Anthony Randolph, who was traded to New York in the deal that netted the Warriors David Lee, sat down with WFAN in New York for an extensive interview. The 20-year-old showed polish in handling questions about his relationship with coach Don Nelson and what sounded like genuine excitement to be in New York.Here are some excerpts from the interview:
Q: What went through your mind when you found out that you were involved in the David Lee trade and were coming to the Knicks?
A: Honestly, the first thing that came to my mind was that it is a great place to play, the Mecca of basketball. The fans here are very knowledgeable. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to try to take my career to the next level.
Q: What can Knicks fans can expect from you this season?
A: With me, you are going to get a guy who is going to go out there and play hard every night, just give you everything I have. I am going to give you a couple of blocked shots every now and then, some monstrous dunks, be very athletic. I can play inside and out, point, 2, 3, wherever you need me to play, so it is going to be very excited watching me play.
Q: What kind of relationship did you have with Don Nelson while playing for him in Golden State?
A: Me and Don's relationship was a player/coach relationship. Like with anybody, we had little disagreements and things, but, I mean, he is a great basketball mind. He just became the winningest coach. There is not much to say besides that.
Q: Did you ever feel like you were in Don Nelson's doghouse?
A: I wouldn't necessarily say that I was in his 'doghouse.' I think me and Nellie had an understanding about how each other was, and I think that may have looked like I was in his doghouse to people, but I think me and his relationship was fine.
Q: What are your thoughts about New York's nine losing seasons in a row?
A: I just feel like this is a perfect opportunity for me and all of the other players that came here. Me, Amar'e, Ronny, Azubuike, Raymond Felton, and the New York Knicks are going to come up. We are going to try to get the New York Knicks back up to the top of the NBA, and, hopefully, we can do that within this year and the next couple of years.
Q: Has Coach D'Antoni given you any type of indication of what he expects?
A: Oh yes. He is expecting me to come out there and play hard, be very versatile. He wants me to guard some guards and just use my length to help out the team wherever I can.
Q: What do you think about the other free agents that have come to New York this offseason?
A: I am excited. Coming up in high school, which wasn't that long ago, Amar'e Stoudemire was one of my favorite players. He is a dominant post player down there and commands a lot of attention. Just to play alongside him, my game is going to grow by itself. Ronny is a great energy player, great person, and great teammate and is going to give you everything he has. Kelenna Azubuike is a prolific scorer, and Raymond Felton is a great, smart point guard. So the Knicks have a lot of things to look forward to.
Q: What are your thoughts on the whole LeBron James free agency saga?
A: I really don't have too many thoughts on it.
7/14/2010 3:21 AM
