Exclusive Interview: Donald Sloan, Indiana Pacers
By Evan Massey
Mar 1, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Indiana Pacers point guard Donald Sloan (15) drives against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The Indiana Pacers are happy to be bringing back point guard Donald Sloan this season, and he will likely serve as the teams third-string point guard again. He showed some flashes last season when backup point guard C.J. Watson went down with injury, and he could find some playing time this year. Larry Bird was adamant that the team wants to keep him around, and it means that they believe he has potential to improve int he future.
InkOnIndy.com’s Evan Massey was able to secure an exclusive interview with Sloan. We hope that you enjoy this interview, and please share it around to your friends and fellow fans.
Q. Appreciate your time Donald. How are you doing today?
A. I’m doing great.
Q. What have you been working on this offseason in particular to prepare for the upcoming season?
A. Really working on just leading guys more and being more vocal as well as getting my finishing right and shooting the three ball.
Q. How do you see the team responding after losing Lance Stephenson and especially Paul George?
A. I think losing two guys of that caliber is definitely tough, especially with how we lost Paul, but I believe in my teammates and our coaches with the next man up aspect. It forces other guys to bring more to the table first and foremost, and then I believe in our front office, so mentally we are locked into this next years journey awaiting us.
Q. Who would you say are your closest friends on the Pacers and in the NBA?
A. I’d have to say Big Dawg or Copeland on an aspect of who I really talk to the most, but definitely can’t leave out David West and Ian Mahinmi.
Q. What has being a part of the Pacers been like over the last year?
A. It’s been great man. Honestly with all the bouncing around I’ve done, they are definitely an organization with great respect and dignity. Glad to be a part of it and get to joke with the legend every day, so that’s a plus.
Q. Speaking of Larry Bird, what have you learned from him? What is it like being around him?
A. He’s a wise and funny guy. During our little road losing spurt he came into the locker room and jokingly said “get your heads up, good thing we play tomorrow” and just the humor he has. He’s a man of few words, but they are powerful when he does speak.
Q. What type of role do you expect to see this coming season?
A. Right now I have no clue. Just be ready when needed, but definitely going to show I deserve to be out there so I’ll do my part to show that. After that, it’s out of my hands.
Q. Appreciate your time man. Do you have anything to say to Pacers fans in closing?
A. Although short of our goal last year and a crazy offseason with Lance leaving and Paul getting hurt, there will always be fight in the Pacers. Our front office with do everything they can to put a winning team on the court to represent the organization, state, and league very well.