The Official Site of TJ Ford

Thu, Aug 14th 2008, 10:08

TJ Ford: Q and A from ADIDAS Nation with HoopsWorld

Q: What do you think about NBA players leaving and going to play in Europe?

A: I think it’s a good thing from a professional standpoint and also from a business standpoint. It’s given us an opportunity to tap into both markets. We can have the opportunity to play in the Euroleague or the option to play in the NBA. Josh Childress taking the deal he did, which was for a lot of money, opens the door for a lot of these other guys to go get nice contracts this year and also in the future.

Q: What role do you see yourself having in Indiana?

A: I think this will be the first time in my career, since I’ve been in the NBA, where I’ll be able to lead more by example and have the opportunity to teach guys, to be more vocal. I’ll be able to build confidence in my teammates, and knowing that we don’t have any superstar players, no All-Stars, you don’t have to play second fiddle to anybody. The ball will be in my hands where I can make plays for my teammates and I think it will be a good opportunity for me and also for our team.

Q: What do you think about the Pacers making the playoffs this upcoming season?

A: I understand a lot of people will not pick us to make the playoffs, but since I’ve been in the NBA it’s been like that every season. I’m used to it, I know what it takes, and I can’t wait to shock a lot of people this season.

Q: How are you doing health wise?

A: I’m definitely healthy. Each year I’ve tried to strengthen myself and continue to work my body, improve my body, to help me with my conditioning.

Q: What do you think about being traded to the Pacers?

A: This is a good opportunity for me; I’m happy with the trade. I’m going to go and play hard, give them everything I’ve got, and hopefully we can change the environment, change the feel of Indiana and get people back to loving Indiana basketball.

Q: You are close with DJ Augustin, how do you think he will do in the NBA?

A: Great kid, first off. He’s a great kid. His parents did a good job raising him – he has great morals and great values, number one. Number two, I was fortunate to have a kid in DJ who I was able to take under my wing and I was able to mentor him throughout college and continue to do the same things with the things I’ve been through and teach him what life is like in the NBA. I think he could have gotten more publicity than he did; people don’t really realize the accomplishments he made at UT. He was overlooked with Kevin Durant having a sensational season as a freshman, but he actually took his team further without Kevin Durant, which a lot of people don’t take notice of. He has great leadership skills and he’s definitely going to make that team better.