HoopsHype - Interviews - Juan Carlos Navarro: "I'm not thinking about the NBA right now"

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Juan Carlos Navarro: "I'm not thinking about the NBA right now"
by Jorge Sierra / May 11, 2002

Less than two months away from Draft day, do you like your options to be on the first round?

Juan Carlos Navarro: I know there are some teams interested, but right now I'm only focused on playing well these final games of the season. I am getting quickly recovered from my ankle problems. That's the only thing that matters now. When everything is over this season, we'll see.

Would it be disappointing for you not to be a first round pick because of those injury problems with Pau Gasol and Raul Lopez being lottery picks last season?

JCN: No, it would not be that disappointing. If they underestimate you just for having been injured... They must understand that injuries are things that usually happen on a basketball court.

If you were finally drafted by any NBA franchise, would you come and play in the United States right away?

JCN: I don't really know. That's something we all have to talk about. It is a difficult option because of my contract clause and stuff. But it is not impossible.

If that decision was just upon you, what would you do?

JCN: I don't know. I have not yet really think about it.

According to many people, at 6-3 you may find it hard to play at the shooting guard position in the NBA. What do you think?

JCN: There are a lot of really big guys playing the two-guard in the NBA. But against those players you can use your quickness. And I can also play the point guard. That would never be a problem.

In case you could go the NBA next season, would you make any specific work in the gym this summer in order to make a better transition?

JCN: I have not thought over about that yet, because I have other things in my mind right now... However, I never quit working during the summer.

Do you have any team in particular you would like to play for? Milwaukee and Indiana are said to be the most interested in you.

JCN: Yes, that is something I know. But that is something we will talk about only when the Spanish playoffs are over. Then, we'll think about all the options. I don't know much about the issue right now. I leave this stuff to my agent.

Jorge Sierra is the editor of HoopsHype.com

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