Flint Journal: Arron Afflalo Interview

BACKGROUND: The Detroit Pistons have been on their annual Season Tip-Off Tour this week and it made a stop in Flint Sept. 18.  Here’s the transcript for the interview with Afflalo, who averaged 3.7 points per game in 75 games (nine starts) his rookie season.

ARRON AFFLALO INTERVIEW

You came into the league as a rookie with a reputation for being a solid defender, which is something that most young players have to learn with experience. How do you think that helped you in your adjustment (to the NBA) last year?

“For one, it got me on the floor, at least a little bit. Um, I think that any team in the league would appreciate someone who could take on the other teams’ top scorers and try to shut ‘em down. So, its a niche for me to try and get on the floor and help our team. Obviously we have a lot of offensively talented guys on our team and I’m working on that as well, striving to be a complete player.”

As far as this season and I guess in the offseason as well what are some of the things you’ve done and what do you see your role being on the team this year?

“Just, you know, I think I’ve matured and gotten more comfortable with just myself and just the team, this being my second year and all. Again, I just want to be placed on the floor for whatever the team needs, for however long, so I’m going to try and increase my ability to score the basketball as well as maintain my defensive intensity, so no matter what you ask of me, you can put me on the floor for it.”

With Michael Curry as the new coach, defense is kind of his staple. Do you think that will help you get more minutes and fit into his system (easier)?

“It will definitely help me, but it is something that will help the entire team. Its no mystery about championship teams that your base has to be defensive, a defensive mindset. The Pistons won in 2004 with that mindset and I think we can win again with that same mindset. We have the players to score points, its just about are you willing to stop your opponent, and just go from there.”

Your work ethic is another thing that coaches seemed to talk about a lot last season. Where does that come from?

“Just passion for the game. I love basketball and as far as work ethic, its (basketball) different for me because its not really work. I love playing basketball, nobody asks me to do it. I’m getting paid for it for one, but if you didn’t pay me I would still be practicing basketball anyway because its fun to me, I love this and I have since I was a kid. I just take pride in trying to get better. I want to take full advantage. Nothing’s promised and you never know how long your career’s gonna last, so I just love to work at it.”

As a young guy coming on to a veteran team, how has that helped your development, despite maybe fewer minutes?

“I mean, I don’t want to place minutes over winning and I’ve been blessed to come to a program that has a winning tradition, that’s all about winning the title, and you have to go through a learning curve on a winning team and play behind All-Star guards, then so be it. That’s a challenging thing for me to compete against them every day and at the same time get to win. Its much better than being on any team out there (playing) 30 some minutes and I’m losing all the time. That’s not what its about. I’m very happy with my situation and I just want to get better so I can improve myself as an individual within this situation.”

OUR THANKS TO MLIVE AND THE FLINT JOURNAL!

Peace,

John W. Davis

www.pistonscast.com