Because he wanted to avoid distractions, and let the team just focus on the games, while he focused on rehabbing his knee completely. Don't know if I believe all of that, but it makes sense

As for the defense, wow. You're absolutely right (and I agreed since Phoenix)...I think he'll be a smarter player because his atleticism isn't what it was, and that's all we can hope for right now. He plays smart on D, I'll take that.