‘"Born-again rookie," said Easley, who had surgery last summer to repair loose and torn cartilage. "Hopefully I’m on the Blake Griffin plan and I can bounce like he did. … I know the lockout’s been about four months for everybody else, but I’ve been locked out close to a year now. It’s been a long time coming. I’m excited for this year. I’m healthy. I’m stronger mentally, physically and I’m just ready to come out here and compete."’