{"id":8866,"date":"2017-08-07T16:00:17","date_gmt":"2017-08-07T20:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnba.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=8866"},"modified":"2017-08-06T22:56:11","modified_gmt":"2017-08-07T02:56:11","slug":"welcome-home-marreese-speights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2017\/08\/07\/welcome-home-marreese-speights\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome Home, Marreese Speights"},"content":{"rendered":"

Marreese Speights<\/a><\/strong> did not need a Player\u2019s Tribune article or a TV special to announce his homecoming to Florida. He is not here for the attention; he is here because he loves his hometown squad and knows what needs to be done to push the Magic to the next level. Speights will be joining his 6th NBA team after being drafted in the first round of the 2008 draft, and this might be the one that gets the most from <\/span>Mo’ Buckets<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Welcome Home, Marreese Speights<\/h2>\n

Speights’ Journey to the NBA<\/strong><\/h3>\n

After a dominant High School career, Speights signed with the University of Florida to play for a championship team and learn from fellow big men Al Horford<\/a> <\/strong>and Joakim Noah<\/a><\/strong>. He exploded as a sophomore and earned himself a spot as a first round draft pick.<\/span><\/p>\n

During his freshman season, Speights did not shy away from competing against the more experienced and skilled players ahead of him. Not only did he attempt to outwork them in practice and games, but he also reached out to them for guidance. Speights has been a successful role player throughout his career. In order to produce as a role player, you need to understand your skills and deficiencies. You have to be able to play without an ego and be team first. His experience at Florida created the hardworking team-first player he is today.<\/span><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.sbnation.com\/2015\/4\/15\/8420175\/marreese-speights-profile-interview-stats-golden-state-warriors<\/a><\/p>\n

Becoming an NBA Champion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Speights bounced around the league with Philadelphia, Memphis, and Cleveland, but it was in Golden State when he showed his true value. This is also where he earned a great nickname that spoke to his skills and the fondness that his teammates had for him, <\/span>Mo’ Buckets.<\/span><\/i> Speights performed one of the most difficult jobs that can be expected of an NBA big man; come off the bench, and be ready to produce quickly when the rest of the team is flat. His former coach, Steve Kerr<\/strong><\/a>, spoke<\/a> directly to this quality after game 4 of the 2016 Conference Semifinals against the Trailblazers. Kerr noted that even in the face of difficult match-ups, Speights was able to produce when it mattered the most.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Locker Room Presence<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s not a secret every NBA team needs \u201clocker room\u201d guys; players that have an impact beyond measurable statistics. Speights has the ability to come to Orlando and teach the young players how to be professionals. Even though he shot down the story that described him criticizing Draymond Green<\/strong><\/a> for being too hard on teammates, Speights is the guy that can instill habits of hard work and professional respect amongst the team. He will not hesitate to call players out when they are showing up teammates rather than uplifting them. That is what teams with a strong culture do. Here is the best part for Magic fans: this is not\u00a0<\/span>just<\/span><\/i> a locker room move. Speights can still play and produce real numbers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When you think about family and brotherhood a picture like this should come to mind. Su… http:\/\/t.co\/tbe0vB1SJp<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ndCJ0EvLZs<\/a><\/p>\n

— Marreese Speights (@Mospeights16) March 25, 2015<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n