Post by aar on Aug 14, 2009 22:47:39 GMT -5
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer recently sat down with new Sonics point guard Mike Smith to discuss his role with the team.
Q: You were drafted fifth overall in 2022 - do you feel that you have lived up to your billing as a top-5 pick?
A: Definitely not. My career has not gone how I have wanted it to. The reason that I signed with Seattle is that I have been promised the starting job. This is my job to lose and I want to prove that I was worthy of the hype that I had entering the league.
Q: What do you feel you have improved since being on the All-Rookie Team?
A: I have gotten better at shooting and have improved my handles. I know my strengths and weaknesses, so you won't see me shooting careless three point shots.
Q: What do you think of the system that Seattle will implement?
A: They want to be fast and furious. Everyone will go to the basket strong. We selected Gus Johnson and him and Troop will punish guys inside and the acquisition of Andres Kemp is huge on both sides of the ball.
Q: What do you expect from Kemp this year?
A: He will be our star and I think it's about time he's been given the opportunity to show his maximum output. I expect 24 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks per game. He hasn't scratched the surface of how good he can be just yet.
Q: You were looking forward to playing with Earl Monroe and he was just traded. Are you okay with that?
A: I'd be crazy to go against a managerial decision in my first week here. I will give them the benefit of the doubt. Pearl is a big time up and coming star, but with the acquisition of Kemp, I expect that we have a guy who we know what to expect he will deliver.
Q: How many wins this season?
A: We are a work in progress, but I expect us to make the playoffs.
Q: You were drafted fifth overall in 2022 - do you feel that you have lived up to your billing as a top-5 pick?
A: Definitely not. My career has not gone how I have wanted it to. The reason that I signed with Seattle is that I have been promised the starting job. This is my job to lose and I want to prove that I was worthy of the hype that I had entering the league.
Q: What do you feel you have improved since being on the All-Rookie Team?
A: I have gotten better at shooting and have improved my handles. I know my strengths and weaknesses, so you won't see me shooting careless three point shots.
Q: What do you think of the system that Seattle will implement?
A: They want to be fast and furious. Everyone will go to the basket strong. We selected Gus Johnson and him and Troop will punish guys inside and the acquisition of Andres Kemp is huge on both sides of the ball.
Q: What do you expect from Kemp this year?
A: He will be our star and I think it's about time he's been given the opportunity to show his maximum output. I expect 24 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks per game. He hasn't scratched the surface of how good he can be just yet.
Q: You were looking forward to playing with Earl Monroe and he was just traded. Are you okay with that?
A: I'd be crazy to go against a managerial decision in my first week here. I will give them the benefit of the doubt. Pearl is a big time up and coming star, but with the acquisition of Kemp, I expect that we have a guy who we know what to expect he will deliver.
Q: How many wins this season?
A: We are a work in progress, but I expect us to make the playoffs.
