Q: How does it feel to be with the Warriors?
A: There’s a lot of excitement, a lot of buzz and I’m looking forward to it. Manage expectations it’s a lot on paper right now, but myself I’m looking forward to getting out there with the team more importantly and developing that chemistry.
More on Livingston
Q: You’re a smart guy who’s been around in the league; can you from the sidelines pick up everything that Coach Kerr’s going to be implementing?
A: Yes, I think I can to an extent. But again, just getting that game repetition, that practice repetition, you can’t really simulate that.
Q: You’ve played against the Warriors in your NBA career. What are your general impressions of the team?
A: Impressive. They’re a team on the rise. A lot of young talent mixed with some savvy veterans. They have a great group of guys here, chemistry as well. I’m looking forward to it.
Q: Was that the main thing that drew you to sign with the Warriors?
A: With all of my options on the table, this was the team that I think fit my style of play and the team that I think is in the best position to compete for a championship. It’s my 11th year in the league, not everyone gets to compete for a championship and this is an opportunity.
Q: Do you feel more comfortable defending the ball or off the ball?
A: It depends on who the player is. I think off the ball I can kind of see things coming a little bit. Either way is a challenge. There’s a lot of defense off the ball where it’s just being in the right position. Being on the court you can really negate your athletic ability by just being in the right position. When you look at older teams in the finals, Miami and San Antonio, they’re not really the most explosive or athletic team but they’re always in the right position defensively.
Q: You guys oddly have two one-week trips during the preseason. How much does being on the road help foster new relationships with your new teammates?
A: Definitely. Being on the road, getting a chance to know guys, learning their personalities, getting to a comfort zone with all of them whether it’s on the bus, on the plane, in the locker room, going out on the court, being on the bench seeing what I see and being able to hopefully translate to some of the guys. But it’s never really the same effect as being on the court, in the war with the guys.
Q: You were one of the best post-up players in the league last year statistically, how did that develop in your game and would you like to continue to be a part of that on the Warriors?
A: Being 6’7” as a point guard and playing with Sam Cassell and Cuttino Mobley on the Clippers really helped refine my post game and play with my back to the basket. I worked at it over the years, and with my knee injury affecting my athleticism, I had to kind of slow it down and that was the way to do that.