Ty Lawson ‘Sick’ Over Missing the Playoffs
Jan 25, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) watches from the bench during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 109-96. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson recently sat down with Tzvi Twersky from SLAM for a wide-ranging interview. During the course of their discussion, Lawson shared his thoughts on a number of topics that should interest Nuggets fans, including the differences between playing for George Karl and Brian Shaw, the development of his game, how he stacks up against the league’s top point guards, and more.
Here’s a look at some highlights from the discussion.
On missing the playoffs this year:
"“I’m sick right now, sitting at home and watching these games. I enjoy the Playoff atmosphere, and like to get there for the fans, too. We haven’t missed the Playoffs in seven, eight years.”"
On whether the increased workload during the 2013-14 season contributed to his injuries:
"“I don’t think I was prepared, physically, for the toll. I probably should have lifted a little bit more. It probably would have prevented some of my injuries, like the rib injury. It was definitely a heavy toll, playing that many minutes and having that many people rely on me during the year.”"
On the toughest part of transitioning from college to the NBA:
"“Just slowing down. When you get to the league, everybody is moving fast so you feel like you have to move faster. But if you make plays at your speed, you’ll be good. So it’s mostly just slowing down, playing your own speed and pace. Controlling the game. People will feed off of you, so you don’t ave to go fast to dictate the pace.”"
On his goals for the 2014-15 season:
"“Next year, definitely, I want to be an All-Star and make it to the second round of the Playoffs. Once we make it there, we’ll make a lot of noise and who knows where we’ll end up.”"
Check out the full interview for more from Lawson. It’s sounds like he’s had a chance to reflect on the season and it’s encouraging to hear he’s already focused on ways to improve both as an individual leader and as a team.