diego
07-26-2006, 12:16 PM
from Ole http://www.ole.clarin.com/jsp/v4/pagina.jsp?pagId=1240516&fecha=20060726
rough translation:
You've said in many interviews it was a positive season. ¿How do you consider that if you played only a few minutes?
—Maybe someone will say ''I would have stayed in europe, you messed up''. But I have no regrets and I take it as a year of learning. Now I know how everything works, from the rules to the play. Also, you have to remember I came to the champs. Everyone had a role and I was the 5th big. Only when Horry got injured did I get to play 15 min. I accepted the conditions, worked hard and learned a lot
—¿Was there a difficult moment?
—No, I knew from the start the team doesnt revolve around me, not like in Europe
—But you thought you would play more, right?
—I didnt think in terms of minutes because no one can guarantee that.
—Others might have reacted different, with anger even.
—I was pacient and I worked. I improved my shot. I didn't lose a year, I improved and am now a better player.
—¿What did you learn in terms of the play?
—That its all so fast that you cant think. You have to execute, its all more impulsive.
—It looked like your impulse was to defer to the team.
—Well yes, I had to change. I wanted to find the way to stay on the court and so I concentrated on defense.
—¿Doesnt it hurt you to play different from what you know?
—Yes, the real change was playing more facing the hoop. In europe I played for seven years with my back to the basket. Now, with Duncan inside, I had to go out more and its different.
—¿Would you handle another year like this one?
—I've learned to cross bridges when I get to them. If that happens, I'll see. I'm a grown man and if its no good, I'll leave. It all depends. I'm comfortable and I trust I'll get chances to play.
—Nesterovic and Mohammed departures open a window for you.
—Well yes, so it seems. I havent spoken with Popovich. If its true, I'll be under pressure to respond.
rough translation:
You've said in many interviews it was a positive season. ¿How do you consider that if you played only a few minutes?
—Maybe someone will say ''I would have stayed in europe, you messed up''. But I have no regrets and I take it as a year of learning. Now I know how everything works, from the rules to the play. Also, you have to remember I came to the champs. Everyone had a role and I was the 5th big. Only when Horry got injured did I get to play 15 min. I accepted the conditions, worked hard and learned a lot
—¿Was there a difficult moment?
—No, I knew from the start the team doesnt revolve around me, not like in Europe
—But you thought you would play more, right?
—I didnt think in terms of minutes because no one can guarantee that.
—Others might have reacted different, with anger even.
—I was pacient and I worked. I improved my shot. I didn't lose a year, I improved and am now a better player.
—¿What did you learn in terms of the play?
—That its all so fast that you cant think. You have to execute, its all more impulsive.
—It looked like your impulse was to defer to the team.
—Well yes, I had to change. I wanted to find the way to stay on the court and so I concentrated on defense.
—¿Doesnt it hurt you to play different from what you know?
—Yes, the real change was playing more facing the hoop. In europe I played for seven years with my back to the basket. Now, with Duncan inside, I had to go out more and its different.
—¿Would you handle another year like this one?
—I've learned to cross bridges when I get to them. If that happens, I'll see. I'm a grown man and if its no good, I'll leave. It all depends. I'm comfortable and I trust I'll get chances to play.
—Nesterovic and Mohammed departures open a window for you.
—Well yes, so it seems. I havent spoken with Popovich. If its true, I'll be under pressure to respond.