Seattle native and University of Washington product Will Conroy describes it as slipping through the back door.
For 19 NBA hopefuls, the Seattle SuperSonics hosted a minicamp on Thursday and Friday to get a glimpse of several, talented minor league players who could find their way on to an NBA roster come fall.
"When you're not called on draft day it's tough going through that back door,
" said Conroy, 25, whose name was not called in the 2005 NBA draft. "It's about perseverance.
"
Conroy, a cerebral point guard known more for his leadership skills than his shooting touch, was part of a strong contingent of floor leaders competing at the Sonics practice facility, the Furtado Center. Others included former Oklahoma State guard John Lucas III, ex-University of Florida floor leader Anthony Roberson and journeyman point guard Earl Calloway.
Also in attendance was Ronald Dupree, a 6-foot-6 swingman who finished out the season on the Sonics’ roster, and Dahntay Jones, another athletic, defensive-minded forward who played for both Memphis and Sacramento in his NBA career.
Big men at the two-day camp included 6-foot-11 center Larry Turner of the D-League's Fort Wayne Mad Ants, and 6-10 wide body Kevin Lyde out of Temple.
After spending his first two years out of college excelling in the NBA Development League, Conroy finished the 2006-07 season fulfilling his dream of making an NBA roster, with the Los Angeles Clippers.
But last summer, with no guaranteed contract heading into a new NBA season, Conroy decided to earn some decent money, signing a six-figure deal to play professional basketball in Europe. Conroy played point guard for Virtus Bologna and Olympia Milano in Italy last season.
He said the change in scenery was a good learning experience, but now Conroy's back trying to make an NBA roster because of his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA.
"Europe was a good experience,
" Conroy said. "The main reason I went over there was for the cash. But my goal is to get back in the NBA and finish my career in the NBA.
"
"I did the Europe thing, and if worse comes to worst and I have to go back there to make money then I will. But this is my first summer of actually being a free agent. I've gotten a few looks, so hopefully I can take advantage of it.
"
Conroy says he will also participate in minicamps in San Antonio and Indiana with the goal of earning a contract. Conroy also has been contacted by Charlotte and Chicago, and he’s hopeful the contacts will lead to a spot on a summer league roster. Fastbreaks Most of the Sonics players have returned to their offseason homes for some rest and to begin working toward next season. However, a few have continued to work out at the Furtado center, including Nick Collison, Luke Ridnour, Robert Swift and Mouhamed Sene. ... Seattle will find out where it selects in the lottery on Tuesday at the NBA Lottery selection event. Seattle rookie Kevin Durant will represent the Sonics. It's the sixth time in the last 10 seasons the Sonics have been in the lottery.
