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Chat Reel: Corey Maggette
Maggette gunning for 50 points in dunk contest
Posted: Tuesday February 06, 2001 6:28 PM
Updated: Thursday February 08, 2001 2:02 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NBA All-Star chat with Corey Maggette. Welcome, Corey, and thanks for joining us.
Corey Maggette: Thank you very much.
From Lannard in Birmingham, Ala.: How does it feel for the Clippers to be one of the most exciting teams in the league this year?
Corey Maggette: Actually, I think it's a good thing that we have a bunch of new guys, and that we're trying to start something new for the whole Clippers organization.
From TGR98: How excited were you about your selection as a competitor in the Slam Dunk Contest?
Corey Maggette: I was very excited. I think it's a great opportunity. I think it's great to have the Clippers represented at the All-Star weekend festivities.
 From Jim: Corey, you played with Shane Battier in college. Do you think he will be a decent NBA player?
Corey Maggette: Yes, I think he's going to be a good player with his defensive strategies and his work ethic.
From TGR98: Do you have any special dunks planned for the contest?
Corey Maggette: Yes, I do have two special dunks planned that you've never seen before. I'm looking forward to getting 50 points on the score.
From tonpar: How does it feel to play on a team with guys from your home state/town, since you've played with them in high school?
Corey Maggette: Actually, I think it's good to have those guys around. It's good for those who are coming into the league to have someone they can talk to and know they can relate to.
From Tyler in Los Angeles: The Clippers are leaps and bounds better than last year's team. What are your predictions for your team's future?
Corey Maggette: Playoffs! Going to the playoffs and someday winning the championship.
From Guest: What is the difference between college and the NBA?
Corey Maggette: I guess the whole atmosphere with the games played, the crowd and that you're getting paid for what you do.
From Son: When you see the success of Duke this year and last, do you reconsider your decision to leave early?
Corey Maggette: No, not at all. I think Duke is always going to be a great team, no matter who is there or who leaves. They're going to keep the tradition up.
From do: Do you want to stay with the Clippers for the rest of your career?
Corey Maggette: It depends on my teammates and the organization.
From Chris: What are some goals you have set for your career in the NBA?
Corey Maggette: One of my goals is to be the best player I can be, to always give 100 percent on the floor and to continue to work hard.
From Son: Were you disappointed when you were traded either from the SuperSonics on draft day or from the Magic in the summer?
Corey Maggette: Actually, I would have to say I was disappointed by the trade in Orlando. I really didn't get a chance to go to Seattle, it was one of the first teams I was with and it hurt a little bit.
From gipp: Do you feel the NBA is taking the Clippers seriously now?
Corey Maggette: Definitely yes. Hopefully, we can still get more respect. But we need to continue to earn respect and work hard.
From dunk: How do you like playing with Keyon Dooling?
Corey Maggette: I love it. He's a great guy, explosive player, a very hard worker who wants to win and wants to get better.
From tmatlow: Would you have liked to play in Seattle?
Corey Maggette: I think I would have. I would have loved playing with Gary Payton and the other guys there. If I'd had the opportunity, it would have been good.
From Fchiu: Hello, Corey, the dunk competition is clearly wide open this year. What do you think your chances of winning are?
Corey Maggette: I think they're pretty good. It depends if I bring some creativity to the contest.
From Son: Who is the best offensive player that you have had to guard so far in the NBA?
Corey Maggette: I'd say Kobe Bryant. He is one of the most athletic, and he has so many moves that he can score whenever he wants.
From tmatlow: Do you think that Duke has a chance to win it all?
Corey Maggette: Actually, yes, I think they do, but also the competition is wide open. The opposition always brings their level of play up when they play Duke, so Duke will have to do the same thing when they play.
From tonpar: What's your take on the Chicago prep basketball scene? How would you rate it compared to other players' prep backgrounds as far as talent base?
Corey Maggette: I would rate Chicago as one of the highest, definitely on my top 10, because of the level of play and because of the guys that have come from there.
From Dave: Do you keep in touch with coach Krzyzewski and some of your former teammates?
Corey Maggette: Yes, I do. I talk to the guys and let them know I still miss Duke and that I'll be a Duke player for life.
From Fchiu: Hello, Corey, do you think your Clippers have a chance to become a better team than the Lakers in the not too distant future?
Corey Maggette: Yes, I won't say that we are be better than the Lakers, but we'll be right up there. The Lakers have accomplished so many things in the past, but we're on our way too.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Corey Maggette. Corey, thanks for joining us and good luck in the Slam Dunk Competition.
Corey Maggette: Thank you, I appreciate it.
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