As I was walking inthe NBA Entertainment Studios, I spot Houston Rockets’ Kyle Lowry standing in the 
back of the hospitality tent. Lowry was being interviewed by media, as he was there to represent Houston at the 2011 NBA Draft Lottery who ended up with the 14 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
As soon as he finished, I approached him to ask if he had time for a quick talk with Project Spurs. He agreed and we shared a few laughs over the food and beverages being served.
In this Q&A, Lowry shares his thoughts on the NBA Draft, the departure of Rick Adelman, the Houston Rockets, the San Antonio Spurs and more.
Jeff: If you were the General Manager for Houston, what kind of player would you want the team to draft?
Kyle: If I was the GM, I probably wouldn’t be here (laughs).
In the draft, there’s good players in every position. You know you got the kid (Derek) Williams out at Arizona, you got Kyrie Irving, you know you got the kid (Kawhi) Leonard, there’s a lot of great talent in that class. I think whoever you get in this draft will be a solid player in this league and a great talent as an addition to a team.
What do you say to those who say this draft is not strong?
That’s what they said about a lot of drafts. You always seem to find those diamond in the rough type players. You know I don’t think any draft is a weak draft. I think every draft is a strong enough draft. You got potential pro players. You’re obviously getting drafted as a pro, so you’re obviously good enough.
Houston was knocking on the door of the playoffs this season but didn’t make it. Looking for positive things from the Rockets next season?
Oh yeah very positive things. You know once we decide who our new coach is going to be, I think the excitement of a new coach being there, the effort we put in at the end of the season, the development of myself, along with Chase (Budinger) and Kevin (Martin) in developing trust. It’s going to be a very exciting time.
What were your thoughts when you heard Rick Adelman departed from the Rockets?
He was very good for me. He was a very good coach for me and a very good person to me. I was very disappointed but it’s one of those things. It’s business. It’s a part of decisions that go on the business end. Our upper management has the full support everything. Whatever they do, I’m supporting them one hundred percent.
What are you personally looking to develop heading into next season?
Just getting better. Just keep growing, keep getting more consistent. Keep knocking down shots and keep making plays and winning games for my team.
Your inter-division rival San Antonio Spurs lost in the first round to Memphis. Were you surprised?
Memphis wasn’t a typical eight seed team. They’re very talented. Zach (Randolph) came into his own, Mike Conley came into his own. You know I played with Marc Gasol, so I knew how good he was. Him playing that well, those two bigs playing that well, kind of a hard matchup for any team.
(photos: daylife.com)
