After signing a lucrative free-agent contract, but then experiencing an injury-riddled and unproductive campaign, Omer Asik couldn't avoid hearing harsh criticism from fans and media last season. At Friday's Media Day, the 7-foot center actually sounded a lot like one of those critics, as he assessed his own performance from 2015-16.
“Last year was really bad for me, the whole season, and for my body too,” said Asik, who missed a total of 14 games to injury. “So this summer I went to the (Turkish) national team, to get in better shape and get my body right for this season. I focused on getting better and healing all of the injuries.
“(Last season) wasn't good. I felt a little bit good in December and January, but then I got hurt again. I wasn't feeling 100 percent the whole year.”
A potential turnaround in 2016-17 for the 30-year-old figures to be dictated by health. Asik began his NBA career as one of the league's most durable players, appearing in every game for both of his Chicago seasons and his first with Houston. By the time he finally missed a game three-plus years into his NBA tenure, he'd built a consecutive-games played streak of 239. Contrast that with last season, when three separate injuries plagued him. He missed most of training camp, then five of New Orleans' first six regular season contests. It wasn't until Dec. 23 that he played more than 25 minutes in a non-overtime game. He finished with season averages of 4.0 points and 6.1 rebounds.
“Back, calf, I turned my ankle,” Asik listed of his ailments. “I just kept playing through things. But injuries just happened over and over. That's why I tried to focus on getting stronger, so I won't face those problems again. I worked all summer to get healthy. Right now, I'm feeling great, much better than last year. I think that will help me going into the season.”
The seventh-year NBA veteran believes his improved conditioning and a clean bill of health will allow him to play better in Alvin Gentry's fast-paced system. Under Gentry, the Pelicans went from 27th in pace (93.7 possessions per 48 minutes, via NBA.com) all the way up to 11th (98.1). It wouldn't be surprising if New Orleans now pushes into the top 10, based on a continued emphasis on tempo.
“I tried to get over all the injuries and get in better shape, because the style we play is much faster than before,” Asik explained.
Despite playing for three different NBA teams, Asik had never missed the playoffs until '16. He and the Pelicans are hopeful that improved health, combined with another year under Gentry, will mean a return to the postseason.
“Last year left a bad taste,” Asik said, “so we are working hard to change that.”
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