| Andrew Kamenetzky: Did you imagine yourself being a part of the rotation this early on?
Andrew Bynum: Um, yeah, I did. Going through training camp, I was doing okay until I got hurt… And then I had a couple games where I came out and gave them a bunch of energy and things like that, and I looked alright out there. And then a couple games, I was out there and haven’t done anything. I don’t have much to say about that. I don’t know why that is. But I try to go out there and try to do the same things. I guess some nights I have it, and some nights I don’t. I’m just trying to get more consistent.
AK: What do you see as your role on the team and what you specifically bring?
Andrew Bynum: Come off the bench and bring something to the game. Anything. Whatever it is. Whether I get 8 boards, or get some blocks or whatever. Just try to bring something to the game to help the team.
AK: In particular, what are you looking to improve on?
Andrew Bynum: I guess I just have to get more confidence. Stop rushing through everything and take my time.
AK: What are you rushing?
Andrew Bynum: Pretty much every facet of the game. Holding onto the ball. Just trying to do everything way too fast and it kind of just backfires. Like today (Sunday vs. Charlotte) I had a jump hook. I made the strong move, but then I rushed the shot and airballed that. And then on the baseline shot in the corner, I rushed that. I should have just taken my time and shot it.
AK: Do you think you’re just anxious?
Andrew Bynum: Yeah, I think that’s what it is. Or nervous.
AK: You don’t seem intimidated, though.
Andrew Bynum: I’m not intimidated on defense. Defense is just a heart thing. How hard you play. That’s all defense really is. The will to stop your opponent.
AK: What was it like for you in San Antonio going up against Tim Duncan?
Andrew Bynum: That was pretty cool actually. He’s my favorite player and everything. But I went out there and played hard and had a good game. It was just one of those nights.
AK: The first possession you were directly up against him, you held your own. Were you aware of it at the time? “I’m going against Tim Duncan?”
Andrew Bynum: No. I wasn’t thinking about it. That’s probably why (the good game).
AK: You’ve grown how much since training camp began?
Andrew Bynum: ¾ of an inch, I think. I’m not sure.
AK: Do you have any idea how tall you could cap out at?
Andrew Bynum: I don’t know. Probably 7’1” or 7’2”?
AK: Do you have a height you’re hopeful to reach?
Andrew Bynum: 7’2” would be good. The taller the better. As long as I can still be agile and things like that.
AK: Is there height that you’d be like, “Okay… That’s a little too tall?”
Andrew Bynum: No, no. I won’t grow, like, five more inches. That would be crazy.
AK: What has been like working with a legend like Kareem?
Andrew Bynum: It’s just been great. Kareem is a great guy and he’s a great coach. He’s been teaching me how to score on the block and things like that. And that everything is about my timing.
AK: Being a rookie, what’s the hazing like on this team?
Andrew Bynum: There’s not much. We just have the vets a drink or something like that. But it’s nothing crazy, like singing or anything like that.
AK: Are they pretty equal opportunity when it comes to you, Von (Wafer) and Devin (Green)? Or do they pick on one of you more than the others?
Andrew Bynum: It’s just “the rooks.” The three of us. The rooks do that, do this.
AK: Is there anyone on the team who seems to just have a ridiculous amount of luggage?
Andrew Bynum: (laughs) No, no it’s pretty much even. We just unload it and pack it from the plane onto the bus.
AK: So you’re not getting tired of it yet?
Andrew Bynum: No. You can’t really look at it like that, because everybody who’s sitting in here went through the same thing.
AK: Was coming from New Jersey to L.A a culture shock?
Andrew Bynum: It wasn’t a culture shock, but the food’s a lot better on the east coast. I lived there 17 years, so I got to get used to it. But I like the weather out here a lot better. It’s still hot outside. 75 degrees in December, so you can never hate that.
AK: Did you know Shaq was in the audience tonight (against Charlotte)?
Andrew Bynum: Yeah. I saw him.
AK: Was it at all nerve wracking or did it make you want to bring up your game a bit?
Andrew Bynum: It wasn’t nerve wracking, but it did make me feel like I gotta step it up.
AK: Are you looking forward to possibly matching up against him in Miami?
Andrew Bynum: That would be cool. He’s a beast right now. |
"I keep getting these minutes and do my job."