Thursday April 16 2009 - 12:30pm Eastern (Toronto, ON)
RE: The main difference for himi this year versus last year
“The work that I did last summer. I worked a lot on my body. That’s the main difference. In October, I was ready to play.”
RE: If he’s happy with his season this year
“Yeah, personally, I’m much more satisfied. As a team though it’s been tough - we’re not where we wanted to be.”
RE: If he plans on playing for the Italian national team this summer
“Yeah, I think so. I don’t know if I’m going to go all the way - but I’m going to help them.”
RE: If he was comfortable playing in the middle this year
“With me and CB - it doesn’t matter who is the 4 or the 5. It really only matters on the other end … who is guarding the 5.”
RE: More on the Italian team and if the Raptors will have a say in what he does
“We’ve still got to talk about that - and we’ve got to be together. Bryan has to say his opinion too.”
RE: If he’s at the point where he’d give Colangelo his thoughts on moves or players
“If somebody asks me my opinion, I will give it. But to make a phone call and say - ‘I want this or I want that’ - no way.”
RE: Positive vibes for next year
“I think if we were playing all season the way we did the last month, we’d be in the playoffs right now.”
RE: If he’d like to see Shawn Marion back next year
“I love Shawn. I love the way he plays.”
E. Smith
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FYI folks … these are direct quotes. However, they’re not always “full” quotes. I can only type so fast! So don’t read into things too much if answers are short - or not as “in depth”. Chances are, the players said much more than what I’ve typed — I just couldn’t keep up. I’m not a court stenographer!
- E. SmithMore indication that they will make an offer for Marion to stay imo. Again, the question is at what level so that he doesn’t cripple the cap and other moves that have to be made.
The same will be said for CB next year. The question is mute whether CB is worth max money or not but rather would he take less (still more than he could be offered elsewhere) for the benefit of the team (and himself) as it’s a lot more fun to WIN.
My only other comment on Bargs is that yes, there was great improvement this year but I wouldn’t be too satisfied. You have to shoot for a 20/10 season, five above your season average in both categories.
Is that totally out of the question for him?
I’ve already commented that I would ask Bosh, Bargs and Jose to relax and just work out this year and come back next year fit, healthy and hungry.
- GaryDon’t forget to check out “Hoops” tonight from 7-9pm
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- E. Smith