Kevin Martin, David Thorpe and Orien Greene

[Sac4cwebb]

David Thorpe runs a school that works with NBA players to improve their game. K Mart credits Thorpe with helping him take his game to the next level.

Kevin Martin was not supposed to be a rising star in the NBA. It wasn't in the original playbook. So what happened? He had a successful college career at Western Carolina, but didn't really start to make an impact with the Kings until he started doing extra work with a personal trainer. Coach David Thorpe of The Pro Training Center in Tampa, Florida helped Kevin take his unquenchable thirst to be the best in the game and turn it into a focused training program that would fast track Kevin not only to the NBA, but also to unlimited success within its ranks. This year's theme is "Take the Next Step," and we got with Kevin to find out what that's all about.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18951.shtml

It turns out tha Thorpe has been working with Orien Greene, who recently signed with the Kings. I know Greene has the reputation as a poor shooter and poor ballhandler. Maybe Thorpe will help and we will have a diamond in the rough.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Thorpe_(NBA_Analyst/Trainer)

David Thorpe is the Executive Director of the Pro Training Center at the Basketball Academy, a subdivision of IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida. The PTC offers NBA draft preparation, as well as general training for veterans and college players. The PTC focuses on skill overload training; teaching their clients new skills, then helping them make the transition from executing the new skills in drills to successful performances in games. There is also a strong effort made to improve a players mental approach to the game, developing his confidence and working at balancing his career within his life. Strength and nutrition are also focal points of the training processes, with special attention to helping players "lean out" while improving agility and jumping in game conditions.

In Spring 2007, Thorpe moved his PTC under the umbrella of IMG Academies in Bradenton, FL. [1]

Thorpe works with players from the NBA, the European pro leagues, and other rising stars from around the globe. He consults with NBA and college coaches, executives, and scouts.

Graduates of the program include Udonis Haslem (Miami Heat), Kevin Martin (Sacramento Kings), Orien Greene (Indiana Pacers), Alexander Johnson (Memphis Grizzlies), Loren Woods (Toronto Raptors), and Josh Powell (Indiana Pacers).

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=14986

 

[CruzDude]

I'm gonna love the results of that training for Kev. Our own Tashawn Prince, eh?

 

[Fear the Putin]

Udonis Haslem (Miami Heat), Kevin Martin (Sacramento Kings), Orien Greene (Indiana Pacers), Alexander Johnson (Memphis Grizzlies), Loren Woods (Toronto Raptors), and Josh Powell (Indiana Pacers).


out of that list only haslem and martin turned out good

 

[sactownfan]

David Thorpe is way overrated. This guy has 2 clients that have done anything and i give him almost no credit. Coachie (pete c.) worked with Kevin for over 2 years and still helps him today. Kevin himself has said that is Pete not Thourpe that has made him the player he is today.

From what i know Thorpe is more of a physical trainer.

 

[Sac4cwebb]

You may be right, but I can alway hope! We'll see how Greene does once the preseason begins. I can't wait! I think all the suprises are going to be positive, unlike last year.

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

I'm gonna love the results of that training for Kev. Our own Tashawn Prince, eh?

He's more Rip than Tayshaun. Doesn't have quite the natural defensive attributes nor does he have quite the defensive mentality. And of course, he's not quite the all-around versatile player either.

If anything, I think Thorpe has helped develop the proper strength regiment for Kev necessary for him to score around the basket, draw contact, and get to the free throw line at a more efficient rate. Of course, it helps that Kevin has a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed as well that led to that breakout season we saw this year.

With regards to Orien Greene, I'm not sure what Thorpe could do to him. If you look down that list, only Udonis Haslem has really maximized his chances at the NBA besides K Mart. I do think that Alexander Johnson and Josh Powell are two particular big men who may be what you call "diamonds in the rough", well-built athletic big men with some skills who can contribute sooner rather than later in the league, but Loren Woods, despite all his rahs-rahs about his long frame and "potential", has already busted out. My own personal opinion of Greene isn't particularly favorable either; he's essentially a big guard who doesn't really fit a position, doesn't pass the ball particularly well enough at the NBA level nor can he shoot well. Essentially a defensive 10th man at best, although he has all the physical attributes (athleticism, speed, length, height, etc.) you would want in a tall point guard. Just too passive on the offensive side of the court, nor can he do anything really well. Unless Thorpe could suddenly increase his passing skills and shooting skills a notch, I see a use for him, but otherwise...

 

[fnordius]

Essentially a defensive 10th man at best... nor can he do anything really well. Unless Thorpe could suddenly increase his passing skills and shooting skills a notch, I see a use for him, but otherwise...

"We've got a foul to give, and they just brought Danny Fortson off the bench. You know what to do."

(Just kidding... sort of. It IS hard to think of what we'd do with him.)

 

[Kingsgurl]

David Thorpe is way overrated. This guy has 2 clients that have done anything and i give him almost no credit. Coachie (pete c.) worked with Kevin for over 2 years and still helps him today. Kevin himself has said that is Pete not Thourpe that has made him the player he is today.

Over-rated by whom, exactly? Thorpe has been working with Kevin for longer, even, then Coachie has, and while, yes, Kevin gives credit to Coachie, I don't recall any quote giving sole credit to Carril. Thorpe provides SOMETHING Kevin likes, or else he wouldn't continue to fly back there every off-season to work with him. I'm sure he (Thorpe) is devastated that you give him almost NO credit. If the truth be told, Kevin is the one who 'made him the player he is today'. His drive, his desire. He was aided by the coaches (I'm thankful he was here when Coachie was here) who helped mold him. It's not like it's a credit only one person can have a stake in, rather a more convergent, group effort.

 

[dude12]

Over-rated by whom, exactly? Thorpe has been working with Kevin for longer, even, then Coachie has, and while, yes, Kevin gives credit to Coachie, I don't recall any quote giving sole credit to Carril. Thorpe provides SOMETHING Kevin likes, or else he wouldn't continue to fly back there every off-season to work with him. I'm sure he (Thorpe) is devastated that you give him almost NO credit. If the truth be told, Kevin is the one who 'made him the player he is today'. His drive, his desire. He was aided by the coaches (I'm thankful he was here when Coachie was here) who helped mold him. It's not like it's a credit only one person can have a stake in, rather a more convergent, group effort.

How far back has this Thorpe worked with Kevin? When KMart came up with us, his shooting technique needed tweaking. Was that Thorpe or Carill? The King's also have a strength program as every NBA team does. And your right about Kevin making himself the player he is along with the help from coaches. Coaches show a player the path and the player has to put in the time.

 

[VF21]

How far back has this Thorpe worked with Kevin? When KMart came up with us, his shooting technique needed tweaking. Was that Thorpe or Carill?

Kevin's shot may be unorthodox but it's worked for him. Reggie Miller, who had some minor success in the NBA, once said he didn't see what the big fuss was all about as he, too (meaning Miller) had a shot that wasn't exactly considered "textbook."

The King's also have a strength program as every NBA team does. And your right about Kevin making himself the player he is along with the help from coaches. Coaches show a player the path and the player has to put in the time.

The Kings have various programs but I think it's pretty clear Martin is motivated by Thorpe's approach. And that's fantastic, IMHO. I don't care where they go during the summer to maintain and improve their skill sets. I'm just very happy to see someone like Martin as focused as he is to the point where he was actually in a hurry to leave the whole "signing" thing behind him so he could get back to working with Thorpe in Florida before leaving for South Africa.

 

[Sac4cwebb]

I'm just very happy to see someone like Martin as focused as he is to the point where he was actually in a hurry to leave the whole "signing" thing behind him so he could get back to working with Thorpe in Florida before leaving for South Africa.

I agree. And it also says something about Greene's willingness to work on his game in an effort to improve. Hopefully it will pay off, for both him and the Kings.

 

[dude12]

I agree. And it also says something about Greene's willingness to work on his game in an effort to improve. Hopefully it will pay off, for both him and the Kings.

I'm not sure Greene has a choice other than to work his butt off.....he's a borderline NBA player right now.

 

[SSBG]

How far back has this Thorpe worked with Kevin? When KMart came up with us, his shooting technique needed tweaking. Was that Thorpe or Carill? The King's also have a strength program as every NBA team does. And your right about Kevin making himself the player he is along with the help from coaches. Coaches show a player the path and the player has to put in the time.

Thorpe's been working with Kev since his freshman year at Western.