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Borchardt's post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: Were you surprised about where you were picked?
Borchardt: No, but there were a few surprises in the first few picks. Different guys who I think some teams didn’t think were going to be available at their pick were, so that kind of changes everything a little bit. I am fortunate that I landed with Orlando. They are a great team, and I had a nice workout there. I really enjoyed meeting that whole entire coaching staff.
Q: Talk about the emotions of being selected.
Borchardt: This is a dream come true. I can’t wait to get out there and start working to get better and help this team out.
Q: Talk about the possibility of playing with Patrick Ewing.
Borchardt: Hey, if you’re going to learn from a big guy I couldn’t think of anyone better. I really hope he comes back next year.
Q: What are your plans after you leave tonight?
Borchardt: Well I want to get out there as soon as possible and meet everyone in the organization. I want to get acclimated to my new surroundings and just get in there and show them I am willing to work. I know I need to improve as a player. I think I will have a tremendous opportunity to do that this summer.
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Q: We were waiting for you in the interview room.
Butler: Man, I was waiting to come up here also. But it was a process.
Q: Talk about maybe sliding a little.
Butler: I thought I would go to Cleveland, maybe. But I knew the situation with Andre Miller and thinking about trading him probably next year for LeBron James or something. I knew what was going on there and we talked to Miami earlier today, and I knew that was good fit for me.
Q: Did you see Miami much last year.
Butler: No, not much last year. I just heard a lot of bad things about them, but we are going to change that.
Q: Talk about the fans chanting your name.
Butler: That was a lot of love from the city of New York because I’m a Connecticut boy, and I’ve been at UConn for two years. That felt real good because they recognized what I did at the University of Connecticut -- that I’m a pretty good basketball player and that they wanted me here.
Q: Since you dropped, will you play with a chip on your shoulders?
Butler: Most definitely. I don’t see why I slipped so far in the draft. But I slipped to a good team and me and my agent and my mother and the rest of my family always said God would put you somewhere where he wants you to be. It’s a good vacation trip for my family.
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Dixon's post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: What was the first phone call you made?
Dixon: To my brother. We couldn’t even talk; it was so emotional. This is a great day. Besides winning the national championship, this is the best day of my life. I dreamt about this for so long. I had so many doubters on each level, I just stay focused, stayed hungry and go out and get some playing time
Q: How does it feel getting to play close to home?
Dixon: It’s a great feeling. I’m from Baltimore, I went to school at the University of Maryland and now I’m only 10 minutes outside of College Park, right in the MCI Center, so I’m looking forward to it. It’s good to be home. My whole basketball career has been in the Maryland, D.C. area. It’s good having people around me. I had a great situation at Maryland and now I have the same with the Wizards. I’m going to take advantage of it, continue to work hard and keep the work ethic that got me here.
Q: Are you surprised?
Dixon: No, I did well when I worked out for the Wizards. I was there with a couple of guards they were considering taking and I did well. I held my own, I shot the ball well and I played well, handled the ball well, which a lot of teams wanted to see me do, see some point guard skills.
Q: Was Michael Jordan there when you worked out?
Dixon: No, he wasn’t, but I talked to him afterward and he said that they were considering. And it worked out for me.
Q: What did you think of the mock draft that had you going further down?
Dixon: I didn’t pay attention to that stuff. I knew what I could do. I accomplished a lot in college and I knew what I could bring to the table in the NBA. I think I can make an impact right away.
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Dunleavy's post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: What exactly were you feeling when your name was finally called?
Dunleavy: I had a lot of butterflies going through me. When everybody said they were going to take me, I felt pretty good about it, but once you get in that green room and the Commissioner comes up, I was a little nervous about it. But once he finally said my name, it was a dream come true.
Q: What kind of advice did your parents give you in regard to entering the draft before getting your degree?
Dunleavy: First of all, I’m going to get my degree. That was never a question. I’m going to do that. They really left it up to me. They provided me with a lot of information and support, but ultimately, it came down to my decision. Tell you what, right now, I know 100 percent sure they absolutely are ecstatic with what I’m doing, and it makes me happy, and the whole family is happy about it.
Q: How much do you know about the Warriors?
Dunleavy: I know they’ve got a nice young core of talent out there and I’m really looking forward to it. I know Jason Richardson pretty well, Gilbert Arenas and [Antawn] Jamison. Those guys are guys to build around, and I think just like any team player, I think I’m going to fit in very well. I’m a team player and I just want to win.
Q: What does you and Jay Williams going second and third say for Duke?
Dunleavy: First of all, to have that honor of two guys picked in the top three says a lot for Duke, Coach K and our program, and I think Jason and I are really happy about it. It’s quite an honor, it’s a dream come true. I can tell you when we came in as freshmen, to think in three years we would be here, I certainly didn’t envision it. Maybe he did, but it’s great. And as far as going from one program to another, Duke was great, I’m not going to look back, and I’m also not going to look back on what was going on with the Warriors and their past. I know that the last few years have been tough, but everything’s forward now. It’s all about the future.
Q: How much has your dad told you about life in the NBA?
Dunleavy: We haven’t really gotten into it that much. Right now, it’s just been all about trying to make my decision, what I want to do, and the last week or so, it’s been about what team I’m going to go to. So I’m sure we’ll sit down a lot this summer and we’ll talk about how to be professional. I think I have an idea of how to be professional, but there are all kinds of things, the ins and outs of the game, on and off the court.
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Q: Is this the best case scenario for you?
Ely: The best case is health, warm weather and me playing. I’m just happy to be a part of that team. I know the players there real well. Quentin Richardson and Corey Maggette, I played with them in high school, and I’m just happy to be a part of it.
Q: Can you talk about the strong Chicago connection with you and Corey and Quentin?
Ely: I love those guys. Those are the guys I grew up playing with in AAU ball. We all know each other well and stay in contact. This is probably one of the best things that could have happened for me, being with players who can help you along. I know I wouldn’t feel quite as lost. I have some people around who can help.
Q: Did you think this would happen?
Ely: You know what? The Clippers were probably the last team I thought I was going to go to. To tell you the truth, I thought I was going to Milwaukee or Indiana. Really, I just wanted to walk out of here with the job and just smile and enjoy the evening. I can’t wait to talk to those guys and see what they think about it. Hopefully, I can end up helping them out. I’m going to go in there and do what I can do to help.
Q: Do you think this was possible for you?
Ely: If you would have asked me during my first year in 1997, I probably would have said you were crazy. I thought I was going to end up being a nice college player, probably get a job or get into coaching. Being under one of the greatest coaches in Jerry Tarkanian, he pushed me and expected the best from me, so a lot of the credit goes to him.
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Gooden's post-draft chat on NBA.comQ: Were you worried about your position?br> Gooden: I wasn’t worried at all. I wouldn’t have entered the draft if I was going to be in a position where I wasn’t going to be able to sleep in anticipation of this day. Fortunately, I felt like I was one of the prospects in this draft that could sit back and wait for my name to get called and not worry about it as much.
Q: Has reality set in?
Gooden: It’s starting to set in. That’s some good money.
Q: Did you major in business in college?
Gooden: No, communications so I could deal with you people. That’s something that’s going to take some learning, some experience hanging on to my money, but really I’m just happy to be drafted.
Q: Did you think about playing close to home in California?
Gooden: Yeah, but then again I’ve been away from home. I’ve kind of grown to like that but the Bay Area is a nice place to live. I have a lot of family out there and friends, but then again, I also like being out on my own, too.
Q: Was there something in your workout with Memphis that led you to believe they would pick you?
Gooden: Yeah, because I knew they needed another versatile guy who could contribute on the front line. I’m not a single dimension guy, I’m a multi-dimensional guy and I can add to a roster that already has some versatile guys.
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Q: How do you feel about going to Milwaukee?
Haislip: Milwaukee has a great coaching staff. I had a very good workout down there. They have a great group of guys. I am very excited about going there.
Q: Talk about what you can bring to the team.br> Haislip: I think I can bring a lot of athleticism. I am good at blocking shots, running and up and down the floor hustling.
Q: Talk about the playing in the NBA.
Haislip: Everybody is a lot stronger. Every player night in and night out can play and you just have to get used to it. Defending some of the best players in the league every night will be a challenge.
Q: How did you feel when you heard your name called?
Haislip: I am glad the wait is over. My dream finally came true. I have been waiting and waiting, and it’s finally here. I am excited.
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Q: How do you feel about going from New York to Denver?
Translator: I’m very happy to go to Denver. I think the situation for me there as a player is excellent. I’m going to develop as a power forward, and it’s going to be great. I love the city.
Q: How do you think you’ll fit in with the Nuggets?
Translator: I’m going to do the same thing I did with Vasco. Defensively, I will contribute a lot to the team.
Q: What was your reaction when you heard the booing from the crowd?
Translator: I didn’t really know what was going on with them. At that moment, I was very happy, so to me, it didn’t really matter.
Q: Were you surprised to be traded?
Translator: Of course, it was a surprise. But I enjoy both cities, and God wanted it that way.
Q: When are you going to Denver and learn more about the city.
Translator: I think I’m going tomorrow. I’ve already met the coaches, I’ve seen a bit of the city, and I’m looking forward to going back.
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Jacobsen's post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: How does it feel to be in the first round?
Jacobsen: People talk about the difference between the first round and the second round all the time, but the only thing I can possibly ask for in this situation is a place to play because the bottom line is, no matter how much money you’re making or where you get drafted, you’re not going to have a long NBA career unless you perform on the basketball court. I want to have a long NBA career.
Q: Did you work out for Phoenix?
Jacobsen: Yes I did, and it went really well. I had a hunch Phoenix was going to be the team. That brought a big smile to my face.
Q: What can you bring next year?
Jacobsen: I want my rookie experience to be a learning one. There are lots of things I need to work on, and I want to stay humble during this process and learn through the veterans and the coaches, what it takes to be an NBA player. But I am willing to step in right away if they need me. If they want me to play a smaller role, then that’s fine, too.
Q: Is the city of Phoenix a good fit for you?
Jacobsen: I’m a believer that things happen for a reason and Phoenix selected me for a reason. I’m meant to play there. I think that Phoenix probably has a lot more to offer for a guy like me than probably 95 percent of the other teams in the NBA. That might change. If you would have told me to list teams I wanted to play for, Phoenix would have been at the top of the list.
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Q: What’s it going to be like for you playing with Michael Jordan?
Jeffries: That’s something I’m looking forward to. It’s kind of crazy, I mean, growing up and watching somebody that’s such a great basketball player, and now I’m having the chance in my first couple of years in the league to be able to play with that person and kind of learn from him, and feed off his basketball ability and his business knowledge, also.
Q: Is this something you expected?
Jeffries: Yeah. Coming into it, I had good workouts with the Wizards and I knew they were very interested, so I was kind of sitting back and looking forward to playing for them. This is a great situation for me, and I look forward to playing on his team.
Q: How does it make you feel to play for and with Michael?
Jeffries: I’m excited about it. He took an interest in me, looked at me, had the confidence in me to draft me at 11. I’ll come in and work hard and prove him right.
Q: What about playing for the Wizards in general?
Jeffries: I know Tyronn Lue very well, Etan Thomas, Jahidi White, Chris Whitney, Christian Laettner, I know all those guys. I’ve been around him, I’ve seen them some, and it’s just going to be a chance for me to really kind of build with the team. It’s a team on the rise, definitely with a lot of young guys. Kwame [Brown] is going to be an unbelievable player when he gets a couple of years under his belt, and I look forward to being a part of that.
Opening statement: First off, regarding the trade, we always have to look at the players that played so many games for our team and helped us win so many games, so it’s always tough to trade players – Marcus Camby, Mark Jackson – and we wish them well. We thank them for everything that they’ve done. So, that is certainly the first thing we talked about. Having said that we are very excited to get Antonio McDyess in the trade. He obviously was the key component for us in the trade and you can tell from the size of the deal what we think of him. We are very excited and anxious to get under way with him on the team. This is a good day. As always, we believe it’s a fair deal and a deal that will help both teams. Certainly, Denver did some very good things today and we feel good about that. The other part of the deal – a smaller part – was the 25th pick and to get a player like Frank Williams who was rated very highly by our scouts was a nice surprise. We are excited he was on the board at No. 25.
Q: How certain are you that Antonio McDyess’ knee won’t be a problem?
Layden: As you know we don’t talk about injuries, but the deal is always conditioned on players passing a physical. We’ve exchanged all medical information.
Q: The fans didn’t react too positively.
Layden: One of the things about New York and we all know this about the fans in New York are very passionate. That’s one of the great things about being in the Garden and having the draft in New York. Our fans are very knowledgeable; they are well read. We always do season ticket holder forms and believe me it’s amazing at how up on things the fans are. I think we appreciate everything our fans know and they bring to it. That’s what’s it’s all about – the debate and that’s what makes this a great city.
Q: How does this change the dynamic of the team?
Layden: It gives us another big player to put out on the court, a player who has had a tremendous success. We are excited he’s coming.
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Nachbar's post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: Do you know a lot about the Houston Rockets?
Nachbar: Yeah, for sure. I know a lot about the NBA. I know the team. I know Steve Francis, the whole team. I know Rudy Tomjanovich, I think he’s a great coach. The Rockets just drafted Yao Ming, and I think that in a few years we could be a really good team.
Q: Talk about playing with Steve Francis.
Nachbar: I think it will be great. Actually, last season I played with Tyus Edney in Italy, who is kind of the same player and likes to play a fast kind of game, and I like to play that way. That’s why I am so happy because I know that Houston plays the game that I’m good at.
Q: Did you have an indication that you were going to Houston?
Nachbar: No, not really. There were a lot of rumors going around and I was just hoping that it would happen, that I would go to Houston, because if I were choosing that would be my team. It happened and I am just happy about it.
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Q: What was your brother’s reaction when you were taken?
Rush: He was at the table with me. It was kind of feeling emotional because I thought I was going to go a lot higher. I don’t know what happened, but Toronto is a good situation. Vince Carter and Hakeem [Olajuwon] are up there. I’m not coming in expected to do a lot of scoring or whatever. I’ll just go and try to contribute.
Q: Are you relieved that the process is finally over?
Rush: Yeah, it’s a big weight off my shoulders. I’m finally drafted and I realize a dream that I’ve always dreamt about. I’m going to a great situation, so I couldn’t be happier.
Q: Was there one particular pick that told you that things were going to go a little differently than you thought?
Rush: The Indiana pick. I felt really strong about Indiana. They relayed the same to me … hey, they didn’t pick me. So, I’ve got to deal with it. And now I’m in a situation where I’ll go up there and work hard. And I’m going to do that. I didn’t work out for Toronto, and I had no idea they were going to draft me, but I was happy to get up.
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Q: Were you surprised about going No. 9?
Stoudemire: Surprised, not really. I was hoping I would go top 10. Phoenix is a great place to live and start a career, so I am happy right now.
Q: Talk about being ready to play in the NBA.
Stoudemire: I think I am at a pretty good point right now to be a nice rookie, but in order to be a great player I have to work on my game constantly and consistently. I have a lot of work to do.
Q: Did you get a sense Phoenix would pick you?
Stoudemire: Not really. I really wanted to go to Phoenix, which is why I stayed and worked out twice there. It worked out for my benefit.
Q: Talk a little bit about the current team in Phoenix.
Stoudemire: I know the team. I know Penny Hardaway. Penny and I talk a lot, and I am sure he can help me out with a lot of things.
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Tskitishvili's post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: What were your emotions when you heard your name called?
Tskitishvilli: My heart was bumping. I was so happy. This was my dream and my wish to play in the NBA. I was excited and surprised.
Q: What do you feel about playing in Denver?
Tskitishvilli: I love Denver, it is a very nice place. I like the General Manager, Kiki (Vandeweghe). I don’t know yet who is coach, but I am sure I will like him.
Q: How do you feel you will do in the NBA?
Tskitishvilli: I am ready, that is why I came here. I am excited about playing in Denver and I am ready to go.
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Wagner's post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: Talk about going to Cleveland.
Wagner: It feels good because this is my dream. I’m just happy to get it over with. It’s been a long two months.
Q: What was difficult about it?
Wagner: You know, because of size. Stuff like that.
Q: Talk about the backcourt with you and Andre Miller.
Wagner: I think we’ll be real good because Andre Miller is a real good player.
Q: Were you surprised going six?
Wagner: No, not really. My dad just told me to go to the workouts and do my part and show them what I could do.
Q: Are you happy?
Wagner: Yes.
Q: Talk about the questioning about your height.
Wagner: Really, it just motivated. Because I know what I got. You have to go up there and do it. There were a lot of people doubting.
Q: What do you say to people who argue that you came out too soon?
Wagner: I just got to show them I’m ready; just do it on the court.
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Welsch's post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: How surprised are you to go at this point in the draft?
Welsch: I’m not so surprised. I expected the 16th pick. I’m just happy I’m going to Philadelphia, and I’m going to be a member of the 76ers. I think it’s a great team, and it’ll be a great honor to play for them.
Q: Did you work out for the Sixers?
Welsch: Actually, I haven’t. I was a little surprised because they picked me without me working out for them, but I think things will go well for both of us.
Q: How much do you know about Allen Iverson?
Welsch: He’s a great player. He’s a great scorer, and he’s the leader of the 76ers. All the teams concentrate on Allen, and it gives a chance to the other players on the floor. They get more space, they get more room, and I think that I can use that room to get some shots and my plays.
Q: Was there any prospect of uncertainty in your mind as the draft went on?
Welsch: Tonight, I don’t think anybody should feel uncertain. This is a great night for everybody who gets drafted, and it’s also a great night for me. I’m just very happy I’m getting to achieve something I’ve been working for my entire career.
(After getting traded to Golden State)
Q: What’s your reaction to getting traded?
Welsch: Nothing surprised me. I knew about it, because Philadelphia picked me at No. 16 and I didn’t work out for them. So I knew I was going to get traded, and I’m really excited. Now I’m really excited I’m going to be in Golden State. I worked out there and I met with the general manager, Garry St. Jean, and we had a great talk, so I’m looking forward to going there.
Q: Can you talk about getting to play with Mike Dunleavy and all the young players the Warriors have?
Welsch: Actually, that’s the best part. There’s going to be a lot of young guys, and I guess everybody’s going to get a chance. I think it’s going to be really exciting to see us playing together and improving as a team.
Q: Does it make it more exciting to be part of an organization on the rise?
Welsch: I went through it once already in my career in Europe. I became a part of a young program that rose, so I hope it’s going to finish the same way in Golden State. It will be nice watching us grow.
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Wilcox's post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: What are your thoughts?
Wilcox: I think it will be a great thing for me to go to the Clippers. There are a lot of young guys on the Clippers and they are an upcoming team and I think I would fit in well out there.
Q: How will you fit?
Wilcox: I think I’ll fit good. Those guys like to run the ball and that’s part of my game, so I think I’ll fit in well.
Q: Are you disappointed that you weren’t picked by New York?
Wilcox: A little bit, but everything happens for a reason. I just want to make it into a positive and have a great season for the Clippers. It really doesn’t matter to me because I’m not with the Knicks. Now I’m just hoping everything works out well for me, and hopefully I have a great career in this league.
Q: Are you looking forward to playing with Elton Brand?
Wilcox: Yeah, it would be a great thing with both of us having ties to the North Carolina area. It will be great to go to war with those guys and have them help me get better.
Q: Do you worry about playing time?
Wilcox: No. This is the normal experience for everybody. I just want to go in there and play my game, and hopefully I can get a spot, but if not, it will come in time.
Q: Were you hoping to be in New York?<
Wilcox: Yeah. There was a lot of talk than the Knicks wanted me bad. I thought I was coming to New York, but it didn’t work out and I don’t mind going to the Clippers. They’re a great team, and hopefully I can help that team win some more games.
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Williams' post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: Talk about being picked by the Bulls.
Williams: I just look forward to playing. The whole draft thing has been crazy, finding out where you may go, where you may not go, who’s going to move up in the draft, who’s not, who’s going to come in the draft, who’s not. I’m just really happy right now to get to go to a great city like Chicago. I was born around this area. I’ve always been a city kid. I always played basketball in New York City. Now, I get a chance to go to another city that is really known for basketball. I’m really excited about going there and having some fun.
Q: You grew up a Knicks fan. What was your feeling toward the Bulls then?
Williams: Of course, you always wanted the Knicks to win. I always was a Knicks fan. Right now, I’m completing a dream. It is a great city. They have a great staff and they still want to win. So, I’m really happy that I’m going to a team that wants to win.
Q: What does it feel like being the No. 2 pick and being about 20 minutes away?
Williams: To be home … a lot of people had to travel cross-country to come to the draft. For me, it’s a 20-minute ride from my house. This is always where I dreamed of playing, and it’s kind of weird because I’m going to come back here and play against New York. But this is a dream come true. The next dream is to try and become all this other stuff in basketball at the next level, and try to get my team to win.
Q: What excites you about playing in Chicago?
Williams: First of all, for them to go through a couple of down years, like there have been, I’ve watched some of their games and they have great fan support. No matter what, they are always behind them. They could lose by 20 and the next time they play they still get the same attendance. Next thing I look at is the players: Tyson [Chandler}, Eddy [Curry], I mean Jalen [Rose]. They have a lot of great players and they are young and they are very talented. And they want to win. That’s something I’ve known my whole life, so hopefully, we can get that going.
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Q: How do you see yourself fitting in with this team?
Woods: I think I fit in good. With Scottie Pippen there I think he can help me with my game.
Q: Are you surprised you went this late?
Woods: Yeah, I’m sort of surprised, but I’m not disappointed.
Q: Does this show you that you can’t listen to talk leading up to the draft?
Woods: It was just how the picks went. It was just different picks, the international players.
Q: what was it like sitting there waiting for your name to be called?
Woods: It was nerve-wracking, but I dealt with it.
Q: What will be your toughest adjustment?
Woods: Probably my strength, working on my strength as hard as I work on my game.
Q: How hard was it for you to fall to 20?
Woods: I’m comfortable with the first round. It just means I got some work to do.
Q: What kind of work?
Woods: A lot of work, hard work.
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Yao's post-draft chat on NBA.com
Q: Can you fully comprehend what being the No. 1 pick in the NBA means to you and to Chinese basketball?
Translator: This is now a new start in my basketball life. This is a new league in front of me for me to play, so it will be a new challenge for me. I know there will be a lot of difficulties in front of me, but I’m confident that I will learn from the NBA and improve myself and improve Chinese basketball in the future.
Q: Do you anything about your future teammates?
Translator: One of the players, Steve Francis, he’s the one I should know because he has a lot of commercials in China.
Q: How are you feeling right now?
Translator: I am excited for the new NBA season to start. I will try my best to learn about the team and learn about all my new teammates, so I will do my best for the Houston Rockets.
Q: What will you contribute to the team?
Translator: First of all, I will rebound for the Rockets. Then, basically, I will play defense for the team. I will also show in the offense all the skills I can now do.
Q: Are you looking forward to play for Rudy Tomjanovich?
Translator: Yes, of course I will be very happy to work with Coach Rudy Tomjanovich because eight years ago that was the first NBA team I watched win the NBA championship from China. So Rudy was the one who first made me feel that the NBA is so excellent. So I will be very happy to go the Rockets to play the game with him.
Q: What team are you most looking forward to playing?
Translator: The L.A. Lakers. I just want to play the best center.
Q: What are you goals?
Translator: I want to go the NBA to play a better game because the NBA has the best players in the world. So my purpose in going to the NBA is to play against the best. I think to play in the NBA my target is to win.
Q: Do you have any words for the United States?
Yao (no translator): I am very happy to join the Houston Rockets. Hi Houston, I’m coming.
