[McDunkin]

Bonzi Wells worked out with the New York Knicks last week, as reported here, and reports out of the camp from New York’s local media seemed to be that the 34-year-old had a pretty good showing. That might be because he was the most familiar name of the three players they knew were in attendance, but it’s at least a start toward an NBA comeback.

Wells hasn’t played in the NBA since the 2007-08 season split between the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Hornets, but after a brief stints in China and Puerto Rico, the eleventh-overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft is making one last stride toward a return to the NBA by working out with the Ball State basketball team as well as playing noonball at the local YMCA (I have something in common with Bonzi Wells!).

For those who remember Wells being constantly suspended during his years with the Portland Trail Blazers and don’t think he deserves another chance, however, the 10-year NBA veteran says he’s a changed man.

"This is a million-dollar job. Nobody’s going to pay a million dollars to a butthole. I didn’t embrace that whole theory. I was thinking, ‘I’ve got talent. I’m going to stay here forever.’ Then after I wasn’t playing anymore, it was like, ‘Wow, I’m not playing.’ It really hit me," Wells told the Star Press over the weekend. "I’m older now, and I can see things that I wish I would’ve done so differently back then. I hate that I got technical fouls. I hate that I did stuff like that."

The above-referenced article is pretty interesting as it touches on Wells talking about some of his worse mentors with the infamous "Jail Blazers" like Rasheed Wallace and J.R. Rider as well as guys like Scottie Pippen and Steve Smith who tried to help the troubled wing.

If the NBA comeback doesn’t work out, Wells is hoping to get into professional coaching. Neat.

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2011/6/13/2221113/bonzi-wells-nba-comeback-knicks#storyjump

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Used to go to games and watch Bonzi at Ball State when I was little. He was a monster.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

I remember when he and Rasheed Wallace WERE the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers were nothing too special when they were carrying the team, but they were both awesome. Also remember him giving San Antonio fits, he and Ron Artest when they were the 8 seed playing against a 1st seeded Spurs team. They ended up losing in 6, but he had 38 points in Game 5 of that series. Dude was a strong player and could score in a number of ways. Would definitely be cool to see him back in the L.

[ilike.panochasParticipant]

He was such a weapon down the post, for a 6’5 SG/SF.

[larbear260Participant]

if he is serious about his change then he could definitly make a difference off someones bench, maybe Miami?

[Author]

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