Eddy Curry says he is "about 20 pounds" lighter than last season and Newsday beat writer Alan Hahn says Curry looks leaner.

"I knew I wanted to be able to play at a high level for a large amount of minutes out there so I could help the team," Curry said.

"He?s definitely worked hard over the summer," Isiah Thomas said. "I think he?s finally understanding his body and how to work himself and knowing what?s good for him and what?s not good for him . . . He?s an extremely disciplined athlete right now and an extremely disciplined player."

Observing practice, Hahn says Zach Randolph "is clearly a work-a-holic" with soft hands and a great release.  Randolph may not look or move like the typical NBA player but he's "a terrific shooter with three-point range."