Q: What are some of the things you learned from your experiences last year and what have you been working on the most in the offseason?

A: I'd say agility stuff, just being more of a guard-like player, working on my legs.

Q: Based on what you have worked on and learned, what are some of the expectations you have coming into this season?

A: I expect for myself to play.

Q: Any thoughts on what it'll take to crack the rotation, or is that something to prove in training camp?

A: You gotta start at day one and try to dominate in the games and practices, and when I get my chances against the Lakers and whoever else we play in the preseason, those are the times when I'm going to get my best chances to show myself, so I have to take advantage of them.

Q: Has the organization communicated any of their expectations to you as far as the role they want you to play?

A: Basically that same thing, getting in that rotation, getting back there and rebounding. We struggled with rebounding last year so we definitely need that. They made it pretty clear that's what they expect the most from me.

Q: There's been a lot of talk about some people labeling you as a major project or a bust because you've spent a lot of time in Bakersfield. Does it bother you? Is it something you just try to ignore or does it help motivate you to play better?

A: It doesn't really bother me because for most people, I could ask if they want to play one-on-one and see what they say, and until they can't prove that then..well, who are they to call someone a bust? And it's not even me, just anybody in the NBA. But it helps motivate you. You never like being talked bad about.

Q: Have you got that popcorn smell out of the car yet?

A: Yeah, I got it out although I still find a couple kernels sometime.

Q: With Richardson gone, does it make it a little bit harder to plan something?

A: I'll figure something out. I'll see if I can fly to Charlotte one day.