NYKnicks.com: First off, thanks for talking with us today.

Al Harrington: Of course. No problem.

NYKnicks.com: So how’s your summer been? How’ve you been keeping busy?

Harrington: It’s going well. I’m just working out, keeping in shape, you know what I mean? I’m lifting a lot of weights and working on my body. My Achilles has been a little sore so I have been working on that to make sure I am all good to go for the season. That’s why the summer is important. This week I spent a lot of time on the courts. I’ve also been doing a tour for my Protégé sneakers.

NYKnicks.com: How’s that been?

Harrington: It’s been great. The response has been real good. Wherever we go we get anywhere from 200 to 400 people, and it’s been a lot of fun. Obviously the kids are coming out and playing on the courts. We have a lot of competitions and contests where we give out prizes, and people have been really responsive to the shoe. They like what we’re doing, which is making an affordable shoe.

NYKnicks.com: Asides from work, what have you been doing for fun? Did you go away anywhere?

Harrington: Not really. I am really focusing hard on the season, and my wife is pregnant this summer so we haven’t really been able to go anywhere. I’ve just been here in the city working out, but I did go to Vegas for two weeks to train. But I couldn’t wait to come back to be with her. It’s my first kid. A little baby girl.

Harrington: Amaya. She is due October 22, so I’m probably going to miss a little bit of training camp. But it’s worth it. (laughs)

NYKnicks.com: Have you kept in touch with any of your teammates?

Harrington: I’ve seen (Chris) Duhon a couple of times, and the same with Gallo (Danilo Gallinari). Wilson (Chandler) too. He is doing much better with his ankle, so the guys are working. Everybody is in the gym and we are exciting to come together and be a part of a team again.

NYKnicks.com: Have you spoken with Coach or Donnie Walsh at all?

Harrington: I’ve seen coach the last two days actually. You know Coach, he’s always upbeat and he was really happy to see me. And I saw Donnie today for the first time and we just talked a little bit about what we are trying to get in here and establish. He is always trying to make the team better.

NYKnicks.com: How about this upcoming season. You are going to be here from the start rather than coming in the middle of the year. How is that going to be?

Harrington: Obviously I hope that it leads to a lot more wins and that we make the playoffs. That is what my goal is. Let’s get to the playoffs and see what happens.

NYKnicks.com: But this is going to be your first training camp.

Harrington: Yeah, and I am ready for it. I know exactly what Coach wants and what he expects. We talked about it at the end of the year, and a little bit again yesterday. So I know exactly what I need to do. I think it’s going to play to my advantage.

NYKnicks.com: The schedule came out this week. Is there any game that you have circled that you are excited for? Harrington:Christmas. The Christmas game we have at The Garden. That’s going to be fun, plus it’s a national game where you know everyone is home and watching together, so everyone is going to be putting their best foot forward. But really, all of them. Every game is important to us. You know what I’m saying? Every single one. We want to make the playoffs and we definitely are going to try to get off to a good start. That’s huge.

NYKnicks.com: Personally, what is one thing you are looking to improve upon in your game?

Harrington:I want to really make my teammates better. I want to find a way to get more assists throughout the game and keep the ball moving, so that is something I am focusing on.

NYKnicks.com: Finally, do you have a message you want to tell the fans reading this?

Harrington: Just expect the team to work hard. We are going to put a great product on the floor, something you can cheer about and be proud of. We’re going to win more games than last year to really make the playoffs. That’s the goal and we won’t stop till we get there. We’re locked in and determined, and when you are, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.

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