MikeDead
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Joined: 11 Dec 2006
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Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
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 Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 12:04 am Post subject: ESPN Sits Down With Marco Bellinelli |
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ESPN's Chad Ford Sits Down With Celtics Guard, Marco Bellinelli
November 19, 2008 --
Former NBA Scout, and now highly regarded ESPN NBA Analyst and draft expert, Chad Ford, sat down for a one on one interview with Celtic's guard, and former Euroleague superstar Marco Bellinelli. Here is a quick transcript of the two's conversation, and what Bellinelli had to say about life in the NBA, being traded, and his new teammates.
Chad Ford: "Thanks Marco for the time. Let's get right to it, what was your initial reaction when you first got word that you had been traded to the Boston Celtic's? And is it tough being traded in your rookie season?"
Marco Bellinelli: "I was disappointed that Golden State gave up on me so quickly, because that's what I felt they did, but at the same time, I was excited, because I knew I was going to a better situation, where I would be able to start for one of the most storied franchises in all of professional sports."
Chad Ford: "Where you told by the Celtic's that you would be starting?"
Marco Bellinelli: "No, they told me that eventually they hoped I would work my way into a starting role, but that they would limit my minutes and watch me closely. I guess you could say that I've been starting, since when we tip off I'm on the court, but more often then not I'm taken out when we need a little more defense on the court, so they're trying to really transition me into the team's offense."
Chad Ford: "At 6'6, you've played literally every position but center, where are you most comfortable playing at the NBA level?"
Marco Bellinelli: "I'd have to say the shooting guard position is probably where I'm most comfortable. I also enjoy playing point guard because I like to think I'm a good play maker, and I can cause a lot of mismatches when I'm running the point. I believe the Celtic's plan on using me at the two more then anywhere else though."
Chad Ford: "Right now you might be arguably the best shooter in the league, certainly if we just look at the percentages. Shooting over 50% not just from the field, but also from three point land. Do you think you've improved on your shooting since entering the NBA?"
Marco Bellinelli: "No, I think I was always a good shooter, it's just that in Golden State I wasn't getting a lot of playing time, so when I was on the court, I'd take the easy shots, I didn't want to make any mistakes out there and have them take away even more minutes. Here in Boston, I'm getting a ton of open looks. When Josh [Smith] and Rashard [Lewis] get a hold of the ball, the defense has to really lock down on them, and that usually leave's me wide open. I've just been getting a ton of open looks, and most players in this league won't miss wide open shots."
Chad Ford: "The East is wide open, and it looks like you guys will be playing playoff basketball. Is that something you guys are talking about in the locker room, or is it more of a one game at a time mentality?"
Marco Bellinelli: "I think the playoffs are all in the back of our minds, we know we'll probably be there, but we have veterans like Mo [Morris Peterson] and Gary [Payton], who have been there before, they've been around this league for a long time, and they help keep us grounded. They know that anything can happen in this league, and until we clinch a spot, it's not guaranteed that we'll be there. Right now we are just trying to get to .500 to be honest."
Chad Ford: "One last question then we'll let you go. It looks like you guys will be adding Spencer Hawes to the roster, now you to played together in the Nike Hoops Summit as well as the Reebok International. What were your thoughts on him for those two games you played together?"
Marco Bellinelli: "All I really remember about Spencer is that he was a real tough guy. He loved playing in the post, was always calling out for the ball, and he had some nice moves on the low block, but he can also pull up and shoot the ball. He'd be a welcomed addition to any team, and I look forward to playing with him again." |
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