I've always been a high-percentage shooter, obviously because I'm dunking and laying the ball up.
I'll knock down the open jumper when it's there, but I want to get after it on the defensive end.
I just play hard on the defensive end. For me, being a good defender is someone who plays very hard on defense and just tries hard.
I know I can block shots and I've got to do it. That's part of my job as a big.
If you see the NBA now, a lot of it is in transition. Most people now try to get an easy shot off in six or eight seconds before the defense gets set.
I always laugh when people ask me about rebounding techniques. I've got a technique. It's called just go get the damn ball.
I try to do a good job of contesting shots and blocking shots and altering shots, but I've got to do a better job of doing more.
Whether I'm starting or coming off the bench, bigs have to protect the rim and can't give nothing easy to nobody.
I really wasn't a good defensive player at all.
The NBA has never drafted a player for defense. At any position, even at center.
You look at Kawhi Leonard, Tony Allen, Draymond Green: they are great on ball, and they are great team defenders as well. You want to be both of them, not just one.
I've been learning when to block shots against who I'm playing. I'm not just going to leave a shooter to go block shots.
I think I'm underrated on defense. I try to use my length and feet and put pressure on players.
With all the talk of the 3-point line, it's still most important to build your defense inside to out.
If you want to be a good shot-blocker, you're going to be a good shot-blocker. It's simple. You can't teach it. You're either good at it, or you're not good at it. If you're good at it, then be really good at it.
My goal is simple - try and make sure my guy doesn't score. And if he does, make sure it's a contested two, or a tough shot.
It used to be every single time you got the rebound, you handed it to the point guard, or you outlet it to the point guard, or everyone cleared, and you waited until the point guard brought the ball up the floor.
That's part of my game: just running the wing, defending.
When you've got guys touching the ball on the offensive end, they're really into the defensive end.
We were able to get after the rebounds. We were able to control the paint. We were able to be physical down there.
