Tristan Thompson

“Goal of mine is to make first team All-Defense. The way you do that is guarding the best players.”

“Some guys have to score more off the bench because that's what their team needs. But some other teams need someone that's going to assist or rebound. It all depends on what he brings to that team and how much it helps their win-loss record and how much they change their team.”

“Of course, it's a huge luxury having LeBron on our team. At the same time, we have to be ready to play and we have to do our job.”

“I think that's my job to be a little nasty - to bring that energy, protect the paint and really just protect our guys. That's the role of a big man. It's not cute; it's not pretty being a big. You have to come in and do the little things, do the dirty work.”

“Without the community, as pro athletes, we're nothing, so I feel it's important to give back and definitely connect with supporters the fans and the people that help us earn our living.”

“Any award the NBA gives you, whether it's on the court or off the court, it's definitely an honor.”

“That's one of the reasons I was drafted because I blocked three shots a game in college so I got to continue doing that in the NBA.”

“Basketball is definitely basketball and that's what we love to play, but in the NBA, there's a business side of it. It's a very serious matter and it's important. It's important to me, it's important to my family.”

“I'm a green guy, the earth is important to me.”

“I think when I moved to the United States and saw how serious basketball was and how good I was compared to everyone else. You just came from Canada and you're top five in the country; you're young and everyone says you can be a pro. That's when I started thinking: if I work hard, the dream can come true.”

“Well, history always repeats itself, so there's probably a baby Shaq out there in a crib somewhere, sipping on a bottle, and when he gets old enough, he'll bring the post-up center back.”

“Let LeBron be LeBron.”

“I'm doing whatever my team needs me to be. Whether it's play hard, screen-and-rolling, ducking in, whatever the team needs me to do to be successful, that's all that I care about.”

“Me, guarding the best post players in the league, it definitely takes a toll on your body. But that's why I get massages regularly, cold tub, foot baths, rest and the weight room.”

“Sometimes, it's the little plays that I make that can change the outcome of the game - whether it's blocking a shot or blitzing a guard or getting an offensive rebound.”

“I think it's important at the end of the day you know obviously playing in the NBA is a great thing, but representing your country at the highest level is something totally different.”

“It's the little things. That's kind of what I bring to the table in terms of doing things that might not show up in the box score. Diving for a loose ball, or switching out on a guard and getting that big stop, cutting someone's water off if they've made a couple shots.”

“It's the playoffs; you have to pick up the intensity.”

“Even though I don't live at home and I'm four hours away from home, I talk to my mom every day - ask how the kids are doing, ask how she's doing, too.”