by Raptors media relations
June 26, 2002

Below is some of the things that were said after it was announced that the Raptors had made the trade with the Los Angles Lakers.

Grunwald

(About the 20th pick) We had a number of possibilities … Some evaporated, some we couldn’t pick … I changed my mind at the last minute a couple of times but I felt we needed to make this trade … We got a good player in Chris Jefferies and he would’ve been a higher pick if he was injury-free … (At possibly the loss of Childs) No disrespect to Chris but he is probably gone … We brought in a veteran that will allow Alvin to play the one or two spot … It also frees up money to go after some free agents … (On the length of trade talks) A few days now … It appealed to me greatly … (On trading for a veteran instead of drafting for a rookie) Our goal is to get to the Eastern Conference Finals and then to the NBA Finals … With the edition of Lindsey, it helps us in the playoffs, on the court and also in the locker room … (On Lindsey being traded after one year of service) … If you look at his stats, when he plays significant minutes he performs … (On the trade) The Lakers liked Rush and they could’ve chosen not to select at all and we could’ve selected to keep a player at that position but I liked Lindsey …(On Jefferies) I believe in him and I believe he is going to e a great player in this league … (On Keon Clark) We don’t have a lot of money but we’re going to try to find a way to make it work for Keon … (Does this mean Curry is gone) No, we have to work on that … (About Murray leaving) Jefferies will fill in but we have more money to play with now which is the key to making the difference to this team.

Wilkens

(On Hunter) He is a vet player, good defensively and can play against two’s and one’s … He can shoot, pass, and score … In L.A. his minutes went down when Fisher came back … He’s important because he knows how to get to the championship and experience goes a long way … (Trading for Hunter instead of drafting Dickau) Getting a vet player puts us ahead … (On Jefferies) He shoots the ball alright and he’s capable of playing three positions and is a very versatile player.

Hunter

LINDSEY HUNTER

(His reaction) I feel good about it … I know a lot of the players and I really like the coach … (What are you going to do to help Alvin) Share with him some of the things I’ve learned along the way and support him in any way I can … (About the possibility of being traded) I always keep an open mind and this time I was pleasantly surprised … (On playing East Coast basketball again) The traveling will be better… I’ve always played east coast basketball and I think we have a competitive team and can get to where we want to get … (On not playing that much in L.A.) Everybody wants to play … In L.A. Phil has been successful and you can’t knock him for that … I think coming to a team that I can play with will help me … (On experience) What I’ve learned is growing pains and what you need to do to win three in a row … (On playing with Vince Carter) I look forward to throwing him a couple of lobs … I’ve always watched him but never thrown him any … That will be exciting.