Tyler Ennis addressed the media after he was taken with the 18th overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns. Here’s what he had to say:
On being drafted:
I’m real excited. I think at this point everybody just wants to hear their name called. I had a really good workout in Phoenix. Their style of play fits mine, and I think with the young talent Phoenix has and me being a facilitator, I think it could really work well.
On being drafted to a team with guard depth:
I think I’m more than ready to work. I think at this level you definitely have to earn your keep, earn your minutes on any team you go to. I think this is no different. I’m ready to come in and learn the system, learn from the veterans, and just earn my keep.
On following the footsteps of fellow Canadian Steve Nash:
I never thought about that, but definitely, if they see something in me that they seen in Steve and the career he had, I’m definitely more than happy to go in there and do the same thing that Steve did.
» Related: Q&A with Tyler Ennis prior to the NBA Draft
On all of the Canadians in the 2014 Draft:
I think this is a big year. We had the No. 1 pick. We had Nik go in the lottery, myself, and a bunch of other Canadians who are still waiting to hear their name called. At the end of the night, Canada has something to be proud of.
On a surprising Phoenix team that nearly made the playoffs:
That’s something that’s attractive with the young talent Phoenix has, a young core group of guys, and they had a really good season last year. I think heading into next year, it will be a hungry team, and I’m more than happy to go there and contribute to that.
On fitting into a team with an up-tempo style:
I think when you have talent on the wings as a point guard, to get up and down, we have some of the best athletes in the game. But with myself, I see myself not turning the ball over too much, and I think when you’re on the fast break running, you get vulnerable if you turn over the ball. I think I fit the system going up and down and finding guys in transition.
On Michael Carter-Williams:
Yeah, I seen Michael last night at a dinner. He just gave me a couple words of advice, just to relax and enjoy it and just to continue working hard. I seen him today, and he congratulated me. It’s good to have somebody in your borner that went through the same thing as you and is just there to help you.
On the weather in Phoenix:
This is probably going to be my first year not seeing snow, but I think change is good.
On his AAU team, CIA Bounce:
They definitely helped me get to where I am now. The competition they put me in front of, the tournament they put me in front of, everything they did for me, my whole AAU career growing up really helped prepare me for Syracuse first of all, but also the NBA. CIA Bounce is one of the main factors that helped me get to this level.
On who he thinks the next great Canadian point guard is:
Jamal Murray.
On if Team Canada can dethrone Team USA in the 2016 Olympics:
I think we could put together a really good team. 2016 might be early. The U.S is going to have a tough team regardless of what year it is. I think once we get in the gym together, getting chemistry and just get all of the talent in one gym for the first time, I think that will be a big moment for Canada. I think not only 2016, but the following Olympics I think we’ll be able to make a run at it.
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