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He answered fan e-mail prior to lunch on Monday.
Grigoris, Katerini, Greece
I hope you are having a great summer and rest after your first year as a Celtic.
How do you see your role as a Celtic this year under new coach Doc Rivers?
Welsch: "I hope it's going to stay the same, but it's hard to say right now. We have a new coaching staff. I think everything will be determined at training camp and exhibition games."
Mark, Boston, Massachusetts
How is your thumb healing? Do you think it affected your game this past season? Also, what area of your game are you focusing on this summer?
Welsch: "It's all well. I had it checked by the hand specialist and I also got some exercises to do. When I met with coach Rivers he stressed to me to become stronger and work on the in-between game."
Luke, Boston, Massachusetts
Jiri, I know your a terrific defender and I was wondering who was the toughest person for you to defend?
Welsch: "I'd have to say Tracy Mcgrady. He's an unbelievable offensive player. When he gets it going it's almost impossible to stop him."
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 Welsch leads the 'Cetlics' squad at Basketball Without Borders. |
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What has it been like working the Basketball Without Borders camp?
Welsch: "It's been a good experience. Three weeks ago I had my own camp, so I know what it's like to work with young players. It's a great thing that the NBA's doing around the world. It gives talented European players a chance to work with NBA coaches.
"When I was 16 I went to Germany for an adidas camp that had Detlef Schrempf, so I know what it's like for these kids. Just six or seven years ago I was one of them."
Charlie, Brooklyn, New York:
Did the campers at Basketball Without Borders take to the seminar on HIV and AIDS?
Welsch: "I hope they did. I think it's very useful for the guys. It's an issue that we need to talk about as much as we can and I'm glad that the NBA made this partnership with UNICEF and made the HIV/AIDS program part of Basketball Without Borders. We as basketball players are people who can maybe help change this."
Matt, Waltham, Massachusetts
How difficult was it for you to make the jump to the NBA?
Welsch: "It was difficult. The NBA is the best basketball league in the world. The game is at a much higher level than what I was used to in Europe. The athletic abilities of the players are at the highest level. It was a tough adjustment."
Daisy, Parker, Colorado.
What would you describe is your best quality when playing basketball?
Welsch: "I think I'm a good shooter."
Dennis, Terneuzen, Holland
In Europe a couple of years ago, you were the back-up guard behind Sani Becirovic.
You two were often compared to each other. What is the reason you are playing so well in the NBA and Sani did not even reach the NBA?
He was second round draftee!
Welsch: "Sani's playing for Denver summer league this year so he's trying to make the Nuggets. I was lucky because I stayed healthy and could improve. Sani had a couple of knee injuries and was out for a year and a half."
Josel, Quincy, Massachusetts
How has your summer been going? What do you think of Shaq coming to the East?
Welsch: "Summer's been good. I've been pretty busy. I did my own camp in July with 180 kids in the Czech Republic. Now I'm part of Basketball Without Borders and working out at the same time. It's a huge move for Shaq to come East. It's making Miami one of the top teams. It makes it tougher for us and everyone else."
Chelsea, Aurora, Colorado
Who do you look up to that is currently in the NBA that isn't a Celtic.
Welsch: "My hero was Michael Jordan, so when I came over I was looking forward to playing against him, but it didn't happen. When I was with Golden State, I never played against him."
Lucas Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
What do you think about Doc Rivers?
Welsch: "I have respect for him. He was a great player and a very successful coach. I had a brief meeting with him after he got hired. I hope he'll make us a winning team next year."
Nick, Winthrop, Massachusetts
Who is the biggest addition to the team over the summer?
Welsch: "I don't know much about the guys that were drafted. Al Jefferson is supposed to be really good and talented. I'll know more in Boston."
NBA Access with Ahmad Rashad
