Rashard Lewis - Heart of a champion
Shard : It's all about teamwork
What is your opinion on the Sonics' current record? Can Seattle make the playoffs?
Rashard Lewis: That is our main goal, to make the playoffs. We have to put some good games together, not win a game or two and then start losing again. If we just play hard and work together, things will begin to get better for us.
What would be the best way to improve Seattle's performance?
RL: Defense! We are scoring about 100 points a night. Every time we step out on the floor, we score the amount of points that would normally be enough to win games. We have to make some defensive stops and prevent others to score even more points than us. Then, we will be able to win more ball games.
How do you feel of the changes made in the starting lineup since Alexander Sotirov took over the team?
RL: As soon as Alex became the head coach, he made some changes that he thinks are appropriate and better for the team. He thinks that the new lineup fits our style of play better. We just have to go out there and learn what it is that he wants us to do.
Currently, you are averaging 32.0 points per game. However, on some occasions you simply explode. When that happens you are capable of scoring 50+ points with extreme ease. What happens on those nights?
RL: Some nights, man, I’m just feeling it. Sometimes I feel like every shot that I take will be a make, and when I do miss, I feel upset with myself. Some nights when I get myself going, I will probably miss a maximum of three or four shots for the night.
Some rumors were spread that the Sonics could move out of Seattle in few years. What would that mean for the team? How do you like Seattle as the home of the Sonics?
RL: That is something that people have talked about recently. I really don’t have any control over that and it can’t be my main concern. My main focus is, regardless of where the team is at, or where I’m at, to make the team better and play basketball. I don’t know that much of whether the Sonics will move or not. If it does happen, I will still continue to put the ball in the hoop.
Who do you see as the toughest person to play against in the NBA?
RL: I think Peja Stojakovic is the toughest to defend because he shoots the ball so well. He runs off of the screens very well, and if you give him any room, he is going to make you pay for it. It is so hard to guard him and defend him. As for the defense against me, I think I defend myself the best sometimes. I simply take myself out of the game on some nights. But, I give a lot of credit to guys like Ron Artest. He is very focused on the defensive end.
Current rosters(NLSC)
