Dallas Mavs ‘Flex Muscles’ on Media Day: Recap of All Player Interviews
DALLAS – After almost three hours of press conferences at Dallas Mavericks Media Day, catching up on all of the info could be a long and grueling endeavor for fans.
However, DallasBasketball.com has a solution, as we have a quick guide recapping every player interview from Friday at American Airlines Center (keep in mind that Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving did not speak, as they got their talking out of the way during the first two days of training camp this week):
Grant Williams: Williams came out first and was visibly excited to be in the arena. What seemed to look like an arm injury to his right arm was actually a dare given to him by his teammates, where he would flex after every answered question.
An obvious culture-builder in Dallas, Williams talked about wanting to work on his consistency and trust with his new teammates. He finished off the interview speaking on Irving, highly praising the guard for being a "phenomenal" person and teammate.
Grant Williams and Luka Doncic at Dallas Mavericks training camp.
Mavs.com
Maxi Kleber: Before Williams left the room, Kleber snapped a picture of the new forward with a blue disposable camera, showing what looks to be good chemistry between the veteran in Dallas and the newcomer.
Described as an "elder statesman" by the media, Kleber claimed to finally be fully recovered from his leg injuries as well. He ended off by praising rookie Dereck Lively on his ability to get good positioning on offense as well as his instincts.
Seth Curry: As soon as he came out, when asked a question about his fit with this Mavericks team Curry stated: "I can still make shots and Luka can still pass."
Aside from that, he talked about his ability to play both guard positions, and his time growing up with father Dell Curry and brother Stephen Curry.
Josh Green: Green came out with the same excitement exhibited by Williams. He talked about his offseason progression, hitting the weight room and bulking up his frame along with his time on the Australian National Team at the FIBA World Cup. Green was adamant to talk about his defense stating that, "I have confidence in myself as a defensive player."
He talked about wanting to become more of a leader on that side of the ball, and building more consistency on both sides.
Dwight Powell: Powell came out by showing his chemistry with Josh Green, making sarcastic comments about how "smart" Green claimed to be himself. Powell would go on to praise the young player after the fun interaction.
After taking a smaller contract to re-sign with the Mavericks this offseason, Powell made his intentions clear with the team, that he was there to stay.
After being asked about any competition with Lively for a starting spot, Powell immediately cleared up any questions about their relationship.
“We're competing to win games together," he said, finishing off by talking about Lively's motor and athleticism.
Jaden Hardy: Hardy came out talking about his development by working with player development coach God Shammgod on his ball handling, giving the slight edge to Kyrie on who would be the better ball handler. Hardy stated that he had also been working on getting stronger over the offseason, bulking up his frame a bit. He mentioned Irving as an "open book" for information when is comes to needing help to improve, watching the star's finishes at practice and in games has been a point of improvement for Hardy.
He finished up the interview by mentioning that the biggest step that he needs to take is with his playmaking and defense, specifically his off-ball defensive awareness.
Richaun Holmes: Holmes, in his interview, seems to know exactly what he was brought to the city of Dallas for. He spoke on being the pick-and-roll man for Luka and Kyrie, expressing his excitement for being on the receiving end of their masterful pick and roll game.
He also talked about his improvement with a jump shot, stating that in Philadelphia, he was told that he needed some sort of shot or he wouldn't stay in the league.
Dante Exum: Exum started off verbalizing his excitement to be back in the NBA after spending time in the EuroLeague. Exum said that there is a definite difference between the European game and the NBA playstyle. In Europe, the game is much slower, where players play more methodically, trying to score later in the shot clock. He hinted at an improved perimeter shot before talking about his goals to bring energy to the team while pushing the pace and playing fast.
Dereck Lively II: Lively was a much-anticipated interviewee on media day. He began his interview speaking on the speed of the NBA game. Irving had told Lively that the game is quick, but you have to be able to slow down.
The 7-1 center talked about new coach Tyson Chandler, who he said always had something to say to the young big man, always looking to help Lively improve. He talked on his relationship with fellow rookie Olivier-Maxence Prosper, where they compliment the team's "flashy game" with their "dirty work game."
He also spoke on his relationship with his mom, showing a tattoo of his that is dedicated to her, talking about how he started to play basketball growing up.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper: Prosper immediately started off talking about his preferred role with the team. He hopes to bring energy and defense to the lineup. He spoke on Irving, where the guard talked to him about slowing down his pace and playing with confidence.
He finished off the interview talking about his wingspan and his relationship with Lively saying that they "do everything together."
Derrick Jones Jr: Jones did not have much to say to the media Friday. the forward talked about his stretchability and his advantage over bigger and slower centers with his speed and athleticism.
Tim Hardaway Jr: Hardaway came out talking about the uncertainty that he was playing with the offseason. The guard/forward seemed to be unwilling to talk too much about trade talk, stating that he is "securely" on the team. Speaking on Lively, Hardaway said that he had the "it" factor, giving high praise to the rookie center.
Hardaway's goals this season are to be shot ready and confident on offense. Throughout the interview, Hardaway seemed unwilling to speak on more controversial topics, such as his starting role. The player quickly brushed off a question about whether he would be starting or not.
Markieff Morris: The interview showed why Morris was brought onto this team. Morris exhibits leadership among the players, even admitting that a team full of veterans would be a team with no energy, praising the energy of the young guys on the Mavericks.
He finished his interview by stating that the key to staying in the league is "knowing what's going on."
