Thabo Sefolosha agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract with the Hawks as an unrestricted free agent last week. The guard spoke with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about how he was recruited by coach Mike Budenholzer, his expected role and his plans to contact former teammate and free agent Luol Deng about joining him in Atlanta.
Q: What is your reaction to getting a deal done with the Hawks?
A: I'm just really happy. I'm excited about the challenge ahead and the team. The team looks really good. A lot of talent. A team that is improving year after year and I'm excited to be a part of this group.
Q; What was the recruiting process like? I understand coach Mike Budenholzer made a trip to Washington, D.C. to talk to you.
A: Correct. We had a meeting. It was a very interesting meeting. It was very good to talk to him and see his vision and his style of play. I think we match pretty well with the things I do. Again, I'm excited to bring the things I do to this team.
Q: He obviously was well aware of you and your ability from being in the Western Conference with the Spurs for so long. He knows your game?
A: Exactly. He's been following me with the Spurs. The timing was right for them and for me. It's good.
Q: What was the final selling point that convinced you to choose the Hawks?
A: They really showed that they really wanted me there. I really appreciate that, when they show they want you and make the right moves to acquire you money-wise and having the motivation to come visit me and talking with me. All those factors pushed me to come to Atlanta.
Q: What did Budenholzer say your role might be? Will you be a starter? Will you come off the bench?
A: We didn't really talk about that. That is not a question I asked. I understand that at any point in your career or at any age, you have to play and earn your minutes. I believe that there are minutes for me with the team. It's on me to show what I can do and earn my minutes. I'm not coming in believing that I will be a starter. I just want to prove myself and play to the best of my abilities.
Q: I know this is your first time in free agency, but is it rare to have a coach be the person who makes the pitch for you?
A: I have no clue. It was regular for me because that what happened to me. I can’t speak to what is the standard. It was the first time for me and I enjoyed the process. It was stressful at times and nerve-wracking but overall it was good to be able to make a choice and find a place that made sense basketball-wise. That was my mindset.
Q: What do you know about the style the Hawks want to play?
A: I know they have a very unselfish point guard. They have strong players inside. Really talented. Willing passers, as well. I think coach really likes moving the ball and moving bodies. I'm excited about that aspect of it.
Q: Do you know any of the players here?
A: Not personally. Kyle Korver, I really appreciated that he sent me a text telling me welcome, wishing me the best for the summer and that we can meet up soon. That was really nice. Other than that, I just know what they do on the court.
Q: What are the rest of your summer plans?
A: I'm in Switzerland most of the summer. I will definitely come to Atlanta, maybe once or twice before camp starts. I will be in town to get acclimated to the city. I have a family with me so we'll be looking for schools and all that.
Q: Is there any extra motivation for you with the way things ended in Oklahoma City, especially during the playoffs?
A: Yes, I think that is fair to say that. I didn't quite have the season that I wanted to on a personal level and things happen that I can't control as far as playing time. Yeah, I feel like I have a little bit of a chip on my shoulder and I just want to prove what I'm capable of.
Q: You know Luol Deng from playing together in Chicago. The Hawks are interested in signing him too. Are you sending him any text messages or making any phone calls to try to recruit him?
A: Not yet. I haven't done that yet. But that would be great to play with a guy like Luol who I have known and, obviously, is a great player. That would be a huge plus, I think, for the team. So I might do a little pushing and see if I can influence his decision.
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