Quotes
Fans Ask Ej Questions
Hi Eddie! What type of a diet do you follow to stay in such great physical shape? Fran Cooper City, Fla. Jones: Actually, I have a high metabolism and can pretty much eat whatever I want. My wife makes a lot of baked foods. I eat fried foods sometimes. But I just have a high metabolism and can eat whatever I want. It's definitely harder when you're on the road because you eat everything then. You don't really get a good diet. When I'm home, I mostly eat beef and poultry. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How has the transition been in Miami from past experiences in Charlotte and Los Angeles with the Lakers? James Somerville, Mass. Jones: It's similar from Los Angeles to Miami. We had so much talent in both places. You always start off trying to get to know each other, learn each other and get some type of chemistry. For my family, it's easy because my family really wasn't in Los Angeles. I just had a house there and a house on the East Coast so it wasn't hard to move. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie, I am a huge Heat fan and was very happy to see you come home to play. How much influence did Alonzo Mourning being in Miami play in your decision to come to Miami? And how upset are you that he is gone for the season? Bobby Weston, Fla. Jones: That's a good question. His being there was important to me. But the fact remains that they also had some other pieces there that I was happy with. The fact that I grew up there helped. I am upset with the fact that he's not here because I think we could be a great, great basketball team with him. And I still think we can be a good team without him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Eddie! How are you? I want to know if you have the time to have friends in other teams? And what do you do in your free time? Good luck in Miami! Dominik Kirchheim, Germany Jones: I have many friends on a lot of teams. If you go into a city, you may have a day off or something and you go out to dinner, stuff like that. Go out to dinner, just hang out. That's pretty much it. It's not glamorous. Just dinner and that's it. You talk about old times. You look forward to seeing your friends wherever you go. The bad thing is if you play in a city where you don't really have any friends on that team that you can't hang out with or go out and have dinner with. That's the time that you stay in your hotel room all weekend. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think you are one of the best and quickest stars I have seen play. What is the hardest thing about being a star? Suneet Sugarland, Texas Jones: I think just dealing with the fans. You can't sign every autograph. You can't talk to everybody and everybody wants every bit of your attention. So just finding time for everybody is probably the toughest thing. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is your favorite memory from your days in Philadelphia, while playing for Coach (John) Chaney at Temple? Amandeep Iowa City, Iowa Jones: I would say my memory is probably of the teams that I played on. We had some great teams and guys who were really good people. Just dealing with those guys every day, as opposed to the NBA, which is totally different. The NBA is driven by money and college is driven by friendships, just being friends, the atmosphere. I think it's important to make relationships, have relationships. I think that builds you and creates you over a long period of time; makes you who you are in the long run. I think sometimes the kids get to the level of the NBA and they don't really know what they're dealing with at the time, and they don't know how to deal with it. That's when they go the wrong direction and I hate to see that. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie, I would like to know what you were feeling when the Lakers won the championship, and if there was any bad blood between you and the organization. Also, would you have considered returning before you signed your deal with Miami? Gilbert San Antonio Jones: Actually, I had no strange feelings. I was happy for the guys there. I am one of the best friends of Kobe's, good friends with Shaq and I called those guys to congratulate them. I told them congratulations, that there's no ill feelings toward them ... I'm happy for the guys. I was just happy to be out of the situation that was pretty much ... I won't say detrimental, but not a good situation for me. I was just happy to be away from that and bring it to a close. I had the opportunity to go back. They got on the line and they wanted to do a deal to get me back. But I opted to go home. Home is better than anything. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What does it feel to be playing in front of your hometown crowd? Aren't the expectations high? What do you feel when you miss a shot? Dan Metro Manila, Philippines Jones: Actually I have better games at home than I do on the road. Somebody told me, "Eddie, you play a lot better at home." I said maybe, because if I don't come out and produce, I have my family members there saying, "They shouldn't have gotten you!" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As a Philadelphian I had the pleasure of enjoying you and your "sidekick" Aaron McKie when you played at Temple. Now you've had the opportunity to play for two "coaching masters" in Chaney and (Pat) Riley. How are their methods similar? How are their styles different? Les Philadelphia Jones: I think they're pretty much similar from the fact that there's no-nonsense rule from either one of those guys. You're going to respect them or get out. I think they're not similar from the point that I think Coach Chaney is a guy who is not a real hard practice person. Coach Chaney wants you to get your rest and Riles wants you to work extremely hard. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Eddie. What does it take to be a good defender? And in the NBA, is there anybody you think is particularly hard to guard? Dunc Pleasant Hill, Calif. Jones: I just think it takes dedication, being dedicated to going out and trying to stop somebody. That's it. Bar none. And the hardest person I think to guard is a guy who can hit a jump shot and drive, 'cause then you're pretty much in a terrible situation because you can't stay up on him. If you stay up on him, then he drives by you; and if you back off, then he hits a jump shot. So I think those types of players are the toughest to guard. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Even without Alonzo, you guys were supposed to be one of the top teams in the East, but you have had a slow start. What has to happen for you guys to turn it around? Geoff Toronto Jones: If you look at it, we lost eight games by a total of 14 points or something like that. We've just got to win games down the stretch. We're really releasing a lot of leads. We're up 25 in some games, 15 going into the fourth quarter and we're losing games that way. If we can just hold on to leads, we'll be fine. We've also got to keep everybody healthy. But we work hard. And if we work hard on the court and in the weight room, we're not going to have a lot of injuries. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How has your leadership over the years evolved as you became more mature? Are you more vocal now than before? Do you try to help the young guys on the team adapt to the NBA more now? Brooke Kunpalin, Md. Jones: When you go to a new team, like I have, you really won't see the leadership until the following year because you don't really know the guys and your trying to get to know the guys. Whenever I can tell a young guy, "This could help you," I'm always going to give him advice, no matter what. I think a young guy I could speak to, but a lot of veterans you can't. And I'm on a veteran ballclub. So wherever I can step in and help one of the young guys, I will.
On the All-Star Game:
Q: Having played in some of these games before, was there a different atmosphere out there today? Jones: They're all pretty much the same to me. Everybody's going out there and basically putting on a show for the fans. The fans want to "ooh" and "aah," they want to see all that stuff. It's really a great, great team going out there and giving them some entertainment. Q: What's the biggest difference between playing on the East and the West? Jones: I think the East is one of those teams where you're dominated by guards, and it's really running a lot. In the West, they run, but aren't really dominated by guards. It's more the big guys who are extremely quick and powerful. Q: Was it a difficult matchup in terms of height for the East? Jones: It was tough. That's why we were trying to push it and not get caught up with those guys. They gave us some trouble inside. They were getting a lot of offensive rebound opportunities. Q: What was it like playing on the same team with Allen Iverson? Jones: It was fun. He's extremely quick. It was one of those things where he really looks to push the ball. You have to be running and you have to be ready. Same for the West with Jason Kidd. He's always looking to get out there and always looking to make a pass.
Q: A few years ago you represented the Western Conference to take part the All-Star Game. Now you represent the Eastern Conference. So do you have any different feeling of this change, is it strange? - Barry Ho, Hong Kong, China Jones: It won't be weird, it will just be a new experience to me that I am looking forward to. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: The last All-Star Game that you played in was with the Western Conference. Do you think it will be a huge difference playing for the Eastern Conference including the style of play by the other East All-Stars? - Brandy Blackwell, Randallstown, MD Jones: No, I don't think it will that big a difference for me. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Dear Eddie, how does it feel to have more of a leadership role with the Hornets? - Brian, Santa Barbara, CA Jones: It feels good, but there are a lot of responsibilities that come along with it. I can't go out and tell my teammates I want the ball because I am better than them. I want my teammates to know that I am a good player and I am going to do whatever it takes to win. But I am going to give you some of the responsibility because I am going to pass you the ball and I'm going to want you to make a shot. I want my teammates to think I am not that great and that we all need to play as a team. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: How is it different playing in Charlotte as opposed to L.A.? - Vaughn Stephens, Palm Springs, CA Jones: They are two completely different worlds. You're talking Tinseltown and you are talking about the Bible Belt. On city is la la fairytale land and the other is very religious. In L.A. everything goes, but down in Charlotte, it is really a blue-collar city that is based on respect and family values. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: How has the tragic death of Bobby Phills affected the team, and the league? - Jason Blackburn, Raleigh, NC Jones: This year we have been through so much that we shouldn't even be in the position that we are in right now. With the Phills tragedy and all, it is impressive to see how we have stuck together and played so well recently. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q: Who in your opinion is the best player in the league right now? - Fred C., Brooklyn, NY Jones: This year, I have become a big fan of Tim Duncan, but Shaq in my opinion is the best player in this league right now, bar none. He has improved his defensive game, he is rebounding better than ever. Two years ago I wouldn't have said that, but this year he has been great.
Weekly Teleconference
Q: This must feel like a full season already. How would you characterize it so far? Jones: It's been wonderful and it's been the worst. With the death of Bobby Phills, it's been tough for us. You really don't feel like thinking about basketball, but that's your job. You would rather deal with the issues at hand. It's been really crazy for us. We're just trying to bond together and make it as a whole. Q: Regarding Bobby, what was the mind-set going into the first few games after his death? Jones: I can't speak for everyone, but I didn't really care about basketball. It was the furthest thing from my mind. I was still in shock over what happened, but the more we played, the more I was able to get my mind back on basketball and get my mind off the tragedy. Q: You've become an All-Star starter in your first full season with the Hornets. By leaving the Lakers, has that helped you move to another level and become more noticed around the league? Jones: I don't think so. I think I'm viewed the same way. My game hasn't changed. There's just a little more focus on me. My numbers are similar to those in Los Angeles. I just think that now I'm on a team where people can see what I do. The camera is more focused on me now. Q: How does it feel to be recognized by NBA fans as one of the best in the game? Jones: It's fun. It's nice. I've always felt that the fans are the people who sign your checks and it's wonderful for them to be involved. Q: You sound as if you're enjoying playing in Charlotte. Jones: Of course, you can see the smile on my face when I play. When you're in a situation when you can just play and be happy, it's the best thing possible. Q: As a former Laker, what are your thoughts on their season? Jones: They're the top team in the league. There are going to be bumps in the road and that's what they're going through now, but they're going to be there when it counts. Phil (Jackson) has done a great job. He has everyone respecting him more and more each day. Q: Are you going to have new approach toward the All-Star Game, now that you're a starter? Jones: It's no different. Guys go out and try to have fun. As far as doing anything different, there's no need to. Q: Do you feel you need to be more of a leader with the loss of Bobby Phills? Jones: Definitely. Bobby was the ultimate leader on our team. He got behind the young guys and he got behind the veterans. With his absence, it's only appropriate for me to step and be more of a leader out there. Q: How do you do that? What do you say to Ricky Davis and Baron Davis? Do you take more of a leadership role with them and their development? Jones: Definitely. Even before the tragedy I would always talk to the young guys. I feel like I can teach them a lot since they play the guard position. Now, I try to get on the veterans and try to get them to play a little harder and do a little more, because without Bobby it's tough - on the offensive end and the defensive end. He was one of those guys that gave you an all-around game. Q: Are you more vocal on the court? Jones: I'm not really a vocal person. I'll pull you to the side if I come out of a game or walk up to you on the court and suggest things. I don't really go after guys. Q: We have nine new All-Stars in this game. What can you remember about your first All-Star Game? Jones: I remember that we lost. One thing that I did enjoy was the selection of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players. Just to see all those guys was a wonderful experience. Q: Can you talk a little about how Anthony Mason has changed his outlook this year compared to years past? Jones: Right now he's the ultimate team player. He's sacrificing and I think everyone on this team is sacrificing. He's getting older now, and he's doing whatever it takes to win. Q: Can you talk a little about Paul Silas? Jones: He has that no-nonsense way about him. He's competitive, he wants to win, he gives guys ample opportunity to be successful and he wants guys to enjoy themselves more than anything. Enjoy yourself and play hard, that's all he asks. He doesn't give a lot of speeches, he just says enjoy yourself and play hard, and most guys in the league can accept that.
On being picked a starter for the All-Star game:
"I feel great about being voted in by the fans, because I don't get a lot of publicity on the East Coast," said Jones, who played his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers until a March 10, 1999 trade sent Jones and Elden Campbell to Charlotte for Glen Rice and two other players. "Probably the fans who do vote are the ones who know basketball. They like substance over style." Now that he has helped Charlotte regain its winning ways, Jones is looking forward to sharing the All-Star backcourt with league scoring leader Allen Iverson of Philadelphia, who has flourished since leaving the point guard position. "Those games are for fun," Jones said when reminded he would be sharing the backcourt with Iverson. "If I have to play the point, I will. I don't mind him running off screens shooting the ball. That's fine with me." Then Jones added with a sly smile, "As long as he sets me up a little bit sometimes, too."
Eddie chatted live on NBA.com Wednesday, November 24. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PK from ipt.aol.com at 11:04am ET Are you going to be involve more in the offense? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:04am ET I think I am now, as you see. I can continue to play, and the majority of the stuff is to get me open. I'm definitely one of the key factors in our offense. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sebastian Trila- Argentina from ssd.net.ar at 11:05am ET Was it difficult making the transition from the West to the East? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:05am ET There is a difference -- I think the East is more physical while the West is more finesse. I was raised on the East coast, so I was ready for the change, and with the new rules this year, everyone is pretty much equal anyway. The new rules hinder you sometimes and some nights they make you the best. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Greg G at 11:06am ET What is your favorite part about being in the NBA? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:07am ET I would say playing the games. It's so exciting to see all these talented players in one venue for a game. I enjoy playing against these guys like Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter because they're so exciting to watch. The worst part? The travel. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Simon Wilkinson from bangor.ac.uk at 11:07am ET What do you enjoy the most: playing defense or offense? Defense is more full filling, no? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:08am ET I would say defense because when you make a defensive play, it often turns into a transition basket, which makes it very exciting for the fans. You'll have a three-on-one breakaway and you can get fancy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bee-Keeper from ipt.aol.com at 11:08am ET Hi there Mr.Jones, What do you feel to be the biggest acomplishment in your young career, and what is the biggest goal (besides winning a championship) you have yet to reach? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:09am ET My biggest accomplishment I would say is having a family -- having kids, being married. My family means so much to me, and when you have a kid, that's really something special. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tobias from Holland at 11:09am ET Who's your all-time favourite player? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:10am ET I've really grown to love Scottie Pippen. I idolize him as a ballplayer - he and Michael I would say. Michael for the way he conducts himself, and Pippen for all the things he does on the court that doesn't show up on the stat sheet. To me, he's the ultimate team player and the ultimate all-around basketball player. He did all the things Michael didn't do. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Air Cardinal from stanford.edu at 11:11am ET As a fan and as a player, what are your favorite sports outside of basketball? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:12am ET I'm a big-time billiards player. I love playing pool and I'm also a big fisherman. I love football -- I'm a huge Dolphins fan. Hopefully we get Dan back tomorrow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ron at 11:12am ET Which player influenced your game when you where growing up,and who is your favorite player in the NBA now. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:13am ET Reggie Lewis. Two dribble jump shot. Stop and pop -- I loved his game. I started modeling my game after him, and Scottie also with the defensive-minded game. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- frank at 11:13am ET Does the coaching in Charlote seem different than the Lakers? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:14am ET I think in L.A., Del was more under the microscope and he could never do his own thing. Here, Paul does what he wants to do. He's doing it his way, whereas they wouldn't let Del do it his way. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- frank at 11:14am ET If you had one basketball player to play one-on one with, past or present, who would it be? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:15am ET I would say Dr. J. The Doctor in his prime. I want to play him in his prime. I was a real big fan of his also -- that's why I wear #6 to this day. I didn't model my game after him because I didn't have his ability, but I loved watching him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jason from proxy.aol.com at 11:15am ET How old were you when you started to really get involved in basketball? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:17am ET I had to be probably nine years old. I was playing football and baseball -- growing up in the South, that's all you've got is sports. It's so hot outside, that's all we did was play sports. I started growing a bit, and I realized football wasn't my sport -- I wasn't strong enough or big enough to take that kind of contact. In high school, I thought I could make it to the NBA if I worked hard enough. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aunt Joycey at 11:17am ET What would you advise young boys who want to neglect school and only think of playing basketball? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:18am ET If you go that route, your basketball career will be short lived. Education and basketball go hand-in-hand -- basketball is wonderful, but you definitely have to be educated in order to be involved in playing this game. It's mental as well as physical. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andy at 11:18am ET What's your greatest personal sports moment? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:19am ET I would say when I was in L.A. and the Lakers traded for Kobe. To this day, we're the best of friends, and I wanted him there so bad that I told the Lakers how good he was. I just wanted to have him there and teach him the game a little bit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- jigglypuff from idirect.com at 11:19am ET What do you consider your bread and butter move? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:20am ET I don't really have one. I just use my quickness. I always know I can get to the basket -- that's probably my bread and butter move is getting to the basket. I'm quicker than a lot of the guards I play against. And I do have a step back move that's pretty nice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rob from arden.dialup.ioa.com at 11:20am ET If you could improve one aspect of your game, what would it be? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:20am ET I'd say ball handling. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tommy Yu at 11:21am ET How do you fit in with Hornets? Do you find yourself going to have a long term relationship with Charlotte? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:21am ET As of right now, I don't know. I'm a free agent at the end of this year, and we haven't talked much about an extension, so I can't say whether I'll be here and have a long relationship. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wanna be a b-ball player at 11:22am ET Hi! I was wonderin' how tall you were when you were 12, and how tall are you now? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:22am ET Probably about 5-8 or 5-9. Just a guess. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ricky forkuo from a2000.nl at 11:22am ET What does it take to be good defender? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:23am ET I would say being able to anticipate where a man will be, having a lot of heart, not wanting someone to embarrass you out there, anticipation and quickness. There's so many quick exciting young guys out there that can definitely embarrass you every night. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Demetris at 11:23am ET How old were you when you dunked for the first time? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:24am ET I think I was about 15. In the summer on the playground - an AAU game and I ended up doing it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shawn at 11:24am ET Eddie, who, in your opinion, is the most fun to play against? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:25am ET Allen Iverson. He's so quick -- if you're sitting on the bench he's fun to watch. He catches you off guard, and he's a great competitor. Plus, he's a little guy doing all that. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- zac at 11:26am ET What will you do after your basketball career? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:27am ET My wife has a master's in risk management, so most likely I'll be doing some type of real estate work. Coaching is probably one of the worst jobs there is -- having to deal with all these attitudes and egos... it takes a big man to do it. I don't think I could swallow my pride like that. I'd be like John Chaney -- he doesn't let anyone talk to him any kind of way. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- castor troy at 11:27am ET How much of an influence was John Chaney in your carrer both as a person and as a player? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:27am ET I give him about 75% of it -- he's the one that didn't give up on me and gave me an opportunity to be successful in life. He taught me to be a man, to be responsible. He and my mother are very big in my success today. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trinity at 11:28am ET Do you have any rituals before you start a game? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:28am ET I have some rituals, but I'd never tell anybody. They're secret. I don't like to jinx myself. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ashley at 11:29am ET What are you planning on doing for Thanksgiving tomorrow? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:29am ET Just going to enjoy my day with my family. I've got some relatives in, and I'm definitely going to enjoy my day. I'm definitely thankful for the off-day. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clay Kadash at 11:29am ET Eddie, how have the new NBA rules changed your game? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:30am ET I don't think it's changed my game. It's just made it more effective because now you can't touch me. It keeps me aggressive. The more aggressive you are, the more you can get to the line and score, get the other team in the penalty. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- bill caton from dsl.lsan03.pacbell.net at 11:30am ET Eddie, since you came into the NBA, what aspect of your game have you most improved in? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:31am ET I would say my shooting. I had to work on it. I knew I could get to the basket, but I wanted to be a more complete player. So I just worked on that every summer. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- alex lopez at 11:31am ET Do you see yourself winning it all? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:32am ET Of course. Without a doubt. I'm a humble guy, and most humble guys will win. And with the team we have here, we could do it. You have to be a team that never says "Uncle", always plays defense, always plays unselfish, and I think we have all three of those. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eddie Jones at 11:33am ET I want to thank everyone for being on NBA.com with me. Enjoy your Thanksgiving tomorrow and don't eat too much!
