DraftExpress: Charlotte
promise?
Terrence Williams: I love how you just come out and say that. I had a great workout in my second workout with Charlotte. I hurt my ankle so I didn't go to New Jersey...we'll see what happens tomorrow (laughs).
DX: New Jersey might take you anyway, would you be cool with that?
TW: I'll be cool wherever, I'm in the green room. You guys don't understand, this is what you work for, this is a dream come true. I'm in the green room so if I go anywhere from five to fourteen, it's blessing. If I go in the first round it's a blessing, but five to fourteen is excellent. If I go eleven, I'll approach that situation the same as I would if I went twelve or seven. It's coming in as a rookie, behaving and having hard work and dedication to your team.
DX: Theres been some talk in the media that some teams were scared off by stuff that came up in the background checks, some stuff about your intangibles, the fact that you have a couple of kids. How do you respond to that? Are teams digging too deep or is that valid information that they need to know?
TW: Thats a great question; I hope they dig deeper to see that I am human. What I mean by human is my past with children, but as far as a question about background, if you look at my background when I was younger, youll never see my fingerprint with the police, at Louisville Ive never been in trouble, so its like people make up things. Is it because I didnt score 20 points per game or win a national championship or shoot 48 percent from the three-point line? Am I that much different from anyone else? No, but people are always going to make up their own assumptions, thats why we have hearsay, thats what we have DraftExpress, thats why we have you guys because people need something to read to keep them going. So like I said, my background is clean because Ive never been in trouble and if you dig deeper you will see that Im human.
DX: Your coach obviously loves you, and every team that has talked to him says that. But a couple of the teams that are interested in selecting you have been saying things like hes very cocky and arrogant, hes been comparing himself to Lebron James. What does that tell you?
TW: If you ask me the question, which is better gas, Chevon or Texaco? If I say Texaco, thats my answer. If you ask me who do I compare my game to, I try to compare my game to Lebron. Im not saying Im Lebron or Michael Jordan, thats who I try to compare my game to. At Louisville as far as assists, defense and being a team leader, you can say to the Louisville fans, I was their Lebron. Im not saying I am Lebron, thats not me coming off arrogant, thats me giving a legitimate truthful answer. If they give me A or B, they cant get mad at me because I didnt choose A. This is how I come off in my interviews, if thats cocky to people, well Im just trying to answer questions that are presented to me.
DX: Is being too open with teams in the interview process, is that almost a fault?
TW: Honestly, it is. When youre going into interviews youre told to assume they already know the answer. So if they ask you, and this wasnt one of my questions, were you arrested when you were sixteen and you say no, they already know that. So its like you come off as a liar and you dont want to do that so you tell them the truth and then they start thinking, oh this guy has a bad history with the police or something like that. So you try not to be too open, but were told to assume they already know the answers. When I go into my interviews and they ask if I have children, I could easily say no, but they already know the answer and that youre lying. If I tell them yes then, they get mad that I do. They could have had their first kid at fifteen but I cant fault them because theyre trying to draft me.
Reporter: What would you like to improve on at the next level?
Williams: I would keep the same skills that I have I would just practice them more. I would practice more open shooting, more shooting off the dribble, stuff like that.
Reporter: Who would you compare yourself to in then NBA?
Williams: I try to look after and copy LeBron James. As far as passing the ball, defense and thinking team first concepts. And on defense Id like to be like Shane Battier because he challenges every shot and doesnt back down from anybody.
Reporter: What advice have you received from Coach Pitino?
Williams: Have fun and to know at the end of the day that its a business. Take your time and the main thing is to know that its a business and that when you make money to save your money.
Reporter: Where do you see yourself being drafted?
Williams: Before fourteen.
Reporter: What happens if you were the last guy standing in the Green Room?
Williams: I dont care (laughs), Im in the Green Room. A lot of people are in their white living rooms watching me on TV so Im in the Green Room and it doesnt matter to me.
Reporter: Is it more important to be drafted high or drafted to a team where you fit better.
Williams: Where I think Im going to go is a great situation. But if you ask some people, to them its more important to be drafted high because they want to be paid more. To me, I want to be in the right situation. Because if youre in the right situation, in the long run, you will be paid more.
Reporter: There is some talk that Chicago is trying to trade up to try and get you. Is it flattering to hear talk like that?
Williams: It depends, where are they trading up to?
Reporter: 11
Williams: Oooh. When you hear people say that teams want to trade up to try and get you it just shows you that hard work pays off. Playing in Chicago with Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Salmons That would be a great fit, but D Rose has number one, so I would have to switch my number. But yeah that would be a nice look in Chicago.
Reporter: How closely do you follow the trade rumors and mock drafts, etc.
Williams: Honestly, I wasnt trying to until yesterday when I saw that Minnesota gets the 5th and 6th pick. And then I see guys in the NBA get traded like Bruce Bowen. Yesterday was really the first day I really started looking at that because there were some teams in my mind that, Im like, man, I hope they dont trade their pick. And as of right now they havent traded their pick, but like I said, you never know what will happen.
Terrence Williams: I love how you just come out and say that. I had a great workout in my second workout with Charlotte. I hurt my ankle so I didn't go to New Jersey...we'll see what happens tomorrow (laughs).
DX: New Jersey might take you anyway, would you be cool with that?
TW: I'll be cool wherever, I'm in the green room. You guys don't understand, this is what you work for, this is a dream come true. I'm in the green room so if I go anywhere from five to fourteen, it's blessing. If I go in the first round it's a blessing, but five to fourteen is excellent. If I go eleven, I'll approach that situation the same as I would if I went twelve or seven. It's coming in as a rookie, behaving and having hard work and dedication to your team.
DX: Theres been some talk in the media that some teams were scared off by stuff that came up in the background checks, some stuff about your intangibles, the fact that you have a couple of kids. How do you respond to that? Are teams digging too deep or is that valid information that they need to know?
TW: Thats a great question; I hope they dig deeper to see that I am human. What I mean by human is my past with children, but as far as a question about background, if you look at my background when I was younger, youll never see my fingerprint with the police, at Louisville Ive never been in trouble, so its like people make up things. Is it because I didnt score 20 points per game or win a national championship or shoot 48 percent from the three-point line? Am I that much different from anyone else? No, but people are always going to make up their own assumptions, thats why we have hearsay, thats what we have DraftExpress, thats why we have you guys because people need something to read to keep them going. So like I said, my background is clean because Ive never been in trouble and if you dig deeper you will see that Im human.
DX: Your coach obviously loves you, and every team that has talked to him says that. But a couple of the teams that are interested in selecting you have been saying things like hes very cocky and arrogant, hes been comparing himself to Lebron James. What does that tell you?
TW: If you ask me the question, which is better gas, Chevon or Texaco? If I say Texaco, thats my answer. If you ask me who do I compare my game to, I try to compare my game to Lebron. Im not saying Im Lebron or Michael Jordan, thats who I try to compare my game to. At Louisville as far as assists, defense and being a team leader, you can say to the Louisville fans, I was their Lebron. Im not saying I am Lebron, thats not me coming off arrogant, thats me giving a legitimate truthful answer. If they give me A or B, they cant get mad at me because I didnt choose A. This is how I come off in my interviews, if thats cocky to people, well Im just trying to answer questions that are presented to me.
DX: Is being too open with teams in the interview process, is that almost a fault?
TW: Honestly, it is. When youre going into interviews youre told to assume they already know the answer. So if they ask you, and this wasnt one of my questions, were you arrested when you were sixteen and you say no, they already know that. So its like you come off as a liar and you dont want to do that so you tell them the truth and then they start thinking, oh this guy has a bad history with the police or something like that. So you try not to be too open, but were told to assume they already know the answers. When I go into my interviews and they ask if I have children, I could easily say no, but they already know the answer and that youre lying. If I tell them yes then, they get mad that I do. They could have had their first kid at fifteen but I cant fault them because theyre trying to draft me.
Reporter: What would you like to improve on at the next level?
Williams: I would keep the same skills that I have I would just practice them more. I would practice more open shooting, more shooting off the dribble, stuff like that.
Reporter: Who would you compare yourself to in then NBA?
Williams: I try to look after and copy LeBron James. As far as passing the ball, defense and thinking team first concepts. And on defense Id like to be like Shane Battier because he challenges every shot and doesnt back down from anybody.
Reporter: What advice have you received from Coach Pitino?
Williams: Have fun and to know at the end of the day that its a business. Take your time and the main thing is to know that its a business and that when you make money to save your money.
Reporter: Where do you see yourself being drafted?
Williams: Before fourteen.
Reporter: What happens if you were the last guy standing in the Green Room?
Williams: I dont care (laughs), Im in the Green Room. A lot of people are in their white living rooms watching me on TV so Im in the Green Room and it doesnt matter to me.
Reporter: Is it more important to be drafted high or drafted to a team where you fit better.
Williams: Where I think Im going to go is a great situation. But if you ask some people, to them its more important to be drafted high because they want to be paid more. To me, I want to be in the right situation. Because if youre in the right situation, in the long run, you will be paid more.
Reporter: There is some talk that Chicago is trying to trade up to try and get you. Is it flattering to hear talk like that?
Williams: It depends, where are they trading up to?
Reporter: 11
Williams: Oooh. When you hear people say that teams want to trade up to try and get you it just shows you that hard work pays off. Playing in Chicago with Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Salmons That would be a great fit, but D Rose has number one, so I would have to switch my number. But yeah that would be a nice look in Chicago.
Reporter: How closely do you follow the trade rumors and mock drafts, etc.
Williams: Honestly, I wasnt trying to until yesterday when I saw that Minnesota gets the 5th and 6th pick. And then I see guys in the NBA get traded like Bruce Bowen. Yesterday was really the first day I really started looking at that because there were some teams in my mind that, Im like, man, I hope they dont trade their pick. And as of right now they havent traded their pick, but like I said, you never know what will happen.
Jordan Hill Interview:
Reporter: Milwaukee just made a trade where they acquired a power forward. Does that worry you that you may not have that as a fall back now?
JH: Not really, its a crazy draft so we just have to wait and see how it turns out.
Reporter: What was your reaction to the trade?
JH: I didnt really hear much at all about it, they only one I heard about was Minnesota and Washington. I wasnt really paying much attention to it.
DraftExpress: Jordan at this point how much of an idea do you have about where youll get drafted tomorrow night?
JH: I have no idea; it could be anywhere, two to ten. Im just crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.
DX: Does it matter? Do you prefer to be closer to two rather than ten?
JH: It really doesnt matter, I just want to be picked up and be on a team. Everybody would like to be top five but it doesnt always work that way, so you just have to keep moving forward.
DX: Were hearing that the New York coaching staff really likes you but that front office might be leaning more towards a guard. What do you think you were able to show in your workout that made Mike DAntoni fall in love with you?
JH: I was able to show more athleticism, my quickness, how well I run the floor, my mid-range jumper; they say Im like Amare. You know Coach DAntoni coached him and I feel like any team would want to have Amare and thats how they feel about me.
DX: Did he bring that up to you? Amare?
JH: Yes.
DX: You spent some time at Amares camp and played at Arizona, so you probably know him as a player pretty well.
JH: Yea, hes a real good player. Ive got a lot more work ahead of me to get up there, but Im on my way up.
DX: Are you going to be able to get the guns that Amare has? How long is that going to take?
JH: I hope it doesnt take that long; Ive just got to stay in the weight room.
Reporter: What kinds of indication have the Knicks given that they might select you?
JH: I dont really know anything; the draft is all up in the air right now. I just have to wait and see how the teams feel.
Reporter: Would you like to play in Mike DAntonis system?
JH: Definitely; hes an up-tempo coach and I love to run the floor. Theyve got Chris Duhon who is a pass-first guard and if I run the floor with him and I know hell be able to hit me with a pass for a dunk or whatever. It would definitely be a good fit for me.
DX: Talking to some of the teams that you interviewed with in Chicago there has been some thought that maybe you were a little bit too open with some of the things you said about nightlife and stuff like that. Is that something maybe you regret in hindsight, being so honest and straightforward?
JH: I definitely dont regret it; they asked me to be honest. I dont go out and party all night, Im not like that, but I like to have a little fun. When I get my work done first, then Ill go out and have a little time for myself. I dont regret saying what I did, they wanted me to be honest and I was.
DX: So all the guys who were saying they like to drink apple juice and go to sleep at nine, is that what they wanted to hear you think?
JH: I dont know; they told me to be honest about everything and I was being honest. Im not a party guy like that or anything, but I do like to have fun on my days off.
DX: Is ten in Milwaukee where you think your floor is?
JH: It could be, well see, I dont know.
DX: Do you think Minnesota having two picks changes anything? Maybe they go big and small?
JH: Again like I said I dont really know, were going to have to wait and see.
Reporter: Now that Washington has traded away their fifth pick are you saying to yourself why did I bother working out for them?
JH: No, Im not saying that at all. Anything can happen in this draft, they could trade up and theres nothing wrong with going and working out in front of different NBA teams.
DX: How often are you talking to your agent? Is it a once-an-hour update or is it just whatever happens, happens?
JH: Its whatever happens, happens. Hes doing job and Im just working hard and trying to get better.
Reporter: You have been rumored to go to the Wizards are you surprised they made that deal?
JH: Uh, what deal?
Reporter: The deal yesterday to trade their pick for Mike Miller and Randy Foye
JH: Oh. I was but I cant do anything about it. They felt it was a good decision so its kind of hard to fault them on it.
Reporter: Were you given any assurances on your game by the Wizards while you were there?
JH: No not really basically they told me to just keep working.
Reporter: What kind of team are you hoping to go to?
JH: A team where I can come in and have a huge impact. Come in and get a lot of playing time and be an energy guy for the team and just go out and work hard.
Reporter: Whats more challenging the workouts or traveling from city to city?
JH: Probably the workouts by yourself. Going by yourself is real tough but I managed to fight through it and I had an incredible run of workouts.
Reporter: Will you miss Arizona?
JH: I love the campus, the people the school and the environment. It was a real good fit for me. I basically just wanted to get away from home and mature on my own. I dont regret choosing Arizona. I really loved it.
Reporter: What areas of your game have you improved on the most in college?
JH: My mid-range game and my footwork. Defensively I grew up a lot just staying out of foul trouble. Those are basically the main focal points of my game.
Reporter: How did the yearly coaching changes at Arizona affect your game?
JH: I mean it prepared me more for the next level because I can definitely be traded to teams. Playing under different coaches in college prepared me to know what I expect when I get to the next level. But it really didnt hurt me and its not my decision whos going to be the next coach and the coach I was playing for. So I just kept my head on straight and just kept playing.
Reporter: Any idea of where you might be going tomorrow?
JH: This draft is getting kind of weird. Im just nervous. Its been a long process.
Reporter: Whats it going to be like to finally hear your name tomorrow night?
JH: Relief. Relief. Just to know that I worked hard to get here. And I know it aint over, so Im trying to be one of the greatest so I just got to keep working.
JH: Not really, its a crazy draft so we just have to wait and see how it turns out.
Reporter: What was your reaction to the trade?
JH: I didnt really hear much at all about it, they only one I heard about was Minnesota and Washington. I wasnt really paying much attention to it.
DraftExpress: Jordan at this point how much of an idea do you have about where youll get drafted tomorrow night?
JH: I have no idea; it could be anywhere, two to ten. Im just crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.
DX: Does it matter? Do you prefer to be closer to two rather than ten?
JH: It really doesnt matter, I just want to be picked up and be on a team. Everybody would like to be top five but it doesnt always work that way, so you just have to keep moving forward.
DX: Were hearing that the New York coaching staff really likes you but that front office might be leaning more towards a guard. What do you think you were able to show in your workout that made Mike DAntoni fall in love with you?
JH: I was able to show more athleticism, my quickness, how well I run the floor, my mid-range jumper; they say Im like Amare. You know Coach DAntoni coached him and I feel like any team would want to have Amare and thats how they feel about me.
DX: Did he bring that up to you? Amare?
JH: Yes.
DX: You spent some time at Amares camp and played at Arizona, so you probably know him as a player pretty well.
JH: Yea, hes a real good player. Ive got a lot more work ahead of me to get up there, but Im on my way up.
DX: Are you going to be able to get the guns that Amare has? How long is that going to take?
JH: I hope it doesnt take that long; Ive just got to stay in the weight room.
Reporter: What kinds of indication have the Knicks given that they might select you?
JH: I dont really know anything; the draft is all up in the air right now. I just have to wait and see how the teams feel.
Reporter: Would you like to play in Mike DAntonis system?
JH: Definitely; hes an up-tempo coach and I love to run the floor. Theyve got Chris Duhon who is a pass-first guard and if I run the floor with him and I know hell be able to hit me with a pass for a dunk or whatever. It would definitely be a good fit for me.
DX: Talking to some of the teams that you interviewed with in Chicago there has been some thought that maybe you were a little bit too open with some of the things you said about nightlife and stuff like that. Is that something maybe you regret in hindsight, being so honest and straightforward?
JH: I definitely dont regret it; they asked me to be honest. I dont go out and party all night, Im not like that, but I like to have a little fun. When I get my work done first, then Ill go out and have a little time for myself. I dont regret saying what I did, they wanted me to be honest and I was.
DX: So all the guys who were saying they like to drink apple juice and go to sleep at nine, is that what they wanted to hear you think?
JH: I dont know; they told me to be honest about everything and I was being honest. Im not a party guy like that or anything, but I do like to have fun on my days off.
DX: Is ten in Milwaukee where you think your floor is?
JH: It could be, well see, I dont know.
DX: Do you think Minnesota having two picks changes anything? Maybe they go big and small?
JH: Again like I said I dont really know, were going to have to wait and see.
Reporter: Now that Washington has traded away their fifth pick are you saying to yourself why did I bother working out for them?
JH: No, Im not saying that at all. Anything can happen in this draft, they could trade up and theres nothing wrong with going and working out in front of different NBA teams.
DX: How often are you talking to your agent? Is it a once-an-hour update or is it just whatever happens, happens?
JH: Its whatever happens, happens. Hes doing job and Im just working hard and trying to get better.
Reporter: You have been rumored to go to the Wizards are you surprised they made that deal?
JH: Uh, what deal?
Reporter: The deal yesterday to trade their pick for Mike Miller and Randy Foye
JH: Oh. I was but I cant do anything about it. They felt it was a good decision so its kind of hard to fault them on it.
Reporter: Were you given any assurances on your game by the Wizards while you were there?
JH: No not really basically they told me to just keep working.
Reporter: What kind of team are you hoping to go to?
JH: A team where I can come in and have a huge impact. Come in and get a lot of playing time and be an energy guy for the team and just go out and work hard.
Reporter: Whats more challenging the workouts or traveling from city to city?
JH: Probably the workouts by yourself. Going by yourself is real tough but I managed to fight through it and I had an incredible run of workouts.
Reporter: Will you miss Arizona?
JH: I love the campus, the people the school and the environment. It was a real good fit for me. I basically just wanted to get away from home and mature on my own. I dont regret choosing Arizona. I really loved it.
Reporter: What areas of your game have you improved on the most in college?
JH: My mid-range game and my footwork. Defensively I grew up a lot just staying out of foul trouble. Those are basically the main focal points of my game.
Reporter: How did the yearly coaching changes at Arizona affect your game?
JH: I mean it prepared me more for the next level because I can definitely be traded to teams. Playing under different coaches in college prepared me to know what I expect when I get to the next level. But it really didnt hurt me and its not my decision whos going to be the next coach and the coach I was playing for. So I just kept my head on straight and just kept playing.
Reporter: Any idea of where you might be going tomorrow?
JH: This draft is getting kind of weird. Im just nervous. Its been a long process.
Reporter: Whats it going to be like to finally hear your name tomorrow night?
JH: Relief. Relief. Just to know that I worked hard to get here. And I know it aint over, so Im trying to be one of the greatest so I just got to keep working.
Blake Griffin
Reporter: Are you concerned with the Clippers curse?
Griffin: Ive heard a little bit about that and I keep saying the same thing - it doesnt bother me. A lot of the guys on the team now werent there 5 years ago they werent there 3 years ago so whatever. Im looking forward, Im looking at the future and Im excited about that. Im not worried about what happened in the past.
Reporter: How excited are you for this to be over?
Griffin: Im excited, just excited to know exactly where Im going and to kind of get in to my life wherever Im at.
Reporter: What would be more disappointing about going second overall? Going number two or going to Memphis?
Griffin: (just laughs)
Reporter: How often do you get the same questions?
Griffin: Ive probably had some of these questions 30, 40 times. Its all good
Reporter: Whats the most unusual question that you have been asked?
Griffin: Somebody asked me last night what my three top Hollywood girls are. Its not unusual but normally theyre pertaining to basketball.
Reporter: Have you ever been to the Playboy Mansion before? And will you go there next week?
Griffin: Yeah, I will definitely no, Ive never been there.
Gerald Henderson Interview
Reporter: Do you have any idea where you will be picked?
Henderson: I hope its high. I dont really know now. Maybe closer to tomorrow Ill have a better sense, but teams are still talking and making unbelievable trades. Theres still wheeling and dealing with that so maybe tomorrow Ill have some better idea of that.
Reporter: Do you know Coach DAntoni at all?
Henderson: No, not personally. I talked to him at our workout. Coach (Krzyzewski) talks very highly of him and his knowledge of the game. Id love to play for him.
DeMar DeRozan Interview
DraftExpress: How nervous are you?
Demar DeRozan: Im just anxious, theres so much going on already with the draft because of the trades. Im starting to get a little nervous because you never know what is going to happen next.
DX: How much do you think the trades have changed your draft situation?
DD: I think it changed a little bit of everything; every more is going to affect every player. You really wont know what is going to happen until draft night.
DX: The fact that you didnt work out for Minnesota, could that come back to haunt you now that they have two picks?
DD: No, Im not really worried about it. If it comes down to that they know talent and its up to the GMs to decide who they want.
DX: What are you hearing from Toronto in terms of what they might be doing?
DD: I havent really discussed it specifically with them. I know Toronto really likes me and I really like Toronto, so like I said, when draft night comes Im going to really pay attention to what happens.
DX: If you get past Toronto, what do you think youre next stopgap is?
DD: I really dont know, theres no telling where it could be. Every time David Stern walks up there you never know who he is going to call, so were just going to have to wait and see.
DX: Some people are saying that Terrence Williams has a promise at twelve, which means you could go at eleven to New Jersey, since he turned down his workout. Have you worked out for them or thought about them at all?
DD: No I didnt work out for New Jersey; I didnt really put any thought into it. I worked out for the teams that I felt were most interested in me and thats what Im going to go with.
DX: In hindsight, not doing competitive workouts, is that going to be a mistake if you wind up slipping a little bit?
DD: Not at all; I think doing individual workouts gives the GMs a chance to see everything that you worked on, especially in regards to what they think your weaknesses are. It also gives them a chance to see what you improved on.
DX: Do you think they feel the same way about you not doing competitive workouts?
DD: I think its great that they get to see me go through repetitions in all of the drills they have set up for me and how well I do with all of them.
DX: Have you talked to Tim Floyd at all lately?
DD: No, not lately. I talked to him a couple of weeks ago before the whole situation turned out like it did. I havent talked to him since, but Ill probably talk to him soon.
DX: How important is it for you to get drafted high?
DD: Its important to me to get drafted period. Im not really worrying about where Im going, whatever situation I get put in, thats the one Im going to go with from there.
Reporter: Highlight of this process for you
DD: just traveling, working out for a lot of teams yk that was one of the major highlights for me really enjoying that having fun wqith that and just sitting back and see what the process do
Reporter: Are you tired of the traveling?
DD: No, thats I think that something that got get used to. Whats coming ahead in the NBA and everything its really preparing me.
Reporter: You did a solo workout for New York, how did that go for you?
DD: It went real well. It went real good. I got a good feed from it and everything but like I said its just time to sit back and watch to see what happens.
Reporter: Do you fit that (Knicks) system?
DD: Oh yeah I think every player love playing under DAntoni. His type of offense he just lets you run and lets you play your game. I think every player love play under him because they feel comfortable
Reporter: Did you do a lot of shooting at the workout?
DD: Yeah, definitely. A lot of shooting. It was fun. That was one of my funnest workouts.
Reporter: You played really well in the Pac-10 tournament. Did that help you make your decision to enter the draft?
DD: Yeah, definitely. I got the chance to really come out and really play like I knew I could play. I think I proved that to everybody. I had an up and down season and I was struggling with the new offense. Then I got to go out and play my game and I think people got a chance to see that.
Reporter: Who in this draft do you think has the chance to be really good?
DD: Besides myself?
Reporter: Yes, besides yourself.
DD: Id have to say the one player I know will be a good pro is Brandon Jennings. Ive played with him since I was 11 or 12 and I know just how good of a point guard he is against anybody he plays against.
Reporter: How good would he (Jennings) have been in college this year?
DD: Man, I think he would have been a better point guard in college this year. Everybody would see how well he creates, how good of a scorer he is and he is one of the players who can bring excitement to the floor.
Reporter: So you think he made a mistake by going to Europe?
DD: No. He chose what was best for him. I know he was going to get the best out of whatever he did and thats what he did.
Reporter: Whats it feel like to be compared to Vince Carter?
DD: It feels great. I remember when Vince Carter came in to the league how he affected the NBA. He brought the excitement back. Everyone wanted to see Vince Carter. Everyone fell in love with Vince Carter and thats something that a lot of people look at me as and I feel honored. It feels great to be compared to a player like Vince Carter.
Reporter: Would you consider participating in the dunk contest?
DD: Yeah, I would consider it. I dont feel like I would have a choice with the fans always wanting me to go out there and do something like that. So, I would definitely consider it.
Reporter: You didnt participate in any competitive workouts. Do you think your stock went up or down after your college season?
DD: I think it went up. In every workout I really proved to each team how well I shoot from the outside, how well I can ball-handle, a lot of stuff that they said were my weaknesses I really showed them otherwise.
Reporter: Where do you think youre going in the draft?
DD: Nobody but Blake Griffin knows where hes going.
Demar DeRozan: Im just anxious, theres so much going on already with the draft because of the trades. Im starting to get a little nervous because you never know what is going to happen next.
DX: How much do you think the trades have changed your draft situation?
DD: I think it changed a little bit of everything; every more is going to affect every player. You really wont know what is going to happen until draft night.
DX: The fact that you didnt work out for Minnesota, could that come back to haunt you now that they have two picks?
DD: No, Im not really worried about it. If it comes down to that they know talent and its up to the GMs to decide who they want.
DX: What are you hearing from Toronto in terms of what they might be doing?
DD: I havent really discussed it specifically with them. I know Toronto really likes me and I really like Toronto, so like I said, when draft night comes Im going to really pay attention to what happens.
DX: If you get past Toronto, what do you think youre next stopgap is?
DD: I really dont know, theres no telling where it could be. Every time David Stern walks up there you never know who he is going to call, so were just going to have to wait and see.
DX: Some people are saying that Terrence Williams has a promise at twelve, which means you could go at eleven to New Jersey, since he turned down his workout. Have you worked out for them or thought about them at all?
DD: No I didnt work out for New Jersey; I didnt really put any thought into it. I worked out for the teams that I felt were most interested in me and thats what Im going to go with.
DX: In hindsight, not doing competitive workouts, is that going to be a mistake if you wind up slipping a little bit?
DD: Not at all; I think doing individual workouts gives the GMs a chance to see everything that you worked on, especially in regards to what they think your weaknesses are. It also gives them a chance to see what you improved on.
DX: Do you think they feel the same way about you not doing competitive workouts?
DD: I think its great that they get to see me go through repetitions in all of the drills they have set up for me and how well I do with all of them.
DX: Have you talked to Tim Floyd at all lately?
DD: No, not lately. I talked to him a couple of weeks ago before the whole situation turned out like it did. I havent talked to him since, but Ill probably talk to him soon.
DX: How important is it for you to get drafted high?
DD: Its important to me to get drafted period. Im not really worrying about where Im going, whatever situation I get put in, thats the one Im going to go with from there.
Reporter: Highlight of this process for you
DD: just traveling, working out for a lot of teams yk that was one of the major highlights for me really enjoying that having fun wqith that and just sitting back and see what the process do
Reporter: Are you tired of the traveling?
DD: No, thats I think that something that got get used to. Whats coming ahead in the NBA and everything its really preparing me.
Reporter: You did a solo workout for New York, how did that go for you?
DD: It went real well. It went real good. I got a good feed from it and everything but like I said its just time to sit back and watch to see what happens.
Reporter: Do you fit that (Knicks) system?
DD: Oh yeah I think every player love playing under DAntoni. His type of offense he just lets you run and lets you play your game. I think every player love play under him because they feel comfortable
Reporter: Did you do a lot of shooting at the workout?
DD: Yeah, definitely. A lot of shooting. It was fun. That was one of my funnest workouts.
Reporter: You played really well in the Pac-10 tournament. Did that help you make your decision to enter the draft?
DD: Yeah, definitely. I got the chance to really come out and really play like I knew I could play. I think I proved that to everybody. I had an up and down season and I was struggling with the new offense. Then I got to go out and play my game and I think people got a chance to see that.
Reporter: Who in this draft do you think has the chance to be really good?
DD: Besides myself?
Reporter: Yes, besides yourself.
DD: Id have to say the one player I know will be a good pro is Brandon Jennings. Ive played with him since I was 11 or 12 and I know just how good of a point guard he is against anybody he plays against.
Reporter: How good would he (Jennings) have been in college this year?
DD: Man, I think he would have been a better point guard in college this year. Everybody would see how well he creates, how good of a scorer he is and he is one of the players who can bring excitement to the floor.
Reporter: So you think he made a mistake by going to Europe?
DD: No. He chose what was best for him. I know he was going to get the best out of whatever he did and thats what he did.
Reporter: Whats it feel like to be compared to Vince Carter?
DD: It feels great. I remember when Vince Carter came in to the league how he affected the NBA. He brought the excitement back. Everyone wanted to see Vince Carter. Everyone fell in love with Vince Carter and thats something that a lot of people look at me as and I feel honored. It feels great to be compared to a player like Vince Carter.
Reporter: Would you consider participating in the dunk contest?
DD: Yeah, I would consider it. I dont feel like I would have a choice with the fans always wanting me to go out there and do something like that. So, I would definitely consider it.
Reporter: You didnt participate in any competitive workouts. Do you think your stock went up or down after your college season?
DD: I think it went up. In every workout I really proved to each team how well I shoot from the outside, how well I can ball-handle, a lot of stuff that they said were my weaknesses I really showed them otherwise.
Reporter: Where do you think youre going in the draft?
DD: Nobody but Blake Griffin knows where hes going.
Tyreke Evans Interview
Reporter: Are you more of a point guard of a two at the next level?
Tyreke Evans: Thats a question I get a lot and I dont even really know myself. I think Ill be both to be honest, I think Im a basketball player.
Reporter: Did Coach Caliparis decision to leave for Kentucky effect your decision to come out after one season? Would have returned if he had come back?
TE: If he had come back I think I might have stayed, but Im not sure. I would have put my name in and see what I would have learned. If it wasnt looking good I would have come back and probably stayed another year.
Reporter: When you grew up you studied a lot of Anfernee Hardaways game.
TE: Yea, he was my favorite player growing up when he was with the Magic. I got to speak to him a lot when I was down at Memphis.
Reporter: How did he help you?
TE: When I was struggling he told me to keep my head up and he worked out with me a couple of times in the gym. Hes just a great guy.
Reporter: How did that turn you around?
TE: It did a lot for me. It got my confidence back because at the beginning of the season I was kind of down on myself, but he kept working me out along with Coach Strickland and I improved a lot since then.
Reporter: You worked out twice in Sacramento, once in a group and once by yourself. Give a sense of what those workouts were like for you.
TE: I think they went great. I knocked down shots when I was working out by myself in the first workout. In the second one I was able to show my strength and my length working against the other guards that were there. I think the GM was real impressed.
Reporter: Youre on a short list of guys that they are looking at with the number four pick, how do you think you compare to the other guys on that list?
TE: I think I did well; there were a lot of guards there. That was a good group of guys for sure, but I think I did well.
Reporter: You have more size than some of the other guys being looked at in that spot and you probably have a more NBA-ready body. How do you think that is going to propel your game to the next level?
TE: I know the NBA is a mans game; there are a lot of strong players out there. I think Im on my way to getting ready for that. When I get to whatever team that takes me, Im going to get in the gym and get some more weight on me; Ill be good.
Reporter: Sacramento has a young team right now. Is that something that is appealing to you because you can come in and make a big impact on this team?
TE: Sure, I think I can bring a lot to a team right away. It would be Kevin Martin and I, a couple of big guards in the backcourt and I think that would be a good thing.
DraftExpress: What have you been hearing from the Kings?
TE: Theyve been looking at me a lot. I heard that Memphis has been looking at me; Ive been hearing a lot of good news so Im pretty happy.
DX: It seems like the Kings are targeting a guy who can provide leadership and help change the team culture, do you feel like you can do that right off the bat?
TE: Definitely; while at Memphis I was a point guard and helped to be a leader in the locker room, I would speak out for the team. I think I can come in and do that.
DX: Minnesota acquiring that second pick, is that good for you? Do you feel like you can play there?
TE: I definitely do; I worked out for them and they liked my size and my ability to create and make people better.
DX: One GM told us from your workout that you were the Ron Artest of this point guard class. Do you take that as a complement?
TE: I mean I can see that. From the workout I was bullying other players out of the way who werent strong enough, so I can see that as being a way to describe me.
Tyreke Evans: Thats a question I get a lot and I dont even really know myself. I think Ill be both to be honest, I think Im a basketball player.
Reporter: Did Coach Caliparis decision to leave for Kentucky effect your decision to come out after one season? Would have returned if he had come back?
TE: If he had come back I think I might have stayed, but Im not sure. I would have put my name in and see what I would have learned. If it wasnt looking good I would have come back and probably stayed another year.
Reporter: When you grew up you studied a lot of Anfernee Hardaways game.
TE: Yea, he was my favorite player growing up when he was with the Magic. I got to speak to him a lot when I was down at Memphis.
Reporter: How did he help you?
TE: When I was struggling he told me to keep my head up and he worked out with me a couple of times in the gym. Hes just a great guy.
Reporter: How did that turn you around?
TE: It did a lot for me. It got my confidence back because at the beginning of the season I was kind of down on myself, but he kept working me out along with Coach Strickland and I improved a lot since then.
Reporter: You worked out twice in Sacramento, once in a group and once by yourself. Give a sense of what those workouts were like for you.
TE: I think they went great. I knocked down shots when I was working out by myself in the first workout. In the second one I was able to show my strength and my length working against the other guards that were there. I think the GM was real impressed.
Reporter: Youre on a short list of guys that they are looking at with the number four pick, how do you think you compare to the other guys on that list?
TE: I think I did well; there were a lot of guards there. That was a good group of guys for sure, but I think I did well.
Reporter: You have more size than some of the other guys being looked at in that spot and you probably have a more NBA-ready body. How do you think that is going to propel your game to the next level?
TE: I know the NBA is a mans game; there are a lot of strong players out there. I think Im on my way to getting ready for that. When I get to whatever team that takes me, Im going to get in the gym and get some more weight on me; Ill be good.
Reporter: Sacramento has a young team right now. Is that something that is appealing to you because you can come in and make a big impact on this team?
TE: Sure, I think I can bring a lot to a team right away. It would be Kevin Martin and I, a couple of big guards in the backcourt and I think that would be a good thing.
DraftExpress: What have you been hearing from the Kings?
TE: Theyve been looking at me a lot. I heard that Memphis has been looking at me; Ive been hearing a lot of good news so Im pretty happy.
DX: It seems like the Kings are targeting a guy who can provide leadership and help change the team culture, do you feel like you can do that right off the bat?
TE: Definitely; while at Memphis I was a point guard and helped to be a leader in the locker room, I would speak out for the team. I think I can come in and do that.
DX: Minnesota acquiring that second pick, is that good for you? Do you feel like you can play there?
TE: I definitely do; I worked out for them and they liked my size and my ability to create and make people better.
DX: One GM told us from your workout that you were the Ron Artest of this point guard class. Do you take that as a complement?
TE: I mean I can see that. From the workout I was bullying other players out of the way who werent strong enough, so I can see that as being a way to describe me.
Austin Daye Interview
Reporter: How well do you think your workouts went?
Austin Daye: They went pretty well. Some not as good as others, but I think I did well overall. There were good things said so thats all I wanted to see.
Reporter: Where did you have your best workouts?
AD: The Warriors and Detroit. There were so many workouts, though, its hard to remember.
Reporter: Do those teams come to mind because of how you played or how they structured the workouts?
AD: I think it was just how I was feeling that day. I got up a lot of shots beforehand and it definitely helped. And throughout the next couple weeks I was doing well through all my workouts.
Reporter: Do you feel that your stock has gone up or down since you left school?
AD: I think it went up since school because of what I did at the combine and other things in my workouts. I think the GMs and scouts were able to see some things that they werent able to see when I was at Gonzaga.
Reporter: How are you going to get some meat on your bones?
AD: Im definitely going to have to bulk up, but there have some frail guys who have had success: Kevin Durant, Tayshaun Prince, and there are other guys as well. They are able to adjust and I think Im going to have to put on some weight as well.
Reporter: Have you talked to Adam Morrison about the transition from college to the NBA.
AD: Yeah Ive talked to Adam, but I talk more to Ronny Turiaf because Ive known him for a long time. He said its a tough jump but he said I can do it. He thinks my skill set will definitely help me at the next level. He said its a lot different than college and you have to understand that going in. I think Ive prepared myself for the NBA game with my ability to get open and get my shot off. Hopefully, well see how it goes.
Reporter: Are you nervous or excited?
AD: Nervous is the main emotion for me and I think for a lot of guys too. They dont know where theyre going to go and its a free for all.
Austin Daye: They went pretty well. Some not as good as others, but I think I did well overall. There were good things said so thats all I wanted to see.
Reporter: Where did you have your best workouts?
AD: The Warriors and Detroit. There were so many workouts, though, its hard to remember.
Reporter: Do those teams come to mind because of how you played or how they structured the workouts?
AD: I think it was just how I was feeling that day. I got up a lot of shots beforehand and it definitely helped. And throughout the next couple weeks I was doing well through all my workouts.
Reporter: Do you feel that your stock has gone up or down since you left school?
AD: I think it went up since school because of what I did at the combine and other things in my workouts. I think the GMs and scouts were able to see some things that they werent able to see when I was at Gonzaga.
Reporter: How are you going to get some meat on your bones?
AD: Im definitely going to have to bulk up, but there have some frail guys who have had success: Kevin Durant, Tayshaun Prince, and there are other guys as well. They are able to adjust and I think Im going to have to put on some weight as well.
Reporter: Have you talked to Adam Morrison about the transition from college to the NBA.
AD: Yeah Ive talked to Adam, but I talk more to Ronny Turiaf because Ive known him for a long time. He said its a tough jump but he said I can do it. He thinks my skill set will definitely help me at the next level. He said its a lot different than college and you have to understand that going in. I think Ive prepared myself for the NBA game with my ability to get open and get my shot off. Hopefully, well see how it goes.
Reporter: Are you nervous or excited?
AD: Nervous is the main emotion for me and I think for a lot of guys too. They dont know where theyre going to go and its a free for all.
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