Mon, Aug 8th 2011, 11:18
One message that New Orleans native and NBA player D.J. Augustin has emphasized to participants in his basketball camp this week is perseverance.
former Brother Martin star, after all, has learned a thing or two about persistence since joining the Charlotte Bobcats as their first-round pick in 2008.He’s still trying to gain stability with his role as the team’s point guard. Before veteran Raymond Felton signed as a free agent with the New York Knicks last summer, Augustin shared playing time.
Even now, after starting all 82 games last season, Augustin still cannot catch a break. In June, the Bobcats used the ninth overall pick in the first round to select point guard Kemba Walker, who led Connecticut to the national championship this past season.
“I don’t care if I’m the only point guard or we have three point guards; as long as I’m out there playing and my team is winning, that’s all I care about,’’ Augustin said.
Bobcats Coach Paul Silas is considering pairing Augustin and Walker together in the backcourt, though neither is taller than 6 foot 2.
“I’m still trying to prove myself,’’ Augustin said. “That’s what it’s about. At every level you go to, you’ve got to keep proving yourself. That’s the hardest part about this sport we play. That’s the great part, too, because it’s competition. That’s what I love about it.
“I’ve played with guys my size all my life. At Texas, I played with A.J. Abrams. It the NBA, Raymond and me played a lot together. Pairing Walker and me might be a good advantage for us. Bigger guys can’t guard us. So it’s going to be fun.’’