Solomon Jones chats with Pacers fans

Solomon Jones Chat(07/30/2009) 
1:57 Editor's note: We're launching the chat window now because Solomon may arrive a little early. Feel free to submit your questions.
2:19 Solomon is here, so let's get started!
2:19 [Comment From Wizop]
What positions has the staff talked to you about playing here? I think of you as a 4/5 but it sure looks like our roster is short a 3 until Mike returns. Do you think you can provide some help on the wing or do you see yourself as strictly an inside player?
2:20
Right now I'm an inside player. Maybe later down the line in my career maybe I could progress into a three.
2:20 [Comment From Mike]
What are you goals on the court this year?
2:21
To be a great defender, to protect the basket and try to block as many shots as I can.
2:21 [Comment From Douglas]
Hey Solo do u believe in this team and how close they are to being a playoff threat? Also do u think the free flowing style will fit u and let u flourish?
2:22
I definitely believe in the team and I think with the pieces we've added this year we could very well be a playoff team this year and the years to come. The style will definitely help my game. With the coaches having confidence in me, it will help me better my game too.
2:22 [Comment From B.J.]
I hear your jumper has improved. What is your range and how consistent is your stroke?
2:22
Anywhere from 15 to 17 feet it's consistent. I'm working on it every day to have it steady, so it should be good.
2:22 [Comment From David]
hey solomon its great to have you on the team. what made you decide to come to the pacers?
2:23
A great organization, a great opportunity for me to come here and help out the bigs that are already here and provide some things, some athleticism and energy that have been expressed to me as needed.
2:23 [Comment From Reece]
What nba player would you compare yourself to as far as style of play?
2:24
That's a good one. It's not something I've really thought about.
2:24 [Comment From Chris]
Is there anybody that you are excited about playing with that you've never played with before?
2:24
Everybody. I haven't played with any of these guys so I'm looking forward to playing with the whole team. It's a unique team, a special team that has come a long way.
2:24 [Comment From Reece]
Do you feel more comfortable playing power forward or center?
2:25
I think both of them are interchangeable. If you can play power forward you can play center. But I like the power forward position better. When you think about centers, you think about really big, big guys like Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard. You've got a load on your hands. But I won't back down from anyone.
2:25 [Comment From Mark]
Welcome to Indiana! What do you expect your role to be with the Pacers this year?
2:25
Defender, a great defender and an energy guy.
2:26 [Comment From Matt]
What do you view as your strenghts? What areas of your game are you working on this summer?
2:26
My strengths are what they brought me here for -- to be a defender, an energy guy. I'm still working on the offensive part of my game and being a better offensive player.
2:27 [Comment From Jake Jackson]
Which teammate while you were in Atlanta really helped you grow while you were there, as a player and person? Are you familiar with any of your new teammates?
2:28
My rookie year, I think Lorenzen Wright and Speedy Claxton helped me grow as a player. After they moved on, Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson, the veterans that have been in the league awhile, taught me things -- little sneaky tricks here and there, things that I should know.
2:28 [Comment From David]
What did the Hawks and other teams really say about the Pacers.....Strengths/Weakness and how did you game plan?
2:29
You had to bring energy because this team was going to bring energy and be a physical team. Try to hit first with them because if you don't, they would hit first. The biggest thing with us was coming back after getting hit.
2:29 [Comment From Tyler]
How do you think you will fit in (playing time wise, and play-style wise) with the Pacers other 2 big-men/energy players ... Jeff Foster and Josh McRoberts?
2:30
I think I'll fit in well because that's something I do, too. Time-wise, it's something I can't control. The only thing I can do is bring my best effort to the table and hopefully the coaching staff will find the time to put me out there.
2:30 [Comment From Joe]
what you thinking as far as expectations go for this season?
2:31
For myself, the expectations would be to try to take my game to the next level with the coaching staff and the program they set for me. For the team, making the playoffs. With the pieces we've added to the good players we already had, we're going to be a good team. Adding a few defenders here and there, we should be pretty good and make the playoffs.
2:32

Thanks for all the questions and interest. I look forward to starting my career with the Pacers and hope to be able to chat with you guys again during the season.

2:33