 percent on threes and 41 percent overall.
Hughes is averaging 13 points in 26.8 minutes, the Bulls' second-highest scoring average prorated over 48 minutes behind Ben Gordon.
"I've been around a while," Hughes said. "A lot of these guys have seen me go out and score 30 and play a lot of minutes. They see me playing less minutes and kind of wonder. But I come to practice every day and work on what I need to work on. And I keep moving on to the next day.
"I always try to keep my teammates before me on the court. I try to help guys out, get guys in their groove because I feel I can always find my groove."
Hughes did little to dispel his reputation, fair or not, as a selfish player by complaining about his playing time Nov. 18 in Los Angeles. His comments led to a meeting with coach Vinny Del Negro and general manager John Paxson, and Hughes since has accepted his lesser role professionally if begrudgingly.
"If you ask me, he's handled it well," Gordon said. "He voiced his opinion about it, but he handled it professionally. And whenever he gets a chance to play, he takes advantage of it."
Hughes' 14-point second quarter helped ignite the Bulls' offense in Saturday's home victory over Washington. He then drained a huge three-pointer with 95 seconds left to negate a late Wizards comeback.
"Larry has played consistently all year from the first day of training camp," Del Negro said. "He wants to compete. He wants to play every minute. Defensively he's one of my better guys. He gives me versatility. He's got some years under his belt in this league."
That experience has spawned both ridiculing Web sites and, at least currently, efficient play at both ends.
kcjohnson@tribune.com
Bulls' Larry Hughes nothing to laugh at
Veteran guard stepping into shot, stepping up game
By K.C. Johnson | Tribune reporter
8:21 PM CST, December 7, 2008
The creator of the hilarious Web site heylarryhughespleasestoptakingsomanybadshots.com has posted only two entries since the February trade that sent Larry Hughes from Cleveland to the Bulls.
The self-described Cavaliers fan claims his work is done now that Hughes plays elsewhere. But even if the witty site were still being mined for material daily, the serious truth is Hughes wouldn't be giving anybody much with which to work.
Hughes is—no joke—currently taking good shots.
"I'm being aggressive and putting the practice time in," Hughes said. "If I didn't put the time in, I don't think any of this would be happening. But I've really been working at shooting the ball in rhythm and stepping into shots. Right now the three-pointer is what I'm getting."
Related links
*
Larry Hughes in action Larry Hughes in action Photos
*
2008-09 Bulls schedule, results
And the three-pointer is what Hughes is hitting: 12 of his last 17. Hughes is up to 47.7 percent on his three-pointers and 44.8 percent overall, far above his career figures of 30 percent on threes and 41 percent overall.
Hughes is averaging 13 points in 26.8 minutes, the Bulls' second-highest scoring average prorated over 48 minutes behind Ben Gordon.
"I've been around a while," Hughes said. "A lot of these guys have seen me go out and score 30 and play a lot of minutes. They see me playing less minutes and kind of wonder. But I come to practice every day and work on what I need to work on. And I keep moving on to the next day.
"I always try to keep my teammates before me on the court. I try to help guys out, get guys in their groove because I feel I can always find my groove."
Hughes did little to dispel his reputation, fair or not, as a selfish player by complaining about his playing time Nov. 18 in Los Angeles. His comments led to a meeting with coach Vinny Del Negro and general manager John Paxson, and Hughes since has accepted his lesser role professionally if begrudgingly.
"If you ask me, he's handled it well," Gordon said. "He voiced his opinion about it, but he handled it professionally. And whenever he gets a chance to play, he takes advantage of it."
Hughes' 14-point second quarter helped ignite the Bulls' offense in Saturday's home victory over Washington. He then drained a huge three-pointer with 95 seconds left to negate a late Wizards comeback.
"Larry has played consistently all year from the first day of training camp," Del Negro said. "He wants to compete. He wants to play every minute. Defensively he's one of my better guys. He gives me versatility. He's got some years under his belt in this league."
That experience has spawned both ridiculing Web sites and, at least currently, efficient play at both ends.
kcjohnson@tribune.com
Hughes Shines in Bulls 117-110 Win Over Wizards
Hughes scored 24 pionts( 7/13 from the field 5/6 from behind the arc, and 5/6 from the free throw line) grabbed 4 rebounds, distributed 5 assists and swiped 2 steals.
12/4/08
Hughes continues consistent play in Bulls loss to Bucks
Hughes scored 13 points( 4/8 from the filed, 3/4 from behind the arc, and 2/2 from teh free throw line) 2 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 blocked shot in 24 minutes of action. However, the Bulls lost to the 90 to 97.
12/1/08
Hughes In The Right Place At The Right Time
A Chicago Sun Times article by John Jackson
SAN ANTONIO -- When Larry Hughes dislocated his right shoulder during a preseason game last month, the initial prognosis had him being sidelined a minimum of six weeks. That would have meant he wouldn't have been able to return until sometime next week.
Instead, Hughes missed half that amount of time and is starting to round into form after nearly two weeks of game action.
Hughes certainly announced he can be a factor this season when he came up with a loose ball and stuck a 20-foot jumper at the buzzer to give the Bulls a 101-100 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night.
''It's coming back,'' Hughes said Tuesday after the Bulls conducted a practice at Trinity University in preparation for tonight's game with the San Antonio Spurs. ''I missed the first eight games. Being out for three weeks, it takes some time to get some timing and rhythm back, but I feel comfortable just getting out there playing minutes.
''I definitely feel like I can make plays, and making game-winning shots and game-winning passes is something I want to do.''
Hughes becoming the hero Monday was the result of a fortunate bounce. With the Bulls trailing by a point, the final play was set up for rookie Derrick Rose, who had another spectacular game with 25 points and nine assists.
But Rose's potential game-winner hit hard off the back rim and bounced out to Hughes on the perimeter. He gathered himself, took a dribble-step back and fired a fadeaway jumper as a defender ran at him.
The shot left Hughes' hand with about 1.4 seconds left, and time had expired by the time it dropped through the basket.
''We were fortunate,'' Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. ''Derrick had a nice look at it and he was hot at the time, being aggressive and we'll take our chances. Larry stayed in the play and made a really nice play.
''You have to get fortunate once in a while. We've had our share of bad things happen, so it was nice to get a break.''
The ball bouncing out to Hughes was a fortunate break, but he still had to hit the shot in the clutch.
''The ball hit the back of the rim, my guy went in to rebound it and it went over his head,'' Hughes said. ''I knew I could get off a pretty good shot, a quick shot, and I had enough to make it. I had a good look. I definitely felt like it was going in.''
The Utah defender recovered enough to charge out and contest the shot.
''I was kind of locked in on the rim,'' Hughes said. ''I knew I had to get away from him a little bit because he was coming back out on the close-out. But I was pretty much locked in on the rim, and I felt like he wouldn't block it.''
After dropping the first two games of the trip -- including a 42-point loss in Portland -- the Bulls have won two of three and are a respectable 7-8 on the season.
''We feel pretty good,'' Hughes said. ''We're on a six-game trip, we're 2-3 right now with a chance to go .500 on the trip. That's what we're focusing on, being competitive, especially in the West. It would be a positive to come on the West Coast trip and go .500.''
SAN ANTONIO -- When Larry Hughes dislocated his right shoulder during a preseason game last month, the initial prognosis had him being sidelined a minimum of six weeks. That would have meant he wouldn't have been able to return until sometime next week.
Instead, Hughes missed half that amount of time and is starting to round into form after nearly two weeks of game action.
Hughes certainly announced he can be a factor this season when he came up with a loose ball and stuck a 20-foot jumper at the buzzer to give the Bulls a 101-100 victory over the Utah Jazz on Monday night.
''It's coming back,'' Hughes said Tuesday after the Bulls conducted a practice at Trinity University in preparation for tonight's game with the San Antonio Spurs. ''I missed the first eight games. Being out for three weeks, it takes some time to get some timing and rhythm back, but I feel comfortable just getting out there playing minutes.
''I definitely feel like I can make plays, and making game-winning shots and game-winning passes is something I want to do.''
Hughes becoming the hero Monday was the result of a fortunate bounce. With the Bulls trailing by a point, the final play was set up for rookie Derrick Rose, who had another spectacular game with 25 points and nine assists.
But Rose's potential game-winner hit hard off the back rim and bounced out to Hughes on the perimeter. He gathered himself, took a dribble-step back and fired a fadeaway jumper as a defender ran at him.
The shot left Hughes' hand with about 1.4 seconds left, and time had expired by the time it dropped through the basket.
''We were fortunate,'' Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. ''Derrick had a nice look at it and he was hot at the time, being aggressive and we'll take our chances. Larry stayed in the play and made a really nice play.
''You have to get fortunate once in a while. We've had our share of bad things happen, so it was nice to get a break.''
The ball bouncing out to Hughes was a fortunate break, but he still had to hit the shot in the clutch.
''The ball hit the back of the rim, my guy went in to rebound it and it went over his head,'' Hughes said. ''I knew I could get off a pretty good shot, a quick shot, and I had enough to make it. I had a good look. I definitely felt like it was going in.''
The Utah defender recovered enough to charge out and contest the shot.
''I was kind of locked in on the rim,'' Hughes said. ''I knew I had to get away from him a little bit because he was coming back out on the close-out. But I was pretty much locked in on the rim, and I felt like he wouldn't block it.''
After dropping the first two games of the trip -- including a 42-point loss in Portland -- the Bulls have won two of three and are a respectable 7-8 on the season.
''We feel pretty good,'' Hughes said. ''We're on a six-game trip, we're 2-3 right now with a chance to go .500 on the trip. That's what we're focusing on, being competitive, especially in the West. It would be a positive to come on the West Coast trip and go .500.''
Hughes Fails Well in Reserve Roll Bulls Win
Hughes scored 16 points (6-10 from the field, 4-6 from behind the arc), grabbed 3 rebounds and distributed 2 assists in the Bulls 103 win of the 76'ers 92.
11/25/08
Bulls Beat Jazz on Last Second Shot
The Chicago rookie tied his career high with nine assists and accidentally set up Larry Hughes' game-winning shot as the Bulls beat the Jazz 101-100 on Monday night, giving Utah its first home loss of the season.
With Chicago trailing 100-99, Rose took an 18-foot jumper that bounced high off the rim and right to Hughes, who beat the buzzer and the Jazz from 22 feet away.
"We needed that win and we didn't care how we got it,'' said Rose, who scored 10 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter.
Rose, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, was one point off his career high and kept the Bulls in it as the lead went back-and-forth until Hughes' shot at the buzzer.
"Derrick was penetrating, making plays for himself and finding people, so I just wanted to get the ball in his hands,'' Chicago coach Vinny Del Negro said. "He's only going to get better as the season goes along.''
The Bulls were just 1-6 on the road this season and nobody had beaten Utah at home since the Lakers last March. The Jazz had won 14 straight at home, but had only a patchwork lineup to play Monday night with starters Deron Williams (ankle), Carlos Boozer (quad) and three other regulars out with injuries.
The teams had to use temporary shot clocks on the floor, so it was difficult to tell if Hughes' shot counted. The Bulls had no doubt as they charged the floor from their bench as the Jazz stood stunned. The play was reviewed and the shot stood to give the Bulls their second road win of the season.
"I've never had a walk-off with no time on the clock,'' said Hughes, who finished with 16 points. "I've hit some game winners, but never without any time on the clock.''
Mehmet Okur had 26 points and nine rebounds for the Jazz, who outscored the Bulls 30-19 in the third quarter, but didn't have enough to hold off Chicago down the stretch.
"We needed a stop somewhere in that last span,'' Utah's Ronnie Price, who had 11 points and eight assists. "We kept trading baskets and you can't win games trading baskets, especially when they hit the last one.''
C.J. Miles put back a rebound with 11 seconds remaining to put the Jazz up 100-99, but that was enough time for the Bulls to get it back up the court. Rose's shot missed, but the rebound kicked right out to Hughes for the game-winner.
"When the shot goes up, you've got to know who's out on the floor,'' Utah coach Jerry Sloan said. "You've got to guard the guy out on the floor and be ready to guard him. I thought we did a pretty decent job except way out on the wings we got caught.''
Drew Gooden had 18 points and Ben Gordon scored 15 for the Bulls, who improved to 2-3 on a seven-game road trip. Chicago's bench outscored Utah's 21-12 and the Bulls finished 41-for-80 from the floor with Rose making 10 of 18 and all four of his foul shots.
Paul Millsap had 21 points and 10 rebounds in his second start for Boozer before fouling out with 1:18 left in the game. The Jazz also lost reserve point guard Brevin Knight with a sprained left index finger early in the fourth.
Brewer scored 18 for Utah, which was 14-for-20 in third quarter while outscoring Chicago 30-19 but couldn't hang on to the lead.
Notes: Chicago's Luol Deng returned after missing three straight games with a strained left hamstring. ... Joakim Noah was the only Chicago starter not to score in double figures, finishing with six points and seven rebounds. ... The Jazz were missing Williams, Boozer, F Kyle Korver (wrist), F Matt Harpring (back) and C Jarron Collins (elbow).
11/14/08
Hughes Returns
Larry returned on 11/13 to play against the Dallas Mavericks. He scored 5 points( 2/5 from the field 1/1 from behind the arc), grabbed 2 rebounds and had 1 steal. Larry played 13 minutes in his season debut and will continue to play limited minutes until he has fully recovered from his injury.
11/10/08
Shouldering an Injury
Larry has missed the past 6 games with a dislocated shoulder. He began to shoot around and perform dribbling exercises the week of 11/3. It was initially reported that he would miss 2-3 months. However, he expected to miss 2-3 weeks(considerable difference).
8/19/08
Larry Still Has Hops
Despite what many Cleveland Cavalier fans claimed about Hughes's decline in athleticism he is still explosive. Below you can see Hughes simply performing a 360 dunk!
8/11/08
Riding With Larry Hughes Interview
ST. LOUIS -- Larry Hughes is thoughtful and quiet. It's not accurate to call him distant, but he's not always eager to share. The best way to peel back Hughes' layers is to ask him about two things -- his tattoos and his cars. He owns 10 cars and has 20 tattoos. Some people collect stamps. He collects wheels and ink.
Hughes, traded to Chicago in a three-team, 11-player deal in February that brought Ben Wallace to Cleveland, was the latest athlete to participate in Page 2's "Riding With" series, in which we interview athletes in their cars. Turns out that despite his quiet nature, Hughes has a lot to say. He gave us his side of what happened in Cleveland, why he never completed a dunk at the 2000 NBA All-Star Game and whether his wife got jealous when he cuddled with Destiny Child's Kelly Rowland in his buddy Nelly's "Dilemma" video.
Hughes also opened up about a very sensitive subject -- the death of his brother, Justin, who died two years ago at age 20 after battling heart problems.
What happened in Cleveland?
Nothing really happened. A lot of things went on in my life as far as personal stuff. Cleveland just wasn't a happy place for me. I needed something fresh to kind of change the scenery.
How much of your experience (in Cleveland) was tainted by the death of your brother, Justin?
A lot. I realize it every day that a part of me is gone. I have to move on, knowing it's not going to be easy. Playing basketball doesn't make everything better. Making money doesn't make everything better. That's really what I'm dealing with now.
Do you feel the same way toward basketball as you always did? Or did some of that change because you suffered such a tragic loss?
To be honest, some of the emotional side of playing basketball has suffered. Sometimes it is tough to be excited or be happy. Different things may take you back to a place where you were before, as far as the memories. My thing is, I know I can play. It's just having fun doing that and getting better in my personal situation and moving on from there.
How much longer do you think you'll play? (Hughes is 29.)
I told myself I'd play until I was 35. If I play until I'm 35, that will be 16 years in the league. That's a long time. But I'm feeling good. I've been injured a lot, and I think that's kind of helped me as to how my body feels now.
When you heard you were traded to Chicago, what was your reaction?
I welcomed the trade. I talked to management, talked to my teammates and my agent. Like I said, a part of me needed something different. A part of me didn't want to keep traveling those same roads once I found out I lost my brother. A lot of those things were tough for me. I really wanted that chance to kind of move past it and get into a situation where the style of play was how I wanted to play basketball.
From a basketball perspective, did you feel your skill set fit in more in Chicago than it did in Cleveland?
I think it does. Once we have an opportunity to go through a training camp and obviously now we'll have a new coach and a whole new situation going on where I won't be the new guy. I'll be the guy that's been there a couple months. To get more comfortable and understand what John Paxson wants and the type of guys that are on the team. I feel like it definitely benefits my game to be in Chicago at this point in my career.
Who should the Bulls draft No. 1?
That's tough. Obviously, you have the top two guys in (Derrick) Rose and (Michael) Beasley. Rose did great things, especially during that run in the tournament. I can see myself playing with either one of those guys. Obviously, running alongside a guy who's explosive and quick and a point guard who also can play some off-guard, and Beasley is a guy … I call him an animal. He gets it done on the block, outside.
But Derrick Rose is a point guard. You're a point guard. You don't want to see another point guard, do you?
Well, I like to play both positions. If I'm next to a guy who can handle and also play the off-guard, that best suits my game. When I can slide off the ball and come off screens, that's what I want to get back to. When I say I want to get back to the way I've been playing, that's the style that it is. Playing with a really good point guard only helps my game.
You've been with five different NBA teams. What's the worst part about being traded?
The move. The hotel and that new city. There's a lot of negatives to being traded, especially in midseason. It's a constant road trip from your normal routine and where you've normally been staying. … Every time you play a game, you're leaving from a hotel and returning to a hotel. It's tough.
I'm going to take you back to the slam-dunk contest in 2000, which I'm sure is your favorite thing to talk about. What happened? You were the only guy who didn't complete a dunk.
I think I enjoyed myself a little too much. I had too much fun before the contest. I didn't go out there as it being a business trip. I went out there as a new guy, being in the league to have fun. I had all my friends out there. I didn't practice any dunks. Obviously, you can tell.
You have an affinity for cars, but also an affinity for tattoos. How many tattoos do you have?
Um, I stick with the number 20 because I had some add-ons. I had some writing. I figure if I count every one, then the number would get too high. I go with 20.
Twenty tattoos, 10 cars. Should you be in some kind of 12-step program?
We all have our little things that we do. I've always done it. I started getting tattoos when I was 15. I only write things on me that are meaningful. I really started buying the high-end cars once I could really afford it. I'm a guy who takes things to the extreme, but I kind of go at a pace where it doesn't really affect everything.
One of the tattoos you have is teardrops, which you got to symbolize the loss of your brother. What was your reaction when people criticized you and said the tattoo was gang-related?
I really didn't pay any attention. I get the question of "What's that?" or "What are those for?" all the time. A lot of times I just let people get their own opinion or figure out whatever it may be related to on their own, because a lot of times I don't want to go into why I have them or the significance behind them. It doesn't bother me. I'm too old to be in a gang. I'm too old to be doing things that will get me locked up. It's definitely meaningful to me that it's something positive.
You started a foundation that helps organ recipients and donor families. How have you seen your foundation impact people's lives?
It's a blessing for me to have the opportunity to help families help themselves. I think that's probably our main goal. You don't just want to give people money just to say you gave it to them. You want to make sure the bills are paid. If a family has to travel to place X, that they're able to get there and take their mind off whatever is going on and be more focused on that family member or that friend or whatever it is they need to do. We always stay positive because a positive attitude and positive reinforcement cures all.
How much has your attitude and life changed because of your brother's death?
A piece of me is definitely missing. I think it's a process I'm going through now as far as talking about it more, being more open about it. A lot of those things I'm getting because of basketball. I'm trying to flip those things around as far as making people aware of what's going on with organ and tissue donations, making kids aware that there's a positive route to take if you want to go to school and want to go to college. It's not just about basketball and making money now. None of us knows how long we're going to be here. The impact we make now can affect a lot of people and, obviously, you affect one, there's a possibility you can affect another.
It sounds like you've fully embraced being a role model.
I think I can be a role model. I'm a humble guy. I try to lead by example, not with words. I'm not going to scream the things you need to do at you. So if you just follow me and trust, I'll try to lead you in the right direction. I always tell our management, I'm not a guy who is going to scream at the guys to show leadership, but my teammates will know that I'm out for the betterment of what they want to do and how this team wants to win. I'm enjoying it that way. I'm enjoying just being able to express myself the way I do.
You mention you're humble and more of a behind-the-scenes guy, but you've got quite the career going in terms of acting in music videos. You were in Nelly's video "Dilemma." How did you and Nelly become friends?
We were playing on the same basketball courts back in the early '90s. We met that way. He was doing the rap thing. I was doing the basketball thing. He was trying to get on a major label and we just kind of connected. We stayed in contact, and here we are today with the opportunity to make a lot of money. But at the same time, we're going to turn it back and make sure everything we've done to this point is not for nothing.
He cast you in the video with Kelly Rowland. Whose idea was it to have Kelly leave you for Nelly in the video?
Probably his. He called me and said, "I need you to come out to L.A. and do the video." He didn't give me any details. He didn't tell me what the script was or how everything would play out. But I'm the one who gets asked, "Was that my car she went and picked him up in?" It was a fun experience for me.
Well, was it your car?
It definitely was. He got the girl in the end. The video turned out great. I got a lot of pictures from it. I was happy to do it.
What did your wife think about you and Kelly getting all cozy in the video?
She knew it was acting. I hope.
You and Nelly have a sports bar together, but you guys also are working on a plan to create a $30 million sports facility in St. Louis. Why is it so important for you to invest in St. Louis?
I think it just happens to be business. Money is something that makes everything go in a straight line. This is where I'm from. This is where I come when I want peace, when I want to be around people I know. Anything we can do to help St. Louis to make the city better, make people migrate here and be attracted to the city. That's what we're trying to do with the Skybox (his sports bar with Nelly) and the sports facility. … It shines light on our city, but it shines light on us also.
Now comes the part where we play a little rapid fire. Craziest teammate you've ever had?
In a good way, Gilbert Arenas.
Why?
He's liable to do anything. As a young guy, when he first came in, the young guys bring in the doughnuts. He licked the doughnuts and put them in a box. He just did things grown men usually don't like.
Most overrated food?
French fries, because they're not always made good. They're not all like McDonald's fries. Best rap video ever?
I'll stay with Nelly. I'll go with "Hot in Herre."
Favorite athlete from St. Louis?
Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
What you want most for your 30th birthday?
A house. It will be something I'll probably buy for myself, but 30 is getting close to being done playing basketball. I want to be settled. I want to have that nice big house to come home to.
Guilty-pleasure movie?
That's a tough one, because I watch everything. I've seen a lot. I've seen the so-called chick flicks. Last chick flick you saw?
I watched a little bit of "27 Dresses" the other night. I'm not proud of that.
Hughes, traded to Chicago in a three-team, 11-player deal in February that brought Ben Wallace to Cleveland, was the latest athlete to participate in Page 2's "Riding With" series, in which we interview athletes in their cars. Turns out that despite his quiet nature, Hughes has a lot to say. He gave us his side of what happened in Cleveland, why he never completed a dunk at the 2000 NBA All-Star Game and whether his wife got jealous when he cuddled with Destiny Child's Kelly Rowland in his buddy Nelly's "Dilemma" video.
Hughes also opened up about a very sensitive subject -- the death of his brother, Justin, who died two years ago at age 20 after battling heart problems.
What happened in Cleveland?
Nothing really happened. A lot of things went on in my life as far as personal stuff. Cleveland just wasn't a happy place for me. I needed something fresh to kind of change the scenery.
How much of your experience (in Cleveland) was tainted by the death of your brother, Justin?
A lot. I realize it every day that a part of me is gone. I have to move on, knowing it's not going to be easy. Playing basketball doesn't make everything better. Making money doesn't make everything better. That's really what I'm dealing with now.
Do you feel the same way toward basketball as you always did? Or did some of that change because you suffered such a tragic loss?
To be honest, some of the emotional side of playing basketball has suffered. Sometimes it is tough to be excited or be happy. Different things may take you back to a place where you were before, as far as the memories. My thing is, I know I can play. It's just having fun doing that and getting better in my personal situation and moving on from there.
How much longer do you think you'll play? (Hughes is 29.)
I told myself I'd play until I was 35. If I play until I'm 35, that will be 16 years in the league. That's a long time. But I'm feeling good. I've been injured a lot, and I think that's kind of helped me as to how my body feels now.
When you heard you were traded to Chicago, what was your reaction?
I welcomed the trade. I talked to management, talked to my teammates and my agent. Like I said, a part of me needed something different. A part of me didn't want to keep traveling those same roads once I found out I lost my brother. A lot of those things were tough for me. I really wanted that chance to kind of move past it and get into a situation where the style of play was how I wanted to play basketball.
From a basketball perspective, did you feel your skill set fit in more in Chicago than it did in Cleveland?
I think it does. Once we have an opportunity to go through a training camp and obviously now we'll have a new coach and a whole new situation going on where I won't be the new guy. I'll be the guy that's been there a couple months. To get more comfortable and understand what John Paxson wants and the type of guys that are on the team. I feel like it definitely benefits my game to be in Chicago at this point in my career.
Who should the Bulls draft No. 1?
That's tough. Obviously, you have the top two guys in (Derrick) Rose and (Michael) Beasley. Rose did great things, especially during that run in the tournament. I can see myself playing with either one of those guys. Obviously, running alongside a guy who's explosive and quick and a point guard who also can play some off-guard, and Beasley is a guy … I call him an animal. He gets it done on the block, outside.
But Derrick Rose is a point guard. You're a point guard. You don't want to see another point guard, do you?
Well, I like to play both positions. If I'm next to a guy who can handle and also play the off-guard, that best suits my game. When I can slide off the ball and come off screens, that's what I want to get back to. When I say I want to get back to the way I've been playing, that's the style that it is. Playing with a really good point guard only helps my game.
You've been with five different NBA teams. What's the worst part about being traded?
The move. The hotel and that new city. There's a lot of negatives to being traded, especially in midseason. It's a constant road trip from your normal routine and where you've normally been staying. … Every time you play a game, you're leaving from a hotel and returning to a hotel. It's tough.
I'm going to take you back to the slam-dunk contest in 2000, which I'm sure is your favorite thing to talk about. What happened? You were the only guy who didn't complete a dunk.
I think I enjoyed myself a little too much. I had too much fun before the contest. I didn't go out there as it being a business trip. I went out there as a new guy, being in the league to have fun. I had all my friends out there. I didn't practice any dunks. Obviously, you can tell.
You have an affinity for cars, but also an affinity for tattoos. How many tattoos do you have?
Um, I stick with the number 20 because I had some add-ons. I had some writing. I figure if I count every one, then the number would get too high. I go with 20.
Twenty tattoos, 10 cars. Should you be in some kind of 12-step program?
We all have our little things that we do. I've always done it. I started getting tattoos when I was 15. I only write things on me that are meaningful. I really started buying the high-end cars once I could really afford it. I'm a guy who takes things to the extreme, but I kind of go at a pace where it doesn't really affect everything.
One of the tattoos you have is teardrops, which you got to symbolize the loss of your brother. What was your reaction when people criticized you and said the tattoo was gang-related?
I really didn't pay any attention. I get the question of "What's that?" or "What are those for?" all the time. A lot of times I just let people get their own opinion or figure out whatever it may be related to on their own, because a lot of times I don't want to go into why I have them or the significance behind them. It doesn't bother me. I'm too old to be in a gang. I'm too old to be doing things that will get me locked up. It's definitely meaningful to me that it's something positive.
You started a foundation that helps organ recipients and donor families. How have you seen your foundation impact people's lives?
It's a blessing for me to have the opportunity to help families help themselves. I think that's probably our main goal. You don't just want to give people money just to say you gave it to them. You want to make sure the bills are paid. If a family has to travel to place X, that they're able to get there and take their mind off whatever is going on and be more focused on that family member or that friend or whatever it is they need to do. We always stay positive because a positive attitude and positive reinforcement cures all.
How much has your attitude and life changed because of your brother's death?
A piece of me is definitely missing. I think it's a process I'm going through now as far as talking about it more, being more open about it. A lot of those things I'm getting because of basketball. I'm trying to flip those things around as far as making people aware of what's going on with organ and tissue donations, making kids aware that there's a positive route to take if you want to go to school and want to go to college. It's not just about basketball and making money now. None of us knows how long we're going to be here. The impact we make now can affect a lot of people and, obviously, you affect one, there's a possibility you can affect another.
It sounds like you've fully embraced being a role model.
I think I can be a role model. I'm a humble guy. I try to lead by example, not with words. I'm not going to scream the things you need to do at you. So if you just follow me and trust, I'll try to lead you in the right direction. I always tell our management, I'm not a guy who is going to scream at the guys to show leadership, but my teammates will know that I'm out for the betterment of what they want to do and how this team wants to win. I'm enjoying it that way. I'm enjoying just being able to express myself the way I do.
You mention you're humble and more of a behind-the-scenes guy, but you've got quite the career going in terms of acting in music videos. You were in Nelly's video "Dilemma." How did you and Nelly become friends?
We were playing on the same basketball courts back in the early '90s. We met that way. He was doing the rap thing. I was doing the basketball thing. He was trying to get on a major label and we just kind of connected. We stayed in contact, and here we are today with the opportunity to make a lot of money. But at the same time, we're going to turn it back and make sure everything we've done to this point is not for nothing.
He cast you in the video with Kelly Rowland. Whose idea was it to have Kelly leave you for Nelly in the video?
Probably his. He called me and said, "I need you to come out to L.A. and do the video." He didn't give me any details. He didn't tell me what the script was or how everything would play out. But I'm the one who gets asked, "Was that my car she went and picked him up in?" It was a fun experience for me.
Well, was it your car?
It definitely was. He got the girl in the end. The video turned out great. I got a lot of pictures from it. I was happy to do it.
What did your wife think about you and Kelly getting all cozy in the video?
She knew it was acting. I hope.
You and Nelly have a sports bar together, but you guys also are working on a plan to create a $30 million sports facility in St. Louis. Why is it so important for you to invest in St. Louis?
I think it just happens to be business. Money is something that makes everything go in a straight line. This is where I'm from. This is where I come when I want peace, when I want to be around people I know. Anything we can do to help St. Louis to make the city better, make people migrate here and be attracted to the city. That's what we're trying to do with the Skybox (his sports bar with Nelly) and the sports facility. … It shines light on our city, but it shines light on us also.
Now comes the part where we play a little rapid fire. Craziest teammate you've ever had?
In a good way, Gilbert Arenas.
Why?
He's liable to do anything. As a young guy, when he first came in, the young guys bring in the doughnuts. He licked the doughnuts and put them in a box. He just did things grown men usually don't like.
Most overrated food?
French fries, because they're not always made good. They're not all like McDonald's fries. Best rap video ever?
I'll stay with Nelly. I'll go with "Hot in Herre."
Favorite athlete from St. Louis?
Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
What you want most for your 30th birthday?
A house. It will be something I'll probably buy for myself, but 30 is getting close to being done playing basketball. I want to be settled. I want to have that nice big house to come home to.
Guilty-pleasure movie?
That's a tough one, because I watch everything. I've seen a lot. I've seen the so-called chick flicks. Last chick flick you saw?
I watched a little bit of "27 Dresses" the other night. I'm not proud of that.
5/21/08
Larry Makes A Few Cameos in Rick Ross's Here I Am Video
Larry can be seen at the following time points
1:48( getting out of his Bentley)
3:37(chillen with a model)
4/28/08
Larry Hughes Back at the Verizon Center
Larry Hughes Back At Verizon Center
Soulja Boy wasn't the only special guest at Verizon Center last night. You may have noticed that former Secretary of State Colin Powell was in the building as well, wearing a Wizards "White Out" T-shirt to boot. Then, early in the first quarter, former Wizard and Cavalier and current Chicago Bull Larry Hughes grabbed a seat near the Wizards' bench.
C'mon, Andy. Stop flopping. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Hughes was rocking a Yankees cap, instead of his usual St. Louis Cardinals one, but he also was wearing a white T-shirt - which was strictly coincidental, he said.
"I'm always in D.C.," Hughes said. "I still talk to all those guys. I'm here to support everybody. I just wanted to come out and see a good game. They've been battling a little bit, so I definitely knew it would be a good game."
But who does he want to win this series? "That's tough, man. That's tough," he said. "I really can't pick one."
I caught up with Hughes at halftime in the VIP section, where he was hanging out with Redskins running back Clinton Portis. By that time, his former teammate and friend Gilbert Arenas was already done for the night after experiencing another setback - a bone bruise - in his surgically repaired left knee.
Hughes has dealt with his share of injuries over his career and has been talking to Arenas all season about how to deal with it, suggesting that Arenas should've shut it down after having surgery in late November.
"I've been through that - trying to come back and trying to show that you want to fight and help the team," Hughes said. "You're obviously not going to come back and play as well as he has been all year. I told him just to chill out all year and make sure you come back healthy. But he chose to come back and he has to deal with it."
Gil, you don't have to play if you are really hurt, man. (Getty Images)
Hughes dealt with some serious hardships the past two times he made the postseason with the Cavaliers. He lost his little brother, Justin, two years ago during the Eastern Conference semifinals against Detroit.
Last season, Hughes suffered a torn plantar fascia in his left foot during the Eastern Conference Finals against Detroit. For the first time in his career, Hughes took cortisone shots in his foot to relieve the pain and continued to play until his body broke down completely in the NBA Finals and he painfully had to back out of the last two games.
Hughes spent a good portion of his 2 ½ seasons in Cleveland hurt and playing hurt, and he never found happiness there after leaving Washington in the summer of 2005 to sign an incentive-laden, five-year, $60 million contract with the Cavaliers. When he was traded to the Bulls at the trade deadline last February, Hughes made some comments to Brian Windhorst of the Akron Beacon Journal about leaving a contender in Cleveland to join a lottery team in Chicago that didn't go over too well with the folks in Ohio.
Here's what he said: "I play to enjoy myself, some people take this the wrong way, but winning a championship is not what I base everything on. I was given an opportunity to play basketball, travel around and have fun doing it and that's what I want to do. I wouldn't take being unhappy and not being myself and winning.
I'm not winning but I'm happier than I was in Cleveland. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
I would rather enjoy myself with 18,000-20,000 people watching the game and the people sending fan mail and those things and be happy ... I didn't come here to play the point guard, that's just it. I came here to run the wing, just like [LeBron James] was running the other wing. I was asked to sacrifice for the team to win and for everybody, I guess, get paid. That is what was told to me and I wasn't happy with that."
After saying that, some perceived Hughes as a player who would rather lose and have fun than win. Hughes said on Thursday that he didn't care how his words were interpreted.
"I didn't react, because like a week later, Steve Nash was on ESPN giving the same interview," Hughes said. "He said it didn't matter, that it didn't justify his career to win a championship. All I was really saying is, 'Yeah, I want to win. Yeah, I go out every night and try to get the win, but I want to have fun doing it.' "
I asked Hughes why he was unhappy in Cleveland. I knew full well that he wanted to play an open, fast-breaking offensive style similar to what Eddie Jordan ran in Washington. Instead, Cleveland ran a slow, boring half-court offense that often featured LeBron James dribbling at the top of the key and kicking it to Hughes in the corner to launch jumpers. Uh, that was not going to work for someone who could do a lot well on the basketball court - other than shoot.
"It wasn't my style of basketball," Hughes said. "It wasn't how I enjoy playing. Nothing against what they are doing over there, it just wasn't how I thought I would go over there and play."
Hughes was a poor fit in Cleveland. He didn't like it. The fans didn't like him. One fan even created this website.
I know I wouldn't have called you overrated. (Photo by Tony/cavaliers.com)
The trade that yielded Wally Szczerbiak, Ben Wallace, Delonte West and Joe Smith was made specifically to get rid of Hughes. The organization grew frustrated because Hughes couldn't stay healthy, couldn't play point guard, or shooting guard, or sixth man, or shooting guard again. Every experiment failed until the Cavs decided it was time to move on. Yes, the Cavaliers wanted to give James a better supporting cast - and it's debatable if that really has happened - but they really just want to say farewell to Hughes.
Being out of the playoffs for the first time in four years, Hughes said it was painful to watch the Wizards and Cavaliers go at it and not be a part of it.
"We'll be back," Hughes said. "The team I'm playing on will be back in the playoffs soon. You have to step away from it and really realize what you're missing. I've watched every game so far."
As Hughes spoke, a Wizards fan walked up to Hughes and said, "We miss you, Larry. We want you back."
Hughes smiled at the fan and said, "That might still happen."
Soulja Boy wasn't the only special guest at Verizon Center last night. You may have noticed that former Secretary of State Colin Powell was in the building as well, wearing a Wizards "White Out" T-shirt to boot. Then, early in the first quarter, former Wizard and Cavalier and current Chicago Bull Larry Hughes grabbed a seat near the Wizards' bench.
C'mon, Andy. Stop flopping. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Hughes was rocking a Yankees cap, instead of his usual St. Louis Cardinals one, but he also was wearing a white T-shirt - which was strictly coincidental, he said.
"I'm always in D.C.," Hughes said. "I still talk to all those guys. I'm here to support everybody. I just wanted to come out and see a good game. They've been battling a little bit, so I definitely knew it would be a good game."
But who does he want to win this series? "That's tough, man. That's tough," he said. "I really can't pick one."
I caught up with Hughes at halftime in the VIP section, where he was hanging out with Redskins running back Clinton Portis. By that time, his former teammate and friend Gilbert Arenas was already done for the night after experiencing another setback - a bone bruise - in his surgically repaired left knee.
Hughes has dealt with his share of injuries over his career and has been talking to Arenas all season about how to deal with it, suggesting that Arenas should've shut it down after having surgery in late November.
"I've been through that - trying to come back and trying to show that you want to fight and help the team," Hughes said. "You're obviously not going to come back and play as well as he has been all year. I told him just to chill out all year and make sure you come back healthy. But he chose to come back and he has to deal with it."
Gil, you don't have to play if you are really hurt, man. (Getty Images)
Hughes dealt with some serious hardships the past two times he made the postseason with the Cavaliers. He lost his little brother, Justin, two years ago during the Eastern Conference semifinals against Detroit.
Last season, Hughes suffered a torn plantar fascia in his left foot during the Eastern Conference Finals against Detroit. For the first time in his career, Hughes took cortisone shots in his foot to relieve the pain and continued to play until his body broke down completely in the NBA Finals and he painfully had to back out of the last two games.
Hughes spent a good portion of his 2 ½ seasons in Cleveland hurt and playing hurt, and he never found happiness there after leaving Washington in the summer of 2005 to sign an incentive-laden, five-year, $60 million contract with the Cavaliers. When he was traded to the Bulls at the trade deadline last February, Hughes made some comments to Brian Windhorst of the Akron Beacon Journal about leaving a contender in Cleveland to join a lottery team in Chicago that didn't go over too well with the folks in Ohio.
Here's what he said: "I play to enjoy myself, some people take this the wrong way, but winning a championship is not what I base everything on. I was given an opportunity to play basketball, travel around and have fun doing it and that's what I want to do. I wouldn't take being unhappy and not being myself and winning.
I'm not winning but I'm happier than I was in Cleveland. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
I would rather enjoy myself with 18,000-20,000 people watching the game and the people sending fan mail and those things and be happy ... I didn't come here to play the point guard, that's just it. I came here to run the wing, just like [LeBron James] was running the other wing. I was asked to sacrifice for the team to win and for everybody, I guess, get paid. That is what was told to me and I wasn't happy with that."
After saying that, some perceived Hughes as a player who would rather lose and have fun than win. Hughes said on Thursday that he didn't care how his words were interpreted.
"I didn't react, because like a week later, Steve Nash was on ESPN giving the same interview," Hughes said. "He said it didn't matter, that it didn't justify his career to win a championship. All I was really saying is, 'Yeah, I want to win. Yeah, I go out every night and try to get the win, but I want to have fun doing it.' "
I asked Hughes why he was unhappy in Cleveland. I knew full well that he wanted to play an open, fast-breaking offensive style similar to what Eddie Jordan ran in Washington. Instead, Cleveland ran a slow, boring half-court offense that often featured LeBron James dribbling at the top of the key and kicking it to Hughes in the corner to launch jumpers. Uh, that was not going to work for someone who could do a lot well on the basketball court - other than shoot.
"It wasn't my style of basketball," Hughes said. "It wasn't how I enjoy playing. Nothing against what they are doing over there, it just wasn't how I thought I would go over there and play."
Hughes was a poor fit in Cleveland. He didn't like it. The fans didn't like him. One fan even created this website.
I know I wouldn't have called you overrated. (Photo by Tony/cavaliers.com)
The trade that yielded Wally Szczerbiak, Ben Wallace, Delonte West and Joe Smith was made specifically to get rid of Hughes. The organization grew frustrated because Hughes couldn't stay healthy, couldn't play point guard, or shooting guard, or sixth man, or shooting guard again. Every experiment failed until the Cavs decided it was time to move on. Yes, the Cavaliers wanted to give James a better supporting cast - and it's debatable if that really has happened - but they really just want to say farewell to Hughes.
Being out of the playoffs for the first time in four years, Hughes said it was painful to watch the Wizards and Cavaliers go at it and not be a part of it.
"We'll be back," Hughes said. "The team I'm playing on will be back in the playoffs soon. You have to step away from it and really realize what you're missing. I've watched every game so far."
As Hughes spoke, a Wizards fan walked up to Hughes and said, "We miss you, Larry. We want you back."
Hughes smiled at the fan and said, "That might still happen."
4/11/08
NIke Collection Extras: Larry Hughes Zoom BB-Homegrown
Collection Extras: Larry Hughes Zoom BB
Take a closer look at the Zoom BB from The Collection.
With an offensive game that can beat ‘em from the perimeter or off the dribble, and the skills to shut ‘em down on the defensive end, Larry Hughes can influence the game from all angles. He has elevated his game to a level that few can comprehend, but that all can appreciate. And his flights above the rim are done with style, grace and power. He makes it look so easy.
We honor Larry, his ability to soar and his hometown of St. Louis with an exclusive version of the Nike Zoom BB Homegrown. A white leather upper combined with a blue patent-leather toe cap, the Air Zoom also features a gold swoosh and “Homegrown” embroidered on the side for a look that is as smooth as his game.
Take a closer look at the Zoom BB from The Collection.
With an offensive game that can beat ‘em from the perimeter or off the dribble, and the skills to shut ‘em down on the defensive end, Larry Hughes can influence the game from all angles. He has elevated his game to a level that few can comprehend, but that all can appreciate. And his flights above the rim are done with style, grace and power. He makes it look so easy.
We honor Larry, his ability to soar and his hometown of St. Louis with an exclusive version of the Nike Zoom BB Homegrown. A white leather upper combined with a blue patent-leather toe cap, the Air Zoom also features a gold swoosh and “Homegrown” embroidered on the side for a look that is as smooth as his game.
4/4/08
Bulls Defeat Cavaliers 101-98
Hughes scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half in the Bulls triumph over the Cavaliers. Hughes also grabbed 8 rebounds, distributed 9 assists, collected 2 steals and blocked one shot in 45 minutes of action. Hughes accomplished this by aggressively attacking the basket, moving exceptionally well off the ball, and creating great scoring opportunities for himself and his teamates while on the ball.
Hughes was met with a medley of boos anytime he touched the ball. TNT Correspondant and former NBA player Sean Elliot referred to Hughes reception with curiosity as Hughes did nothing but play hard and dealt with the loss of his brother Justin during his tenure with Cleveland.
3/19/08
Well Traveled Hughes has Grown Up Chicago Tribune Article
Well-traveled Larry Hughes has grown up
Tattoos are often 1st thing fans notice about new Bull Hughes—but there's far more to his story
In many ways, new Bulls guard Larry Hughes is the embodiment of the modern-day professional athlete.
In his 10-year career, which began when he entered the draft after only one college season, he has been cast off in trade, has tested his value on the free-agent market and, playing for his fifth NBA team, does not pretend to be looking for any emotional attachments or entanglements.
His mother, Vanessa, says he's just like any other businessman, albeit one whose salary this season is $12.8 million.
"When he left school, he knew he was taking on a job and that's what it is," she said. "It's a job that allows him take care of his family and his extended family. If it tells him 'Tomorrow you have to pack up,' you go.
"I tell him, 'You're not going to be the poster child for the NBA. You may not be No. 1 in shooting. But your ability to take care of your family, that's a gift from God.' "
It is a gift Hughes takes seriously and comes by naturally, his relationship with his mother and younger brother Justin, a heart-transplant recipient who passed away two years ago at 20, rivaled only by his devotion to wife Carrie and children Lauryn, 9, Landys, 7, and Larry II, 4.
It is those relationships and the work he and his mother do on behalf of the Larry Hughes Foundation—dedicated to assisting families in need of organ transplants with travel and other living expenses as well as the families of donors, whom he has helped with funeral costs—that truly matter.
And so when strangers in new cities read his tattoos and want to know more, when they see the two permanent tear drops etched below one eye—in honor of Justin—and assume they're gang-related or, at the very least, mistake him for just another tough guy, the 29-year-old Hughes shrugs and smiles.
If it's the price he must pay for being quiet and detached, so be it.
"But I think once people get to know me, they can see that I'm a straightforward guy," Hughes said. "I always fess up to anything I've done or said. I try to stand up for whatever I say and how I feel and give the reasons why I feel that way and be respectful."
As for the tattoos, about 20 in all, they each tell a story—his right arm, the basketball side of him, he explains; his left arm "all the tragic things going on." There's the Grim Reaper tattoo on his left shoulder to remind him what his younger brother constantly was facing after being born with a severe heart defect when Larry was 7.
On his neck reads "I Am My Brother's Keeper" and across his stomach read the words "Quiet Storm," complete with clouds and lightning bolts, which is how Hughes describes his inner passion and his outer calm.
Tattoos do talking
"It's me," he said of the markings. "It's how I express myself. I don't do a lot of talking. This is my life and all the things I have on me are something I really want to remember. I can always look at an arm or a hand and know where I was or what I was thinking at that time."
Those who have known him longest, like Western Illinois coach Derek Thomas, who coached Hughes both in high school and college (under now-retired Charlie Spoonhour at St. Louis), say Hughes could do more to express himself.
"It's one thing he doesn't do great," Thomas said. "If people don't understand him, he doesn't go out of his way to make them."
That said, Hughes did win the "Austin Carr Good Guy Award" in 2006, which recognizes the Cavaliers player who is cooperative and understanding of the media, the community and the public.
"I wish I understood what people want him to do, because I think he is a really good person and a really good player," Spoonhour said.
Hughes has been subject of an equal number of interpretations of his on-court persona, from coaches such as Larry Brown questioning his work ethic early in his career to Wizards and Cavs fans hounding him for his shot selection to others wondering about his durability.
He does not duck any of them.
"I've changed," Hughes said. "Coming in, I was 18, so a lot of stuff was given to me, and being hard-headed, I just had to learn. Now in the summer, I work, I work, I work, I work and people now don't question my work ethic. It's just something you learn to do."
Well-traveled Larry Hughes has grown up.
As for the injuries, which have kept him from playing 70 or more games in all but two seasons and fewer than 62 in six others, Hughes called it "frustrating, because I've had bad timing, a lot of it coming on the verge of making the All-Star team, playing in the Finals, coming in from a great summer workout and being out three, four weeks.
"But I've learned from them. I have no regrets about how I've played."
There is also the question of where, at 6 feet 5 inches, he is suited best to play.
Hughes calls himself "a guard, period. Just let me play. I've learned to take fewer bad shots, to recognize situations, so just put me out there and I'll try to make the good play. If it's from the two-guard, what's the difference?"
Some have described him as a throwback.
"I like that," he said. "I never wanted to be a specialist. I never wanted to just be a shooter, just a passer. I want to do everything that helps the team win. I don't do one thing great, I do a lot of things good and that helps a lot of teams."
Johnny Bach, a longtime Bulls assistant most recently under Scott Skiles as well as a member of Doug Collins' staff in Washington when Hughes played there, sees the maturation.
"He's exactly someone this team needs at this point," Bach said. "[Interim coach] Jim Boylan likes the up-tempo game and Hughes will do that, he will make steals in the passing lanes and come out with the ball quickly as lead or second guard."
Boylan is trying to create a guard rotation built around Hughes, Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon. Hughes, who's averaging 19 points as a Bull going into Tuesday night's game against Memphis, meshed with both in a 29-point outing against Indiana last week.
"People are going to see the real Larry again," close friend and former teammate Gilbert Arenas told the Washington Post upon Hughes' trade to Chicago.
Clearly, playing alongside LeBron James was not the best situation for Hughes. Collins agreed the Bulls could be a better fit.
Collins a Hughes fan
"I like Larry at this stage of his career," Collins said. "I can see three or four more very productive years for him. It sure can be the Bulls, who are starving for a big guard. Larry Hughes gives [general manager John Paxson] options."
For the first time in his career, Hughes says he can see himself settling down with one team, even if the young Bulls need him to be a leader.
Collins recalled a meeting he had with Hughes when he was coaching him when he told him that he needed him to be "more engaged" in the team.
"The message I got from him," Collins said, "was that 'I am, coach. Maybe I just don't show it.'
"As he has gotten older, I have seen [energy and passion] more and more from him. He's incredibly professional and Larry is a good guy. I would coach him any day."
Hughes already knows how he wants to be remembered when his career is over.
"When I'm gone, I want good things said in the locker room," he said. "Not so much in the media and different organizations, but I played with a lot of guys and I want the respect from them, from guys I'll see throughout my lifetime, in summer vacations in Miami or in Vegas. After I'm done, I want them to say 'He was a good teammate.' "
For his mother, it is even simpler.
"When he was growing up, he never said 'I'm going to the NBA' or 'I'm going to buy you a house,' " said Vanessa Hughes, who largely raised her children on her own. "It was never 'Watch me.' It was 'See what I do.'
"All he said was, 'When I become a man, I'm going to take care of what a man does and that's take care of my family.' "
3/7/08
Bulls Defeat Cavaliers This Time Around
In 28 minutes of action Hughes scored 12 points( 4/12 from the field, 1/3 from behind the arc, and 3/4 from the free throw line) grabbed 3 rebounds, dished out 3 assists and 1 steal.
Limited Action Against Memphis
In 25 mintues of action Hughes scored 8 points( 3/7 from the field, 2/4 from the free throw line) grabbed 3 rebounds and distributed 5 assists. It appears that Chicago is still looking for definition and identitiy as interm coach Jim Boylan is experimenting with different rotations.
3/3/08
Unhappy Times In Cleveland
Hughes tenure consisted of him playing in 106/164 games, being resented by uninformed Cavalier fans becuase of injuries, the loss of his brother, and a trip to the finals where the team was exposed for their deficiences and inability to match up against a powerhouse. Even with a healthy Larry Hughes, the Cleveland Cavaliers weren't a match for San Antonio Spurs.
After Hughes was quoted saying that he was unhappy in Cleveland many( mostly ignoramic Cavaliers fans) took offense to this. Regardless of the unsupported remarks made by a community that resents( Michael Jordan) and other stars that have continuosly punished their useless NBA franchize to the side, Hughes played hard, contributed to the teams success and was appreciated by players and coaches. He was asked to sacrifice his individual style of play( note when a franchize makes a free agent acquisition they typically sign players who will fit their system) for team success. This meant he basically distributed the ball and waited around on the wing watching LeBron James operate.
Cleveland received complimentary players ( Szczerbiak, Wallace, West) and shipped off players who are more than capable individually( Gooden, Hughes). The Cavaliers will not see another finals birth, and it is hihgly unlikley that they will make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Since being traded to Chicago Hughes has performed significantly better. He is averaging 19ppg(43% from the field, 36% from behind the arc, and 78% from the free throw line), 3.8rpg, 4.2 assists per game, 1 steal per game
After Hughes was quoted saying that he was unhappy in Cleveland many( mostly ignoramic Cavaliers fans) took offense to this. Regardless of the unsupported remarks made by a community that resents( Michael Jordan) and other stars that have continuosly punished their useless NBA franchize to the side, Hughes played hard, contributed to the teams success and was appreciated by players and coaches. He was asked to sacrifice his individual style of play( note when a franchize makes a free agent acquisition they typically sign players who will fit their system) for team success. This meant he basically distributed the ball and waited around on the wing watching LeBron James operate.
Cleveland received complimentary players ( Szczerbiak, Wallace, West) and shipped off players who are more than capable individually( Gooden, Hughes). The Cavaliers will not see another finals birth, and it is hihgly unlikley that they will make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Since being traded to Chicago Hughes has performed significantly better. He is averaging 19ppg(43% from the field, 36% from behind the arc, and 78% from the free throw line), 3.8rpg, 4.2 assists per game, 1 steal per game
Bulls Come Up Short Against Wizards
Hughes scored 16 points( 5/16 from the field, 1/3 from behind the arc, 5/6 from the free throw line), grabbed 4 rebounds and distributed 6 assists. Unfortunatley the Bulls ultimately lost 91-97.
3/2/08
Larry Returns to Cleveland
Hughes scored 23( 8/20 from the field, 5/6 from the free throw line, 2/8 from behind the arc), points in the Bulls 95/86 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, grabbed 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 blocked shot.
AP Wire Story on Cavaliers Versus Bulls
CLEVELAND, Mar. 2 (AP) -- LeBron James scored 37 points and took over down the stretch to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 95-86 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.
With the game tied at 83, James scored six straight points, including a thunderous dunk that brought the sellout crowd at Quicken Loans Arena to its feet.
The Cavaliers trailed 76-68 early in the fourth quarter, but rallied to tie the game. James drove past two defenders and scored on a left-handed layup to give Cleveland the lead for good with 3:04 to go.
On the Cavaliers' next possession, James drove down the right side of the lane, flew to the basket and scored on a dunk with his right hand. James created a turnover on Chicago's next possession, and with the Cavaliers setting up on the offensive end and the crowd chanting "MVP,'' he buried a 22-footer to give Cleveland a six-point lead.
Wally Szczerbiak, who scored 17 points, hit a 3-pointer from the corner on Cleveland's next possession to make it 92-83.
Cleveland ended the game on a 12-3 run.
Cleveland, Chicago and Seattle were involved in an 11-player deal on Feb. 21. Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Cedric Simmons and Shannon Brown were sent to the from the Cavaliers to the Bulls, who dealt center Ben Wallace and forward Joe Smith to Cleveland.
Hughes led the Bulls with 23 points, making 8 of 20 shots from the field. Gooden scored 11 points with 10 rebounds.
Smith scored all eight of his points in the fourth quarter.
Cleveland built a 65-58 lead late in the third quarter, but the Bulls ended the period on a run, taking the lead on a Tyrus Thomas dunk off an alley-oop pass from Hughes. Ben Gordon followed with a jumper to end the quarter.
Hughes scored on a layup to start the fourth quarter and hit a jumper to extend the run to 18-3, giving the Bulls a 76-68 lead. The Cavaliers' only points in that stretch came on a 3-pointer by Damon Jones.
The Cavs rallied on a 3-pointer by Szczerbiak and six straight points by Smith, cutting the lead to 79-77.
Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas missed the game because of a strained back. It's uncertain when the 7-foot-3 center will return.
Szczerbiak, who missed Friday night's game, returned Sunday. His wife, Shannon, gave birth to the couple's third child Saturday.
With the game tied at 83, James scored six straight points, including a thunderous dunk that brought the sellout crowd at Quicken Loans Arena to its feet.
The Cavaliers trailed 76-68 early in the fourth quarter, but rallied to tie the game. James drove past two defenders and scored on a left-handed layup to give Cleveland the lead for good with 3:04 to go.
On the Cavaliers' next possession, James drove down the right side of the lane, flew to the basket and scored on a dunk with his right hand. James created a turnover on Chicago's next possession, and with the Cavaliers setting up on the offensive end and the crowd chanting "MVP,'' he buried a 22-footer to give Cleveland a six-point lead.
Wally Szczerbiak, who scored 17 points, hit a 3-pointer from the corner on Cleveland's next possession to make it 92-83.
Cleveland ended the game on a 12-3 run.
Cleveland, Chicago and Seattle were involved in an 11-player deal on Feb. 21. Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Cedric Simmons and Shannon Brown were sent to the from the Cavaliers to the Bulls, who dealt center Ben Wallace and forward Joe Smith to Cleveland.
Hughes led the Bulls with 23 points, making 8 of 20 shots from the field. Gooden scored 11 points with 10 rebounds.
Smith scored all eight of his points in the fourth quarter.
Cleveland built a 65-58 lead late in the third quarter, but the Bulls ended the period on a run, taking the lead on a Tyrus Thomas dunk off an alley-oop pass from Hughes. Ben Gordon followed with a jumper to end the quarter.
Hughes scored on a layup to start the fourth quarter and hit a jumper to extend the run to 18-3, giving the Bulls a 76-68 lead. The Cavaliers' only points in that stretch came on a 3-pointer by Damon Jones.
The Cavs rallied on a 3-pointer by Szczerbiak and six straight points by Smith, cutting the lead to 79-77.
Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas missed the game because of a strained back. It's uncertain when the 7-foot-3 center will return.
Szczerbiak, who missed Friday night's game, returned Sunday. His wife, Shannon, gave birth to the couple's third child Saturday.
2/29/08
Bulls Fans React to Smooth
You damn right he'll be starting soon. We finally have a star caliber player who can be a closer in the 4th Quarter, plus Drew Gooden!
Which means Ben Gordon's happy behind can get the heck of the city, with his inconsistent self. The Bulls got the better part of the trade, and it'll definitely show next year when we storm to the top of the Central Division.
WHAT A MAN
LOL
BEAST
He's a great player
Ben Wallace, Larry Hughes, Wally Szczerbiak... such terrible players with huge contracts in that deal
chicagos rhythm what rhythm
great game!! Glad his back to his original position!! check out cavs game..NO DEFENSE on perimeter..I'm sure cavs misses his D!!
Keep playing with energy, Hughes!
mrmoneymaker05 (1 day ago) Show Hide
Bulls raped the cavs on that one.
He's a great addition to the Bulls!
i can see hughes being our leader on the team. he and joakim can help push us to the playoffs.
2/28/08
Hughes Shines in Bulls Victory Over the Indiana Pacers
Hughes scored 29 points( 10/19 from the field, 3/6 from behind the arc, only 6/10 from the free throw line) grabbed 3 rebounds, distributed 6 assists, and swiped 3 steals. The final score would be the Bulls 113 to the Pacer's 107.
2/26/08
Hughes Chips in 14 in Bulls 102-94 Loss to the Dallas Mavericks
Hughes scored 14 points( 4/11 from the field 1/2 from behind the arc, 5/5 from the free throw line), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Unfortunately as a team the Bulls shot just 39% and could not prevent the Mavericks from asserting their dominance.
2/25/08
Hughes Scores 13 in Debut with Chicago Bulls
Larry Hughes, scored 13 points (6/11 from the field and 1/3 from behind the arc), grabbed 2 rebounds, and distributed 2 assists in his debut with the Chicago Bulls. Unfortunatley the Bulls would loose 110-97 against the Houston Rockets.
2/24/08
2/22/08
2/20/08
Hughes Tallies 19 in Cavaliers Win Over Pacers
Hughes scored 19 points(7/16 from the field, 2/5 from behind the arc and 3/5 from the free throw line), 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. It is encouraging to see Hughe's minutes, role and overall productivity increase in the 10 games.
Larry Scores 16 in Cavaliers Loss to Rockets
Hughes scored 16 points( 5/15 from the field, 1/4 from behind the arc, 5/6 from the free throw line), 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
2/14/08
New Larry Hughes Mix
This mix actually features St. Lunatic's member Murphy Lee's song What the Hook Gone Be The song references Hughes, " St Louis like Loosie, Miles and Larry Hughes".
Cavaliers Fall To Spurs 112-105
Hughes scored 26 points,11/19 from the field, 4/7 from behind the arc, grabbed 6 rebounds and distributed 3 asssists. However, the Cavaliers were unable to withstand Manu Ginobili's 46 point outburst.
2/11/08
Hughes Scores a Season High 40 Points in Cavaliers Win over Magic
Hughes bounced back from his shooting disparity over the last three games to score a season high 40 points. This is also Hughes scoring high as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Hughes shot 12/19 from the field, 4/5 from behind the arc, 12/13 from the charity stripe, grabbed 6 rebounds, distributed 3 assists, and swiped 3 steals.
Shooting Woes Continue
In the last 3 games Hughes has averaged 33 minutes per game, 14ppg on a dismal 30% from the field, 18% from behind the arc, 55% from the free throw line, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and .67 steals per game. Though his ppg is up from his now season average 10.8 points per game his field shooting has been erratic, and he has suffered in other statistical categories as well.
2/6/08
Cavaliers Edge Celtics 114 to 113
The Cleveland Cavaliers were able to defeat the Boston Celtics 114 to 113.Hughes had 18 points( 6/13 from the field, 1/2 from behind the arc,5/5 from the free throw line, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 blocked shot.
2/4/08
LeBron Returns Cavaliers Win Against Clippers
LeBron Jame's ankle did not prevent him from returning to the Cavaliers to ensure victory of the Los Angeles Clippers. (98/84)However, after another scoring 28 points against the Seattle Supersonics Hughes managed a mere 10 ( 3/10 from the field 1/4 from behind the arc and 3/4 from the free throw line) points and 3 rebounds.
1/31/08
Cavs Can't Overcome 1st Quarter Defensive Collapse
Hughes scored 28 points ( 10/21 from the field, 4/8 from behind the arc, 4/4 from the free throw line) and had, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. However, his effort did not make up for the Cavaliers 1st quarter defensive collapse allowing 40 points by the Sonics.
Cavs Top Red Hot Blazers 84 to 82 Hughes Falters
After back to back productive games Hughes could not get it going in the Cavaliers 84 to 82 win over the Portland Trailblazers. Hughes shot just 2-11 from the filed, 0-2 from behind the arc and 4-6 from the free throw line.
Hughes was able to create shots within the offense. However, he was able to connect from the perimeter, or by attacking the basket and hoisting up floaters and pull up jump shots.
1/28/08
1/27/08
Hughes Shines in Cavaliers Win Over Lakers
After scoring 25 points in a recent loss Hughes responded with another solid game in a 98/95 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Hughes scored 16 points (7/13 from the field and 2/4 from behind the arc), grabbed 4 rebounds, distributed 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots. The second blocked shot came with 13 seconds remaining in the contest after Hughes's errant pass was defected by Laker Kobe Bryant.
Hughes would play an integral role in the Cavaliers reclaiming the lead in the fourth quarter. He found Ira Newble for an uncontested finish at the rim with 5:53 remaining in the contest. His turnaround jump shot with 5:22 remaining would bring brought the Cavaliers within 1 point of the Lakers. Hughes turnaround jump shot with 4:27 remaining gave Cleveland a 90/86 lead. Hughes would connect on the following possession to give the Cavaliers a 6 point lead with 3:07 remaining.
1/25/08
Larry Performs Well In Loss to Suns
Well Larry has not taken more than 10 field goal attempts for the 15th time this season. What was the result?????????????????????????
25 points, 6/13 from the field, 3/5 from behind the arc, 10/11 from the free throw line, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. I wonder what the difference was?
25 points, 6/13 from the field, 3/5 from behind the arc, 10/11 from the free throw line, 8 rebounds and 3 steals. I wonder what the difference was?
1/23/08
Happy Birthday Larry Hughes
Today Larry Hughes is 29 years of age. Best of luck in turning things around for the remainder of the season.
Website Warriors By The Numbers?
Given that such attention has been given to the low statistical production of Hughes. One must consider the performance of his team mates this season.
Superstar LeBron James has connected on a meager 29% of his 163 3 point field goal attempts in 35 games. James is shooting nearly 5 3 point field goal attempts per contests. Bad shots???? Hughes as been 70% as productive in this area in slightly over 1/3 of the attempts. Is Jame's shot selection worthy of its own website?
Sharp Shooter Aleksandar Pavlovic is shooting an impressive 35% from the field and 29% from the free 3 point line. One must note that Pavlovic has attempted more attempts than Hughes in each (shooting) statistical category and faired similarly well if not absolutely worse.
Daniel Gibson, one of the NBA's premier three point marksmen is the Cavaliers true point guard as he averages 5 more minutes than Hughes. He has also appeared in 12 more contests than Hughes and plays point guard exclusively. Which so much talk surrounding Hughes assist per game/turn over ration one fails to recognize that he is a combo guard who plays both positions every contest( that is when he is actually involved in the offense and plays shoots more than 10 field goals). Gibson has only averaged a half an assist more than Hughes for the duration of the season though he sees more action and plays the point ALL GAME.
Also with the emphasis being placed on fouls committed by Hughes on a certain illogical blog one must consider that Gibson ( a defensive liability) averages nearly one more foul per game, and one less steal per game than Hughes.
Power forward Drew Gooden is shooting a career low 44% from the field. Bad shots???
Is Less More
In the contests where Hughes has attempted 10 or more field goals I wonder how he has performed?
14 Games Total
25.64 minutes per game
An insignificant 10.9 field goal attempts per game
42% from the field,
12.6 points per game
3.5 rebounds per game
1.9 assists per game
1.5 steals per game
39% from behind the arc
89% from the free throw line
Hmmmm.... seems rather logical..
14 Games Total
25.64 minutes per game
An insignificant 10.9 field goal attempts per game
42% from the field,
12.6 points per game
3.5 rebounds per game
1.9 assists per game
1.5 steals per game
39% from behind the arc
89% from the free throw line
Hmmmm.... seems rather logical..
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