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The NBA.com Interview
What is the English translation of Sabonis' introduction at the Rose
Garden before the games are played?
Nick
Portland
Sabonis: It doesn't mean anything. They just go through the usual
introduction in Lithuanian. At center, No. 11 from Lithuania ... then
they announce my last name and that's all. Sometimes they mention
something about my little ones or my wife.
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Who is the hardest player and team to match up for and why?
Tony
Shropshire, England
Sabonis: That would be Shaquille O'Neal because he is also a
center and he is very difficult to play against. These are not the young
sporting years for me and it is hard to stay with him. He is younger and
a very good player.
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Hi Sabas!! Will you play for Lithuania's national team in Sydney
(Olympics)?
Almantas
Kaunas, Lithuania
Sabonis: I don't know whether I am going to play or not. Probably
I will have to play.
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What things did you find difficult when you moved to the United
States?
Chris
Corpus Christi, Texas
Sabonis: The language primarily. I thought I could pick it up
just by interacting and listening. But without formal training, I am
not picking it up well. Also it is difficult being far from home.
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What is difference between the basketball league in Europe and the
NBA in your opinion?
Lucas
Lampung, Indonesia
Sabonis: Here there are the best players. It's difficult to
compare evenly. Everything is faster, stronger and overall at a
different level—the preparation and tactics. In Europe it seems to me
they are still far behind.
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How do you feel about Scottie Pippen being on your team?
Voniemi
Anchorage, Alaska
Sabonis: He is the only player with us on the team who has a
championship ring—six even. And of course, it is a big plus for us
because he brought with him an example and his experience and we have
become much stronger since we've acquired him.
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Do your kids like basketball?
David
Wilsonville, Ore.
Sabonis: My little ones are too young yet to get really interested
in basketball. One likes to throw the ball around, but that's about it.
Their ages are 9, 8, 4 and 3 ... (three boys and a girl).
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How do you balance your professional life and time with your family?
Janis
Kamiah, Idaho
Sabonis: When I'm working, the family doesn't exist, but when
there's free time, naturally there is a desire to be at home with the
family. Otherwise, when the season ends we either go back to Lithuania
or to Europe and that's when we can all spend time together. But my
wife and children do live in Portland with me during the season.
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Do you think that the Portland Trail Blazers can win the NBA
Championship this year?
Kasey
Du Quoin, Ill.
Sabonis: I don't like to guess and make predictions. First you have
to get through the regular season and then get through the playoffs.
However, this year we have a real chance ... we have been given the
opportunity to compete for the title, but how it will work out, I can't
say.
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Hello Arvydas, How is your health? Are you not tired of being across
the oceans?
Mindaugas
Vilnius, Lithuania
Sabonis: My health is as always—nothing good and nothing bad. Like
I always say, if it hurts, it means you're still alive. I have another
year's contract and after that we'll see if I try some more or go home.
But probably I'll go home.
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How did the breakup of the former Soviet Union affect you?
Darla
Minneapolis
Sabonis: The way things worked out in my life, I had already left
Lithuania when this all happened. I was glad and everyone was glad,
initially. Now when I talk to them on the phone and when I'm there in
the summer, people are not as happy. Life is not easy from what I know
from the newspapers and talking with my parents. Since I don't live
there, I don't know all the details.
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I would be interested in finding out about your daily schedule during
the season. Is it a heavy load? Do you have a lot of free time? Because
I have signed a contract with a university in Milwaukee ... and the NCAA
(maybe). I have always been afraid of the USA. You might understand,
being alone without a friend. Do you have any advice?
Donatas
Vilnius, Lithuania
Sabonis: I don't know how I should answer the question. If you love
what you are doing, then nothing is hard. But if you don't like what you
are doing then it's, of course, very hard. But what I'm doing is not
easy, especially since I am at the end of my sports career. The years
are flying by and there is an end for everything, like they say.
Everything hurts, but I don't know what else I can tell (you). I don't
think (you'll) have it easy.
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