Earl Watson: “I signed with the Pacers because they want to win now”
What does it mean for you to play for the Mexican National Team?
Earl Watson: For me it’s bigger than just basketball. My grandfather who came over here from Mexico, I don’t think in his wildest dreams in his journey to the United States of America would have thought his grandson would go to UCLA and then to the NBA. For him to actually have the courage to take that step to go to another country… That for me is an amazingly strong thing to do. And that created opportunities for me generations later… Playing for Mexico is for me a way to give back all that appreciation to that part of my family. I never had a chance to meet my grandfather because he passed away when my mom was 20. But this is a way to represent a piece of him and I’ll do that in any way I can.
Who’s prouder about you playing with Mexico? You or your mother?
EW: Oh, my mom is extremely excited. Extremely excited by this opportunity. Just to see it happen is great for her. Her father was her everything. Doing this for him is the ultimate gift I can give her.
Do you know any of your teammates?
EW: I know Eduardo Najera because I played with him in Denver. That’s actually how it came up. We were talking one day and the subject came up and he was like, “Your mother is Mexican?!”
So it’s all his fault.
EW: Yes, yes, it’s all his fault. And you know, talking with my people and my agency, there were questions because it was a free agency year. Then Indiana came up and put so much faith in me. What I don’t wanna do is get injured. But also, what I wanna do is having the honor of representing the country of Mexico because it’s a privilege. At the same time, it’s also a honor to play in the NBA and be a part of the Pacers.
Aside from Najera, do you know any of the players?
EW: Lorenzo Mata, who played for UCLA, is also on the team. I’ve known him for a while. There’s a couple of players that I saw on the team that I saw playing in Vegas.
Do you speak any Spanish?
EW: I speak a little bit of Spanish. When I go to Mexico, and I go to Mexico a lot, I understand quite a bit.
So when you’re with the team, what’s going to be the main language? Because a lot of players are actually Mexican Americans…
EW: We’re probably going to speak Spanglish (laughs). A little bit of both. But you know, basketball is going to be the main connector. Language is important for the little details, to get the strategy across. But when you’re on the court? Basketball is basketball.
You recently signed with the Pacers. What was the team’s main selling point for you in order to sign with Indiana?
EW: That they wanted to win right now. They are committed to building a championship team. There’s a sense of urgency there. They want players to be accountable on and off the court. That creates responsability and accountability. For me, that’s exactly what I was looking for at this point of my career. I think we have a strong enough team to make the playoffs this coming season. Not five years from now or three years from now. Right now. Besides, it’s a great team and a great organization with a great tradition. I was a fan of the team before, when they had Mark Jackson, Rik Smits, Reggie Miller and others. They got close to winning a championship. And I’m a fan of basketball and a fan of teams that win. Larry Bird, Coach O’Brien… It’s just so many people involved. And they have a great young nucleus… But it’s a young nucleus with a lot of experience.
You looked like a good fit for some of the contenders. Did you hear from them?
EW: I just came to this decision kind of quick. The other teams came in late. The thing is, I connected with the people in the Pacer organization so quickly… It was actually the team that I thought was going to draft me. I didn’t think Seattle was going to draft me. Seattle had to pick before before Indiana, but all along I thought I was going to Indiana. It’s kind of like a reuniting of the beginning.
Was last season tough for you, having to go back to the bench after starting most of the times the previous year?
EW: I just think the Oklahoma situation was a unique situation. It was a transition period. The way it was going, there were indications… Losing Ray Allen, losing Rashard Lewis, losing Luke Ridnour, losing Delonte West, losing Kurt Thomas, losing Joe Smith… You see it coming. If they let Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis leave, there’s only going to be a snowball effect your way if you’re not part of the new transition. It’s just business. It was never personal for me. It was a great experience. You learn a lot from your toughest moments. Your learn a lot about yourself and other people. But you move forward and you stay professional! Always stay professional! Something good has to happen if you do things the right way. Everything worked out the way I wanted it to work out. I’m in a great situation. It’s was all worth to go through that to get to this point.
You saw Kevin Durant in practice every day the last couple of years. What kind of player do you see him becoming?
EW: I think he can be a Top 5 player in the NBA.
There were even comparisons with LeBron James a few days ago. Do you think he can get to that level?
EW: I don’t think you can compare KD to LeBron – the same way you can’t compare LeBron to Kobe. They are all great players, but they are all unique and different. Players in the future will be getting compared to Kevin Durant. He will make his own mark and have his own path.
Do you have the feeling that you have been backing up players at the point guard position that really were not better than you?
EW: As a young player, you can get caught up into that. But from where I come from… I come from Nate McMillan and Gary Payton in Seattle. Then I go to Jerry West and Hubie Brown. In college I played with Baron Davis. I have like a very strong foundation of basketball principles. Your learn the game, your learn the business, you pick up the knowledge and soak it up. Now I’m with Larry Bird. It’s been a great basketball journey for me being around the greats and learning from them. As a young player, you can get caught up into that. But at the end of the day, it’s about winning. When you see teams like the Spurs bring Ginobili off the bench… It’s not a big deal. When you see Jason Terry come off the bench, it’s for a reason. It’s for strategy. I try not to get caught up into that. If you’re winning and it works, great. If you’re losing, you just wait and see what happens.
Of all the teams you’ve played for, where did you feel more comfortable? Was it Memphis under Hubie Brown?
EW: Absolutely, because of the way he spoke the game. Because of his passion, his knowledge of the game. The way he communicated and talked were both unique. And it was specific for each player. That’s what I loved about him. He didn’t have plays for Mike Miller that he had for Shane Battier. Or James Posey. Or Bonzi Wells. Everyone had their unique style of playing, but he made them do it within a team concept using their individual skills. It was amazing how he managed the details of the game. We also had Jerry West there. We have those two guys at the same time, which was amazing.
What went wrong with the Grizzlies and Hubie Brown? Why it had to end?
EW: I think I told Coach this, “The only thing I regret is not being born earlier to have a chance to play for you my whole career.” He was the type of coach that just captured the moment and captured the team. He took the ego out of the team. It all became about the team. Talking to him, a lot of times I had memories of talking to Coach Wooden. I once asked Coach, “What was the common thing about all of your championship teams?” And Coach said, “The common thing was that no one cared who got the credit.” Everyone bought in. I will always remember that. I was like 18 or 19 when I asked him that.
And with Hubie Brown it was the same. Hubie Brown would always say, “No one will ever ask you how many points you scored. You know why? Because you’re winning games, chap!” He was very similar to Wooden, but he was at a time in his life where he couldn’t give his all. It was a time where he gave all he could and turned the organization in the right direction. I think he left everything good, with the team winning and having a foundation to it.
jon Said,
August 3, 2009 @ 9:02 pm
the pacers want to win now? really?
come on earl
Stephen Janetzki Said,
August 3, 2009 @ 10:40 pm
Earl comes off as a very intelligent player, which is what I always thought he was.
He’s a good fit in his new Pacer team and I believe he will really contribute a lot to a playoff run this season for them. They certainly have enough talent to be a 7 or an 8 seed in the east this season.
sweetestbaby Said,
August 3, 2009 @ 10:56 pm
I can’t imagine who you would leave out to make room for the Pacers.
chocolatethunder Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 1:19 am
The Pacers want to win now??? Build a championship team?? LOL somebody of the Pacers management is a very good sales man if that’s what Earl truly believes.
? Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 4:48 am
If you wanted to win, you should have signed with the Magic. They need a backup pg.
Michael Watson KCMO Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 5:08 am
Earl you made a great choice by going to Indiana, now fans will get to see the kind of pure point guard you really are. Plus you’ll get to mentor Brandon and make Danny an even better player by getting him easier looks. They’ve not given you the props for the talent you are, but they wont have any choice after this season. You’ve kept it professional the entire way thru, that’s why you’re still thriving and being sought after. Good luck with the Mexican national team bro, hope you dont run into those Puertorican boys though .lol
Kansas City, Mo and KCK are proud of you no matter what, May God bless you, keep you safe from injury and good luck this season. You know I’ll be watching. Grace and Peace
Dru Tripathi Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 6:37 am
pacers are trying to win now? man i’m a pacer fan and they’re feeding you b.s. We (Pacers) aren’t going to be good until 2011-2012 season. 1. We’ll probably have the 5th worst record in the league.
2. High draft pick (hopefully a future PG or PF) … and no … tylor handsborrow .. however you spell his name… is not our future starting PF… he’s a better role or bench player.
3. once we get that pick and another pick next year… w/ expiring contracts… we’ll have 35+ million in cap space…
4. hopefully then… we can get Oden and a All-Star like wade.
5. pass the ball to Danny.
6. annoy the shit out of mike dunleavy so he’ll leave the pacers … try to do the same w/ travis deiner and troy murphy.
7. the only players that should remain on our rosters are…. Granger.
The rest of the squad needs a makeover.
8. Bird… you suck as a GM and hopefully i’ma make my way up there and show you how it’s done.
9. bring back reggie, artest, jo, tinsley, s.jax, baby al and bender.
10. earl watson sucks.
Brian C Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 6:57 am
Wow, this just totally sucks for all those other teams in the league who wanted to Win Later, and didn’t wanted to “Win Now”. I guess the rest of the country will just have to do without Earl’s mediocre at best backup point guard skills for 10 mins a game. Have fun winning .500 games in Indy this season.
maclovenotwar Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 8:12 am
nice article,
good luck watson
greypond1 Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 9:32 am
Earl Watson , I Know the Feeling. any Mexican American would love to be in your Shoes in a Heartbeat. I don’t know if you follow the National Mexican Soccer Team when they Play but the Fans Go Nuts, fans Drink Lots of Beer and have fun. mexicans love their National Team , you Bring Mexico Wins and the Fans are going to go Nuts. Mexico!
ddddd Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 10:00 am
Pacers have about as good of a chance as anyone to be in the playoffs as a 5-8 seed. Detroit is dropping off… Gordon and Villanueva although they are nice pickups, do not fill the needs of the Pistons. Who knows how Brand will fit in in Philly… I predict a disasterous start to Philly’s season again especially since Miller went west. Miami did nothing to help dwade. Chicago has done nothing to help Rose. It is a tossup in which the Pacers, Raps and Bobcats can capitalize on if they play their cards right.
Watson is a nice steady pickup for any team looking for a veteran pg. He is not going to be spectacular, but at the same time he won’t tank it either. Any team would be lucky to have the guy as a backup.
Dru- I know that all the players you said to bring back were part of a very good Pacer team, but you are dreaming. Reggie retired and the rest of the players pretty much would put the pacers so far over the luxury tax that they would have to have a govt bailout to pay them all!
but in all seriousness….. Pacers made some bad trades a few years ago but they are on their way up now… Diener when healthy is not that bad of a role playing 3pt shooting pg… the problem is that he has been injured half the time he has been with the Pacers. You are wrong about Hansborogh too… He will most likely be a decent 6th man type bruiser for years to come… Did you even see the guy play in college????
It is impossible to have a team full of allstars…. Everyone has to play their roles. Lets see if Larry Bird learned from his mistakes and can fill in those holes one player at a time.
sweetestbaby Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 10:07 am
To translate this article what they’re trying to say is they signed one of the cheapest PGs available because they wasted years of salary on Tinsley.
greypond1 Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 10:10 am
DRu is a Coward , Trashes Players behind The Computer. In a second i wish earl Watson was wearing a Kings Uniform here in Sacramento and the Pacers can have Beno. S**T for Brains! If i was Earl Watson i would Read some of these Retarded Comments and rethink about Joining the Pacers. I’ve seen Watson Play and i say the Pacers are Lucky to Have Him , Geez the Guy has not even Played for the Pacers and some Moron is Trashing Him. Like the Kings the Pacers can use Help dont Bash the Guy until youve seen him play and he’s working his way up ? to be a Pacers GM ? move over Bird some Retard thinks he knows more than you. lol!
Basket Blog » Blog Archive » La blague du jour par Earl Watson (avec la participation du staff des Pacers) Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 10:12 am
[...] « Hoopshype : Vous avez récemment signé avec les Pacers. Quel était le principal argument de l’équipe pour vous faire signer ? [...]
Ciderdude` Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Earl Watson has not been a difference maker on any of the previous teams for which he has played. He isn’t bad as a back up point guard, but honestly where has Earl ever made a team better. I have never understood all of the attention Earl gets floating from team to team. If the pacers want to get better this is not that move.
Figz Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 11:22 am
This was a good pickup for Indiana and a good look for E.W. The Pacers have a good core, if they remain healthy and I can see there are a lot of haters making comments. Earl is a pure PG, and when he comes off the bench and even fills in for TJ Ford when he’s injured (because he will miss a lot of games) the Pacers will learn that they picked up a gem of a PG. Troy Murphy, Danny Granger, TJ Ford, Mike Dunleavy (if he stays healthy), Brandon Rush, and Jeff Foster are good group of ballers. Troy Hibbert should do well this year, but we’ll have to wait and see. Tyler Hansbrogh is my sleeper for this previous draft as well as DaJuan Blair of the SA Spurs. Watch and see.
Dan Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 11:23 am
8. Bird… you suck as a GM and hopefully i’ma make my way up there and show you how it’s done.(AHHHHH HAHAHA!! I’m assuming this was meant as a joke. You know more about basketball than Larry Bird? AHHHH HAHAHA!!!)
the pacers want to win now? really?
come on earl (Wanting to win while rebuilding is the plan)
I can’t imagine who you would leave out to make room for the Pacers.
(Chicago, Philly, Detroit?? I don’t consider any of them as a “lock” for the playoffs)
Rashard Lewis Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
I’ve watched this guy since he first entered the NBA, at this point he is not very good. Watson has battled some injuries but is nowhere near as good as his salary. He is a 2nd or 3rd backup point guard who cannot shoot worth a lick. He’s a good chemistry guy who plays good defense. That’s it Pacers fans, sorry. . .
Northwest Sports in the Afternoon :: Sports Northwest Magazine Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 4:11 pm
[...] the recent USA Basketball camp, Kevin Durant is almost assured a spot and his former teammate, Earl Watson, will be playing for the Mexican National team. Watson’s grandfather emigrated from Mexico. Watson thinks Durant will be a top five [...]
Dan Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
I’ve watched this guy since he first entered the NBA, at this point he is not very good. Watson has battled some injuries but is nowhere near as good as his salary. He is a 2nd or 3rd backup point guard who cannot shoot worth a lick. He’s a good chemistry guy who plays good defense. That’s it Pacers fans, sorry. . .
No apologies needed. We wanted a veteran backup PG who would be a good locker room guy and play solid defense. Sounds like that’s exactly what we got:)
Watson: I signed with the Pacers becuase they want to win now Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 8:22 pm
[...] Earl Watson:
Luke Said,
August 4, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
Earl Watson is a very good player and if any of you who is talking bad about him actually took the time to watch him play, you wouldn’t be bashing him on the computer. DO NOT HATE because he is fulfilling his dreams and you are sitting at home wishing you could be him. The Pacers are lucky to have him, he is a strong player with much talent. So stop bad talking him and recognize skill when you see it!!!!!!!!!
GO EARL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trevin James Said,
August 5, 2009 @ 12:08 pm
Call me a little biased but Earl is a good and very unselfish NBA player. Not great by any means. I watched him play in high school at a few tournaments in Topeka,KS. I also am friends with the oldest daughter of his high school coach. This guy is very solid and when given the opportunity he plays well. Very good defender and can hit the jumpshot or penetrate to find open players or score a basket. Earl is a very smart player. I think this is a good pick-up for Indiana!
Trevin James Said,
August 5, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
I hadn’t read this whole article until after I posted. Great responses Earl. I love reading anything about Earl because he is what is good about the NBA. He is such a level-headed guy in a league filled with me first type of guys. I read an article about him in Seattle a couple years ago about his being so frustrated with losing and being injured. He was so upset because he wasn’t able to help the team win games. I thought to myself REALLY? You mean he isn’t upset because even though the team won he didn’t get the ball enough or his points are down or all the other crap player complain about???
His comments on Hubie Brown are awesome. I’ve always thought Hubie was one of the greatest commentators of all time. He understands the game so well and doesn’t really care about the ego stuff in his commentating. If Kobe does a bad play he will call him out no different than if Smush Parker does bad.
Being able to talk to John Wooden is sweet. Just to know that a kid from the Midwest that I know had done and seen all that he has and still has stayed level-headed. I’m proud to say I’ve watched this guy since he was in 10th grade and he hasn’t changed one bit. Do your thang Earl!!!
Trott Felipe Said,
August 5, 2009 @ 5:42 pm
I played ball with a Mexican pro league coach at the Jewish Community center off Wilshire in LA.
Just wanted to brag about that. It really adds nothing to the story.
Good luck in Indiana, Earl. I’m a Bulls fan but my parents live in Indy so I secretly root for them (unless they are playing the Bulls). I think Hansbrough will bring a lot to that team.
mike Said,
August 6, 2009 @ 12:01 am
They want to win now? lol this guy is funny ! adding earl watson was not the answer im not a hater but this guy is not that good! hes like tyronn lue tony massenburg or the jim jackson of a team just gets traded from team to team jus for money purposes! hes not a true baller! smhh!
but im not a hater so i hope Earl Watson can make Indiana that “winning team”
KEVIN HAUSER Said,
August 6, 2009 @ 12:17 am
Welcome to team mexico wish you the best Earl
GQ Said,
August 6, 2009 @ 10:34 am
WHO CARES??? This guy deserves an article? Win Now? LOL.
dave Said,
August 7, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
so, want to win now translates as willing to give me a contract. This would only be better if he said that Memphis wants to win now.
LB Said,
August 7, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
Why is it so hard for people to believe that the Pacers want to win a championship now (as in ASAP)? I’ve always been of the belief (as far as pro/semi-pro sports is concerned) that if you’re not trying to win a championship now or you’re not working your game plan to put your team in a position to be competitive, what’s the point of having a team?
The whole idea isn’t just to win as many ballgames as you can, but to win it all! So, why is that so hard for people to belief that this team is working towards doing just that - winning it all? They certainly were competitive last year. Why is it hard to believe that a team can’t shore up those areas where they needed improvement (defense) and still retain their offensive edge? They still have their primary offensive weapons - Granger, Dunleavy, TJ Ford - and are bringing alone newbies - Hibbert, Brandon Rush - and have added some solid pieces to help improve things on both sides of the ball - Dahntey Jones, Earl Watson and Soloman Jones. And let’s not forget Tyler Hansborough, a solid rookie draft pick who I think is the steal of the draft (or atleast one of them).
IMO, this year’s Pacers team will be much better than the team from last year. All they had to do was fill the gaps. I think they’ve done that. So, time will tell how ready they are to take their game to that championship level. First objective: make the playoffs! From there, anything is possible.