Mentally, starting the game versus coming off the bench, there are different vibes.
Coming off the bench behind a fine young center like Alonzo Mourning fits my style.
If I had a great game, and I was hot, usually we were up by 20-30 going into the fourth quarter. That means I don't get to play in the fourth quarter.
I think when you come off the bench, you know you're going to play, but you don't know really when, what time in the game, what quarter, so it's kind of different.
Whoever is on the bench always says he isn't playing enough. I work hard and try to do my best. And I try to show on the pitch, even when I only get five minutes, that I can do something.
I wanted to prove that I could be a starter. And then once I realized I was gonna be a sixth man and it wasn't gonna change, I just relished the role. I just said, 'I'm going to make it really hard on whoever it is that has to guard me these next 10-11 minutes that I'm in here.' And after a while you just create an identity.
Coming off the bench, I'm able to view the game, see how their bigs are playing. And what I bring to the table is energy. The starters go in and run their bigs for a bit. When I check in it's time to punch the clock and play hard.
Being considered for Sixth Man is definitely something that is pleasing.
It was frustrating at Arsenal, obviously. For a year and a half, it went from bad to worse. I could no longer continue like that. I could not bring myself to spend another year at Arsenal and remain a reserve, even a second reserve.
I just know when I get in the game, I've got to be instant impact off the bench.
I don't like it if I'm not part of the starting 11.
It's not a ton of fun being a backup quarterback.
Me as a backup center? Hell no.
I'm being completely honest. If you sit on the bench and the others win, then you will not really feel like part of the winning team.
Obviously, Ray Allen is a huge threat, Eddie House coming off the bench is a huge threat, as far as three-pointers go.
Like every player, I want to start more matches rather than be used as a substitute.
It's no good if you are at a so-called best team, but you sit on a bench.
I want to play and be happy. I am not happy being on the bench, like most players.
Starting you automatically gets into your rhythm faster. Coming off the bench, you're colder; it can be harder at times.
I don't want to be known as a super sub. But you have got to be ready to come off the bench and make an impact if you're not in the starting team.
Being a substitute can be an advantage. I know this situation from the national team. And I am also good as a player coming from the bench.
You can be on a good team and not play at all.
I'm not stupid - if you buy one of the world's best goalkeepers, it's not to keep him on the bench.
Actually I think it's better for me to come off the bench, because for them first couple of minutes when that first five is in there, you can see the little things and what you need to do when you get in there.
In a normal season, the sixth man always seems to get the most minutes on my team.
