Favors w/ Jake Scott and PK
Favs: We proved a lot of people wrong this season. We didn't get as far as we wanted, so we got a lot to work on and improve it for next year.
You've been vocal about wanting to stay. Not everyone does that. Why?
DF: They've been supportive of me thru my career. Times when they could trade me, bench me, and they didn't. I appreciate this organization.
Feelings as season ends
DF: It's kinda like the last day of school. You know it's coming but you gotta say goodbye to all your friends and stuff. It's how the NBA is. Team might not look the same next year, you never know, we might have some different people next year. Just have to get ready for that. This has been one of my favorite years. I been through it all. Lotto team, bad team, playoff team. This year was great. Unselfish team. Great chemistry. Great year, proved everybody wrong. Best year I've had in the NBA.
How do you address free agency planning?
No idea. Mindset right now is enjoy break, spend time with kids and family, focus on enjoying it. No apprehension or nervousness yet. Maybe I'll get butterflies when the time comes, but just enjoying it right now.
As you look back on time in Utah can you see how you've grown?
A lot. I was 19, I was dealing with a different situation when I was drafted there were already trade rumors, so it was a relief to find a home here, the fans, organizations, from age 19 to 26.
You've talked of sacrifice to change your game to work alongside Rudy.
Coach and Dennis told me at the beginning of the year that it wasn't going to be a paint game for me this year because we had Rudy down there. Get comfy switching 1-4 or 1-5, might not finish games, might not hit 35 minutes, develop a 3. I was up for the challenge.
What about the stereotypes about young black players not wanting Utah?
I say give it a try. People have different things to say abut SLC but I think hey don't know much about it. I got used to it, learned to love it, love SLC. Give it a try. [How long?] About two years. Growing up in Atlanta, from south, it took some time. Then adapted, fell in love. A few years ago stayed out two summers straight to adapt. Love it.
Do you stick around Utah this summer?
In Atlanta this summer for the most part. I told DL and Q that I'll come up as needed, but spend most of my time in Atlanta this summer.