Does averaging 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists seem doable?
“That’s at the very peak. I think it’s doable but if we’re winning 40, 50, 55 games, something like that, and I am averaging 10-10 and five, I will be fine with that, too.”
When you came into the league some people said you were too small to play power forward and your problems would include not being able to get your shots off near the basket. Do you think people stereotyped you because you’re not that tall, or athletic looking, or even because you’re white?
“I feel like in some ways, yes, I was stereotyped because of those things you just mentioned. I really admire Steve Nash (6-3 Phoenix’s league MVP point guard) because coming out (in the draft) he was the 15th pick. People we’re saying in the same kind of context (as me), focusing on what he couldn’t do, rather than what he could do.
“I think it was kind of the same thing with me. People wanted to only mention that I was 6-8 and one half, 6-9. I was right at the cusp of being undersized for my position. I kind of had a bulky body. I wasn’t the most athletic guy in the world.
“But I still think I am kind of sold short on my athleticism as far as getting up and down the floor, and finishing around the basket. I think last year I had trouble just because getting in for the first time and playing against a guy like a Marcus Camby, or a guy like Dwight Howard. But now I am getting my shot blocked considerably less.
“As far as improving on that, I played against a lot of different guys (Ryan Gomes, Kevin Garnett) during the summer. … I’ve had a lot of doubters my whole life, and one of my favorite things is to prove people wrong. I feel like I can continue to do that. …”
Could you adapt to the small forward position or would that be too difficult physically in matchups with smaller, quicker players?
“I feel like I definitely could change my body. Lose weight, a lot more sleek. I would really have to work on my lateral quickness.
“I don’t think I am a small forward. I don’t think I am a five (center). My natural position is power forward. But if they needed me to play at the three (during) some parts of the game I think I could do that if we decided to go with a bigger lineup.”
Do you think Spanish Olympic guard Ricky Rubio, drafted on the first round by the Wolves last year, will ever play here?
“I hope he comes over. There’s a lot of hype on that kid and I would like to see what he can do.”
How fun would it be to have an exceptional passer like Rubio to play with? Someone to match your talent for passing and willingness to share the ball.
“Awesome. I always talk to passers (and learn) what goes through their minds, where they want to put the ball. It’s pretty special to see what they can do. “
Who are the three NBA players, past or present, you most admire?
“My dad (a former NBA player). He taught me the rebounding aspect and the toughness aspect of basketball. Then I’d have to say a guy like Wes Unseld, an undersized big man. I love Larry Legend, Kevin McHale, Magic Johnson. Those big time guys like that are guys I grew up watching on the tapes that my dad used to give me when I was young.”