Talk about the playoffs. How San Antonio arrives to the first round and in what conditions Tim Duncan is back for the playoffs?
Tim Duncan's injury "delays" us a little bit. But he returned, he played limited minutes but little to little is recovering his level of play and I think we have a great chance. There is a lot to play and we have a lot to work.
Do you want to face the other argentinian players in the playoffs?
Of course, because that would mean that we are in the finals. That would be great and I was convinced that sometime I wouldn't be the only argentinian in the NBA. I think it's only a matter of time and I still thinking that in the next years there will be many more.
How much determinant were the injuries to the team?
It helps us in the fact that many players that weren't playing, got the chance to do it. They gained confidence. Now that Duncan, Nesterovic and Brown return, we have players that gained time and experience for the moment the coach needs them.
What do you think about your participation in the "Basketball Without Borders" program, which includes a visit to your natal city, Bahia Blanca?
I love it. The idea is great. I know that this was made in a lot of countries of the world and in all the continents. I wanted this program to arrive in Argentina, not only for the opportunity that the young players will have, but for all the social things that an NBA event involves. I think it is more important socially. I'm very happy about the NBA putting their eyes on my city. I hope Basketball in my country continue to grow and to leave a mark in our visit this summer.
How can this program help to the growing of Basketball in your country?
Surely a lot. Not many times the NBA arrives in Argentina and makes this event. Besides, we will have the 50 best young players of Latin America and Caribe in Argentina. And they will also help the community. It will help to grow Basketball and we may have a pre-season game in the future. This is a first step to something very important.
We know that you will have a rest this summer with your national team. But you will be back and we want to know which is your motivation to continue obtaining championships?
I believe that all players want to keep winning. When you win and you live the sensation of being the best team of the world, you have no return. You fell so good that you want to do it again. To repeat these sensations, it is something unique.
How do you see the rivalry in the Eastern conference?
Detroit and Miami have been the most regular teams in the current season and they are the teams with most chances of reaching the finals. Detroit is the champion, they know what to do in the indicated moment and they have a team play very solid. Miami's case is different because they are a new team, with less experience in playoffs but they have two great players in Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade. They can win a lot of things. I think that one of this teams will be in the NBA finals and it will be very hard to beat them there.
What do you think about your possible first round rival?
I think that Denver is one of the best teams right now in the NBA. Since George Karl is their coach, they improved a lot their ryhtm, playing with confidence, fast and with a lot of security in all aspects of the game. They are very dangerous and playing in the al ude is difficult. They do well against us and their aggresive defense hurt us. But every team in the playoffs is hard to beat.
How do you reach the playoffs comparing to the last seasons?
We have one week until playoffs. Now I am more tired than in the past and that is normal because of the minutes I have played this season. But I think that in this week I will rest and slowly get better. And all the adrenalin of the playoffs makes you prepared to the compe ion.
How important is to young players the advice of an olympic champion like you in the "Basketball without Borders" program?
I think it will be a good experience for all of us. For me, to be near kids with a lot of potential and to give them an advice is great, even if I don't know them. They can learn from someone who has lived situations they will probably have in their careers. I'm waiting with a lot of expectations the start of this campus.