|
This is from Jerry Zgoda and the Star Tribune:
Q You just came out of a production meeting? Don't you just talk off the top of your head?
A Most of the time, but this is organized. This is big time. It's fun. I like it. Chris [Webber] and Ernie [Johnson] are great.
Q With what Flip [Saunders] is dealing with in Washington, does that make you want to rush back into the league?
A No. Shocks you, huh? We'll wait and see what happens. ... Washington, I thought they had a chance to have a big year. I anticipated [Gilbert] Arenas coming back bigger than he did. The whole thing with the guns, that's a disaster. I didn't anticipate that. It's hard to anticipate something like that.
Q Players with guns: Random thing or bigger issue in the league?
A I think it's very random. I'm not telling you players don't have guns, but they have guns like I have guns: At home, for hunting in the country. There are no guns in the locker room.
Q The Wolves...is this progress?
A What do you mean by that?
Q Is this team better than where you left them? Is there a reason for fans to still hope?
A I've seen about two-thirds of their games. They've spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out who they are. That always happens with a new coach, new teammates, new lots of stuff. Then you add young guys. They're searching to find how they play together, who's going to play together. That takes time.
Q Where do you think this team was headed as you left it?
A Who knows? So much depended on, was Al going to come back healthy? If you don't get Al back healthy ... you're trying to build the team around him. I think he's looking better and better. He's getting back to form.
Q Many of the players you acquired have been shipped away. Think Al will be traded, too?
A I have no idea.
Q Memphis: Real or a mirage?
A Real. Lionel Hollins has done a great job. The thing I like: Lionel decided to go big with [Marc] Gasol and [Zach] Randolph. Most teams go small in a heartbeat. He stays big and by the fourth quarter, Gasol and Randolph have their guys in foul trouble and they're getting to the line. They don't have a lot of depth, but they outrebound you. They pound you inside.
Q When are you going to start Tweeting?
A Never.
Q With Blake Griffin done before his season started, is Tyreke Evans a lock to win Rookie of the Year?
A Evans, by far.
Q Where will LeBron be playing next year?
A Cleveland. They're going to go out and get some things [players]. There's a comfort level with him there in Cleveland.
Q Are the Celtics title days behind them?
A They haven't been healthy all year. If they get healthy and get some rhythm, they're the team to beat. I really like their bench if they can get healthy: Big Baby [Glen Davis], Marquis Daniels, [Eddie] House, Rasheed [Wallace], that's a nice blend of guys who can play. Those guys fit together well.
Q Will you coach or manage again?
A Oh, who knows? I'm going to wait and see.
|