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E-News Sign UpChris Kaman Press Conference Transcript
| Posted: July 7th, 2003 |
The Clippers have announced the signing of Chris Kaman, the Clippers’ first round selection of NBA Draft 2003. Kaman, the sixth overall selection in NBA Draft 2003, averaged 22.4 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game last season as a junior. He was named the 2003 Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, as well as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. Check out the transcript below of the Clippers' press conference introducing Kaman.
Clippers Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor
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“We were very happy when Miami did not take Chris. In following Chris’ career he’s improved tremendously over his freshman, sophomore and junior year. We watched him this year and he showed improvement each time he went out there and played. We feel that he’s going to continue to improve; there are certain things that we would like to see him improve upon as far as his physical game. We would like to get him to gain a little more weight; he’s on a strength program right now to get a little stronger. Particularly in the Western Conference he’s going to be facing some guys who are seven feet. One thing we like about him is that he plays hard and that he’s a hard worker. He runs the floor exceptionally well, he’s a good rebounder and I just feel that he will have a great career. He’s going to continue to improve and get better and better. We were very happy that he was there and that we selected him.”
“He will be doing a lot of strength and conditioning. He’s been doing that in Chicago with Tim Grover so he’s going to continue to do that. We are going to have him stay on the same program; Lifting weights and basketball drills. He’s not going to play in the summer league. We think it’s more important for him to work out before training camp. If he can get up to 270-275 that’ll be a good weight and then we can work on his coordination and balance when he gets to training camp.”
Clippers Draft Pick Chris Kaman
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“My first two years I played behind David Weber, Chris Weber’s little brother. He took a lot of shots and he was the main focus of the team. I didn’t have the opportunity to show them what I could do. Then I got the chance this year, and I knew we were going to have a good team. I just wasn’t sure how good. It turned out I had a great season and our team had a great season. It was the best season Central Michigan ever had in their career. I was told I could be a first round lottery pick if I left. Obviously I talked to my family and close friends and I weighed my options out and I felt like in my heart there wasn’t a whole lot left for me to do at Central Michigan. I already won Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, all in the same year, I was First-Team All Conference and MVP of our conference tournament so I felt like there wasn’t a whole lot left for me so I decided to leave.”
“I don’t know, I think that’s the coaches opinion. I know I’m going to work as hard as I can. I’m going to get stronger and gain some weight. It’s going to take time but I think I’ll get better with experience.”
“I’m not afraid of anything. I can always work hard and play hard and that’s the most important thing in my mind. Obviously I’m going to play against the best athletes in the world but its just going to be a new step and a new adjustment for me but it doesn’t really scare me.”
“It’s a big city and it’s a big adjustment to make. There’s a lot of people but it’s a new experience and I’m very excited.”
“With basketball I’m going to work out twice a day and lift once a day. I enjoy playing basketball its something fun for me to do.”
“That’s also an adjustment and an experience. I’m going to get advice from veterans, people who have already done it. In college one of our mission statements was to play hard day in and day out and never give up. Obviously you play hard in the NBA but I think you have to be more aware of your body condition so getting rest is big, there’s just a lot of different things.”
“I know that I play hard. When I get on the court I have a different mentality. You have to have a killer mentality. I don’t take stuff too seriously off the court. It’s going to be interesting to see what my role is on the team because when I get out there I’m going to be serious.”
