Nenad Krstic interview after trade to Celtics
By Jeff Lenchiner | Feb. 28, 2011
The Oklahoma City Thunder recent traded forward Jeff Green, center Nenad Krstic, a future draft pick and cash to the Boston Celtics for center Kendrick Perkins and guard Nate Robinson.
Krstic had been averaging 7.6 points and 4.4 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game on the Thunder. He now likely has a key role on Boston, especially with injury problems facing Shaquille and Jermaine O'Neal.
InsideHoops.com caught up with Krstic before the start of Saturday's Celtics at Los Angeles Clippers game for a quick interview:
InsideHoops.com: Did it surprise you that the Thunder traded you?
Nenad Krstic: Yeah, it was surprising. I was happy with Oklahoma City. I didn't ask for a trade. I didn't ask for anything. And I'm happy to be here [with Boston].
InsideHoops.com: How were you told that you've been traded?
Krstic: Sam Presti, the GM of the Thunder, he texted me, and I called him back and he told me.
InsideHoops.com: At least you got traded from a very good team to another extremely good team.
Krstic: Yeah, that's great. Oklahoma City is a good team. They have potential to be on this level. This is like a championship team... I can learn a lot of stuff here.
InsideHoops.com: What did you like most about Oklahoma City, as a city and a place to live?
Krstic: It's really peaceful, and easy-going. Not big traffic. Everywhere you go is, like, easy, ten minutes. It was good. And the people were really nice.
InsideHoops.com: What makes Kevin Durant so hard for people to guard?
Krstic: He's so long and athletic. He can play like four positions. If a smaller player guards him, he's just going to raise and shoot. If it's a bigger guy, he's just going to drive.
InsideHoops.com: And Jeff Green came along here to the Celtics, too. How do you describe him as a player and how can he help Boston?
Krstic: He's a really good player. He was really playing good for us in Oklahoma City. He can play four, he can play three... He's going to help this team a lot. It's good.
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