RealGM

I'm sorry if I have put this in the wrong place..please merge/put it where you'd like....

I'm a server at the Cheesecake Factory (yes, May used to come in a lot last year..not really all that much this year) and I waited on Diop tonight. First of all..he's awesome, nice guy, personable and considerate. He said he likes the city of Dallas better than Charlotte so far..but enjoys the team and his chance at potential playing time better here in Charlotte.

As far as DJ..he came in a bit later and sat down with Diop..I asked him when he was going to be ready to go and wished him a speedy/full recovery. He said that "they" think he'll be ready when the team RETURNS from the road trip. I think there was speculation he might be ready FOR the road trip..but coming from his mouth..sounds like it'll be AFTER the road trip. Anyways, just thought I'd share the info.

That's awesome stuff ace. Thanks for sharing.

Edit: Not awesome that DJ is going to be out longer, more awesome that you got the scoop!!

You quoted "they". Did he seem to infer that he was ready to go but the front office was taking their time?

I would imagine he looked fine, right? I mean an abdominal strain probably only hurts if you have to bend over to get something or twist around?

Cool information of Diop as well.

I quoted "they" because that was the EXACT word he used. I felt that was important to put in there because I asked how he was feeling and he said he was feeling great. I didn't ask how much he'd been practicing/shooting around however, wish I would have. But when I asked how much longer he'd be out..he said "THEY" thought until after the road trip. ...so yes, it leads me to believe that he feels he's ready but they're taking it slow with him. Out of all the multiple injuries I've had in my life including back surgery, I've never had an abdominal strain...so I can only imagine what would and would not hurt it. He walked perfectly fine, sat slouching in a chair at the table but never seemed to be uncomfortable while there. Like I said..sitting and relaxing at Cheesecake Factory is a lot different than driving on 7'0-whatever Andrew Bynum for the lay-up ...but to me..he looked good to go

I was really disappointed cause I heard one of the guys Diop was with ask DJ how he liked Larry Brown. But I had just got double sat so I didn't get to hear the answer.

I was also hesitant to put this in the last post because I walked into the middle of the conversation...DJ was talking about being drafted by Indiana and traded to Portland. Now, he could have been talking about Bayless (which is exactly what happened during the draft)..but I don't know why he would be talking about Bayless. I believe that's what he thought was happening to him before Larry made the call to draft him at the last second. Now..Bayless is a great player..but wow, can you imagine Portland with DJ knowing what we know now!!!!!!!...like I said..i was hesitant to post this just because it was a mid-conversation walk in..but I HAVE to believe he was talking about what he thought was going to happen at the draft if we had taken Lopez leaving him on the board.

Oh, and Nazi was there..but sat at the Bar by himself..walked over to the table for about 30 seconds then left.

DJ was talking about being drafted by Indiana and traded to Portland.

That smells of the "rumor" that MJ was trying to horn in on an already discussed trade between POR & IND.

I imagine it also explains why DJ looked less than enthused to hear his name called when it was. With the rumors that Brook was told he was going to be picked, I wouldn't be surprised that DJ was shocked (if not disappointed) when we took him instead of Lopez.

Oh, and Nazi was there..but sat at the Bar by himself..walked over to the table for about 30 seconds then left.

That's... awkward...

Poor Nazi. Its not fun being the old guy.

What did he order?

Yea, what's his favorite flavor of cheesecake?

This was a terrific update. Great information and it is greatly appreciated. Hate that DJ will miss the road trip, but dont want him back before he's ready. Otherwise the injury will simply linger all season and he'll be miserable and not very productive. Get well and come back at your best!

Diop ordered Mahi-Mahi with broccoli and rice, drank a sweet-tea..he didn't get a cheesecake but his wife(I'm assuming?) got a Strawberry Cheesecake to go. DJ didn't eat and Nazi was at the bar..not sure what he got to eat.

diop already as discovered the wonders of sweet tea.... then again, he did play HS ball in virginia.