A little late to the party on these, but I love to watch the exit interviews every year. This year was particularly exciting to listen in because it was such a tumultuous season. The guys overall are upbeat and together. From the outside looking in it seems like they have really good relationships with each other and really like playing for and learning from Chauncey Billups. I'm interested to hear your thoughts too since I'm usually peering through rose tinted glasses. A couple of interesting takeaways for me were:
I think there are a couple future coaches on this roster. Brogdon for sure but i think Tisse has that sort of presence too. Seems like they both had a focus in learning how to deal with adversity and building relationships within the org.
Probably not a huge shock to anyone but RW3 might be done. He wouldn't get into specifics about his health or if he would be ready by camp next year. The way he consistently spoke about being in a good place mentally gave me the impression that he is working through accepting a big change in his reality.
Scoot was universally praised by his teammates for his leadership, talent and work ethic. It seemed well beyond lip service to me, but again, rose tinted glasses. He got a ton of mic time throughout the year, so Scoot's interview wasn't anything we hadn't heard before. He did say he wants to play summer league and will be hooping a lot this summer whether he's in Portland, LA, China or Spain. Favorite quote: "Wherever there's a hoop, I'm with it."
Ant answered a question about playing with Shae and Scoot by saying he didn't care what the situation was if one two or all 3 are playing. I've been thinking about him has a sixth man in the future and i think that might be the long term play. I know that's probably been my hottest take on here this season but his answer gives some insight into how willing he would be to take that role.
DA seems confident and happy. Big difference in vibes from his preseason interview to now which was great to see. I'm hoping he can carry this energy from March into next season.
Shae is my favorite current blazer, but is by far the toughest interview.
Finally, shout out Casey Holdahl. Easily had the best questions from the press. Keep doin your thing Casey!
Here's a link for the exit interviews. Lookin forward to your takes, Rip City!