Interview: Osman Ertorer/TrendBasket
Translation: Kemal Rutkay Özcan/TrendBasket
First of all, we announced on Twitter that we may have a chance to interview with you, and asked TrendBasket followers if they have any questions for you. In return, more than 90% wrote love letters and asked “Why you left us?”. What do you think about that? Seems like people in Turkey are obsessed about you.
I have a great time in Fenerbahce. I miss the team, the city, all the people there. I just want to make one step ahead in my career. But I know how people love me there. Also I have very good memories and a lot of emotions for Fenerbahce. Everybody knows me.
Serbia and Turkey ended up in the same group in Eurobasket 2017 draw, and games will be played in Istanbul. You have a large fan base especially of course amongst Fenerbahce fans and they are eager to see you there. Will you be with the national team there and how do you feel about it?
As long as I’m healthy, I’m always there for my national team and I just hope I will be healthy because last summer I miss the Olympics because of my injury. Now, I hope I’m gonna be OK.
Your program in NBA is busy and EuroLeague has more games this year. Are you following EuroLeague and Fenerbahçe? Are you in contact with your former teammates?
To be honest with you, when I have time. They changed the schedule and the format of the EuroLeague; it is very tough for them because they have -I don’t know exactly- three games with domestic league in a week. It’s pretty tough for them. Here in NBA , I follow EuroLeague when I have time but it’s very difficult. I have great relationships with everybody, with all the people in the team. I have always great memories about Fenerbahçe because I spent there two wonderful years. It’s very emotional for me.
This is your 2nd year in NBA. You came here as EuroLeague MVP and 27 year old rookie. Do you think your adaptation period is over? What was the most difficult part of the adaptation period? What challenged you most in NBA?
Like you said I came here as the EuroLeague MVP. That was hard time for me. But now, in my second year, I know what I can do. I need to do my job here to be ready for every single game because the season is too long, played in a short period of time. So I need to be ready for every game.
There are so many energetic and talented young players in your team. How do you feel about working with a team with such great potential? What are your goals this season?
We have one of the most talented team and players in the league. So, in the future, this team will for sure make into the playoffs. I cannot promise if we’re gonna make it this year. We just need to work and grow up every single day. Everybody here has a bright future.
One of the things that makes you special is your versatility. You can take many roles and play multiple positions. You can shoot 3s, carry the ball, assist, rebound, block. Is it harder to show that versatility in NBA play?
I have, of course, more freedom in Fenerbahçe but this is different type of basketball. It’s tough to compare with the EuroLeague because you play every other day. Coach and staff know what I can do.
Under Željko Obradović, many people were calling you “the new Bodiroga”. Of course you are taller…
I have also two amazing years with Željko. I learned a lot of good things from him. He’s not just a great coach; he’s a great person.
TrendBasket
*Content of the interview and the photos are belonging to Osman Ertorer. With respect to NBA Partnership Rights, it is forbidden for third parties to use tihs interview without permission.
*With respect to NBA Partnership Rights, it is forbidden to take photos during the interview, therefore photos of Nemanja Bjelica are taken while he was warming up for the game.