The reluctant king; the team-first superstar and short-list MVP candidate is fine with leading Sacramento to the promised land—just don't ask him to brag about it

Basketball Digest, May-June, 2004 by Brett Ballantini

BD: You've put up a number of big scoring games this season. Do you get into a "zone" at a time like that?

PS: I don't know. Actually, when we get started well it's our defense that gets us clicking. Even when we struggle offensively, with our defense we can win games.

BD: You've said that you always wanted to be a star. What kind of determination did you need to have to succeed here?

PS: I always dreamed of being in the NBA. I wanted to come over here and establish myself as a player. I didn't want to come here for a few years and have to go back. I wanted to be here for a nice career and have an impact on the team--not just to be a role player. I think I've proved that each and every year, but I'm still always looking to improve my game in different areas.

BD: Was there a certain moment or game when you realized you could compete and even star in the NBA?

PS: The season is so long, you're going to have some ups and downs. Some games I would feel like I was doing well and some I would struggle and get frustrated. You just have to keep coming back. You just have to keep working hard. That's the main thing, especially when you're at the beginning of your NBA career. Work hard, be patient, and keep playing. Recognize what you need to add to your game and become a better player.

BD: Did it help to be drafted onto a young team like the Kings?

PS: That's an important thing, to be on the right team at the right moment, being surrounded with the right guys and the right coaching staff. I was lucky. I've always played with a great group of people and coaching staff, and I've been very happy.

BD: Coaches seem to be getting fired every day, while Rick has been coaching the Wings for six seasons now. You started together with the Kings. What has Rick meant to you and your growth as a player?

PS: He helped me in my process of maturing as a player. In the beginning he worked me slowly into games rather than throwing me in the fire. He really helped my process of adjusting to the NBA game. In my third year, he gave me a starting job, and it's been great so far. I love playing for Rick, and I think he's a great coach.

BD: What's the secret with the Kings? The team always seems to be fighting through an injury or against a tough opponent out West, yet year after year you are able to stay competitive. Is there something about how the guys work together and pick each other up that adds to your success?

PS: The secret is having good players, a good coaching staff, and that we all get along well. There's a great atmosphere on the team. We understand each other on and off the court, and that's really the key to it all.

BD: A couple seasons ago you were hurt in the playoffs, and you weren't able to help the Kings avoid losing to the Lakers in perhaps the greatest conference finals ever. How did you and the team overcome such a painful loss?

PS: The last couple of years have been tough. I get hurt, Chris got hurt. We're just hoping that this year we can stay healthy. That's why you're not hearing us saying a lot, just playing our game and hopefully going to the playoffs healthy.