Q & A ISAIAH RIDER

Sporting News, The, May 24, 1999

Isaiah Rider is the enigmatic leader of the Trail Blazers.

Enigmatic because the talented shooting guard has a history of transgressions that has tested the patience of coaches and fans.

Leader because his teammates look up to him and have confidence he will come through for them in time of need.

Rider came through on the court last week, averaging 20 points a game as the Trail Blazers swept the Suns in the first round of the playoffs.

Rider sustained a knee injury in the third quarter of Game 3 but later returned as the team rallied for the clinching victory. Rider missed all three shots after returning but afterward compared himself to Willis Reed, whose inspirational return from a knee injury lifted the Knicks to the 1970 world championship.

TSN correspondent Kerry Eggers spoke with Rider about his career and the playoffs.

TSN: You had a great playoff series against Phoenix. Do you rise to the occasion when something important is on the line?

Rider: Yeah, I have always felt that. I love the big games, the (national) TV games or playing against the great teams.... Even when I played (with the Timberwolves), I always relished the opportunity to go against Michael Jordan, Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell and Mitch Richmond. Whoever came to town, I would always say, "I am going to hold my end of the bargain." That is why I am so confident now that I am on a great team.... I can just do my job. And if I do (just an OK job), it will turn out good on this team because you have to pay attention to everybody.

Q: After a rocky regular season, did you give yourself a personal pep talk going into the playoffs?

A: Definitely. I told myself I was going to step up my game offensively. I have never been a problem defensively, even when I didn't shoot well or when things were going on (off the court). The playoffs are where great offensive players create mismatches, create double-teams, cause havoc. I am a playoff-type of player. I want the ball in the pest, so (the opponent) has to double me. I can hit big shots. I am so hyped up, and I want to do well.

Q: You took plenty of criticism for your transgressions and mediocre play during the regular season. Did that get you down?

A: Not really. I think I ... had a good year, even with the tardiness. Yes, I did have some issues, and they (occurred) more late in the season, and I dealt with it. It wasn't the end of the world. It just came at a bad time because we were playing great teams and we were not doing so well.

Q: Do you feel the tardiness issue is over?.

A: Yeah, I do. (In the playoffs), I have buckled down, assessed my time wisely, made better decisions when to leave (for practice or games). I think I have made the adjustment. I understand the seriousness. If you are a minute or two late, you are not meaning to hurt anyone, but everyone is ready to go. And if you are on another page, it just causes problems.

Q: Your self-comparison with Willis Reed was surprising because you were not around to see his heroics.

A: Yeah, I was born in 1971, ... but I have seen tapes. The only thing about that is, Willis hit buckets in his game. I didn't make any shots in mine. When I came in (late in the third quarter of Game 3), I didn't feel the bast. I was still trying to make some plays, but obviously my lift wasn't there. But I was there mentally, spiritually. I was working with my guys, and I think that helped out just as much.

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