"After seeing how the Warriors played collectively, how Atlanta wins so many games by distributing more than 30 assists per night... It makes you envious. Everyone is involved, having fun... this is a team sport and you have to be happy with your team."
What does Towns' selection mean for the future of the Wolves?
He is a great reinforcement because he can do many things on the court. For me, it's perfect, I like players who can run the court and play above the rim. He's also a good shooter... He's going to be very important from the first season."
What have you learned from your past injury problems?
I have grown, especially mentally, by facing so many adversities. Now I always try to be positive. The worst serious injury was the first one, when I was still 21 years old, playing very well, I had never had any serious problems..."
What is your assessment of last season?
I started stronger and better than ever, I was in good shape after the World Cup, I felt like the leader of the team... I hadn't renewed yet but I wasn't thinking about that, just about being a leader in the locker room and on the court. And then the ankle injury came and the absence was longer than expected. It was very frustrating. But I learned to be a leader even without being on the court during games."
Wiggins was Rookie of the Year and you have already said he will be MVP in the future...
From the beginning, it was clear that he is a special player. There is a lot of talent in the NBA and he has it, of course, but he also has that "something". It's noticeable how he grew during the season... you can give him the ball anywhere on the court and he will score. I remember games with over twenty points where every basket was different.
He, like you, arrived in the NBA amid incredible expectations. How do you deal with being followed like this since you were 15 years old?
It's tough and that's what surprised me about Wiggins: he went beyond the best expectations. It was tough for me, but in the end, it's basketball, it's about going out and playing. He was in the Olympics at 17.
In an Olympics where you already faced point guards like Chris Paul or Jason Kidd...
At that time, I didn't think too much about it. But now I see 16 or 17 year olds and it seems impossible for them to play against older players. But I just remember playing basketball, having fun... the truth is, I am proud.
What are the differences between the Ricky who went to the NBA and the current one?
I have grown a lot but I am still the same guy, with the same energy. But I have more experience, I have learned a lot. Now I know how tough the NBA is. Until I got here, I didn't know what it was like to have a bad year. Now, with the injuries and everything else, I do know and I value everything much more.
You always try to have fun playing, but Rick Adelman used to say that you were extremely demanding with yourself...
I try to be perfect: the perfect player in the perfect situation. You try to make it that way even though you know that many nights it's not. Now I know that sometimes things don't go well but you're still just as good.
Do you get tired of people talking about your shooting problems?
I used to get tired, I got really tired. But now I have learned not to take everything too seriously. I know I have to keep working to improve my shooting. I'm doing it. I know, but it's not easy. If it were, anyone could make it to the NBA... I have many virtues. I know I can really be a good point guard. But you have to improve in what you're worst at, it's a constant process... I will keep trying even if I may never truly improve my shooting. What no one can ever tell me is that I haven't worked hard to achieve it.
What are the aspirations of the Wolves for next season?
We have a lot of future but we have to start showing it already. Everyone talks about how young we are but we have to prove things already. This team has been without playoffs for too long. The only thing we lack is a couple of veterans who can help the young players take a step forward.
Do you think about the playoffs a lot?
Every day. Every time I go to practice, I think about what I can do to get the team into the playoffs. We almost made it when I arrived, then things went worse. But that's what I work for: I want this team to play the playoffs and I want to bring a ring to Minnesota one day.