D. Aldridge: Interviewing Blazers F Victor Claver

David Aldridge of NBA.com has an interview with Portland Trail Blazers reserve forward Victor Claver.

Me: What's been the biggest surprise so far now that you're seeing NBA players and teams every night, and not just on television?

Victor Claver: I think when you're in Europe, and you follow the NBA, but not much, you know all the players. But when you come, you realize that a lot of the players, they are really good. Every team has players that can make 30 points per game. That's the biggest surprise.

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Me: Are you at all concerned that because the Blazers are a young team and has some growing to do that you won't get a chance to show what you can do this year?

VC: Well, I think it will be a moment for everyone. If I play at all or if I don't, I'm going to improve. We have the coaches and I think that's the most important thing for us this year. We spend a lot of time with the coaches doing extra work, and I think that's going to help me to improve.

Me: How do you explain to your family and friends back in Valencia what's happening with you this season?

VC: Well, it's different, what they know. Because they only see the stats. They see that you don't play, and it's like, is there some problem? But I explain that I'm well, I need time to play, to help out for the NBA. I know that. I will have that time. That time will come. They don't have to worry about that. I'm good. I'm in the NBA, so the dream came true. I just want to enjoy it.

I wrote a quick feature on Claver back in October.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter