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Darren Heitner of Forbes has posted an interesting feature: Portland Trail Blazers rookie guard CJ McCollum, a Lehigh graduate and journalism major, interviewed NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver on the day of the 2013 NBA Draft.
Here's a sample of the questions. The full interview is here.
C.J. McCollum: Thank you. Let's get started. As a rookie just entering the NBA, what do you think will be my biggest challenges? Do you have any advice you can offer me?
Adam Silver: I think the biggest challenge is how much longer and more difficult the schedule is than college, the wear and tear on the body. Most rookies tend to hit a wall around March because your body is accustomed to only playing hard for so long. Because it's an 82-game season, you have to be sure to pace yourself throughout the year. There is an extensive travel schedule, and the level of competition is the best in the world. There is a lot to absorb, and there is a lot of activity and distractions around the league. David Stern always says to focus on three things: nutrition, sleep and your game. Everything else can potentially be a distraction.
...
C.J. McCollum: Taking you back a little...Before Commissioner Stern put the dress code in place, players were wearing du-rags and large chains. I'd like to know how you would you grade my fashion?
Adam Silver: Before this interview started - and I mention this so people don't think this is a setup - I complimented you on your vest. You definitely get an A. I don't know if I could match checks and plaids the way you have, you've got to have a special touch to do that. Actually, I'd probably give you an A+, not just an A. I'm a little old school, everything's got a looser fit, but you're in style because everything is a little tighter and that's the look. But as you go through the NBA training regimen, you're going to have to leave a little room in the chest and shoulders.
C.J. McCollum: As you know, I went to Lehigh University. I have to bring this up. Did you watch the game where we beat Duke, your alma mater? Are you still a Duke fan?
Adam Silver: Yes, I watched that game. And yes, I'm a Duke fan. You scored 30 points. I remember the game, and, well, the best team won. But that was a devastating loss for us. I'm a huge Duke fan. I obviously went to Duke, am a big fan of the program and Coach K., and I enjoyed working with Coach K and his assistants on the USA Basketball program over the last several years.
Silver is set to take over as NBA commissioner when David Stern retires in 2014.
McCollum previously wrote a feature for Sports Illustrated and an NBA.com diary.
-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter