PORTLAND – Guard Antonio Anderson and center Mike Tisdale rejoined the Maine Red Claws in time for Friday night’s game against the Iowa Energy, both re-energized by their work in the Philadelphia 76ers’ training camp. And more help is on the way.
Point guard Kenny Hayes, waived Thursday by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and shooting guard Durrell Summers, waived Friday by the Charlotte Bobcats, will be available to rejoin the Red Claws for Tuesday’s game in Canton, Ohio — if both clear NBA waivers. Hayes was already at the Portland Expo on Friday.
He can’t wait to rejoin his D-League teammates.
“I need to take what I learned in training camp and build off it, and bring it down here,” said Hayes. “I’m excited to be back. I mean, (the D-League) is the reason I got the chance. My plan is to hopefully lead the team and get some wins.”
Jon Jennings, the president and general manager of the Red Claws, said more players could be available soon.
He’s still awaiting word on Chris Wright, the rookie forward who impressed the staff in the Golden State training camp. NBA opening-day rosters are due today.
Center Magnum Rolle, who played briefly for the Red Claws last year, was waived Friday by the Atlanta Hawks. Maine retains his D-League rights and if he clears NBA waivers, also could join the club in Canton.
Jennings only could speak about the additions of Anderson and Tisdale.
“I think we get a tremendous upgrade in ability getting Antonio and Mike back,” he said. “For us, we obviously like them as players. We were happy for them to get the chance to go to Philadelphia’s training camp.
“At least in my experience, when guys have had that experience, it really opens their eyes to the level of intensity and competitiveness at the NBA level.”
Both Anderson and Tisdale agreed that their time in Philadelphia’s training camp, under Coach Doug Collins, was well spent.
“It was a great experience, a great opportunity,” said Anderson, participating in his third NBA camp.
“It was a blessing. I worked hard every day. But I’m not disappointed. I know I’ve got to work as hard as I can to get back there.”
Tisdale, a 7-foot-1 rookie, said his first NBA camp experience was “a lot of fun. You learn a lot about basketball up there.”
“Those guys do this for a living, at the highest level,” he continued. “So any time you get to play against the best, it helps you.”
Staff Writer Mike Lowe can be contacted at 791-6422 or at:
mlowe@pressherald.com
Twitter: MikeLowePPH
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.