Eddy Curry: "The Truth" Speaks

June 28, 2001 - Moments after he arrived at the Berto Center on Thursday, No. 4 draft pick Eddy Curry sat down with Bulls.com for an exclusive interview.

Eddy Curry is thrilled to stay at home and play for the Bulls. (NBAE Photos)

How would you describe the emotions you've experienced today and this week and what are your thoughts about joining the Bulls?

Eddy Curry: After the second pick, I was just hoping I wouldn't be going to Memphis (the Atlanta Hawks picked third overall and the rights to the pick were traded to the Vancouver Grizzlies, who plan on relocating to Memphis). I had my fingers crossed. All that was on my mind at that point was going home. The Bulls took the whole five minutes (allowed between first round selections) and my heart was really racing. When they finally called my name, I was extremely happy. My number one choice was the Bulls. I would have wanted to go to L.A. because it was the second pick and I was hoping to go as high as possible. After that didn't happen, I'm just happy to be coming home.

What are your strengths as a player?

Curry: My obvious strength is my ability to play down low with my back to the basket. But I can also play facing the basket and step away to shoot the ball whenever I need to.

What are your expectations about making an impact as a rookie?

Curry: I want to make an immediate impact. I don't want to be one of those players who sits around and everyone waits on to get better. I plan on showing everybody right away that I belong.

You are obviously familiar are you with the tradition of the Chicago Bulls- what does it mean to you to play for this team?

Curry: It's a very special opportunity. This gives me a chance to give something back to the city. The city has been real good to me throughout my high school career and it's time to give something back.

Curry looks forward to playing aside fellow prep star Tyson Chandler. (NBAE Photos)

You were known with a powerful physique with a dominating presence. How would you describe Eddy Curry the person?

Curry: I'm just a fun guy. I like to have a good time and I'm still just a teenager. I'm still young so I enjoy stuff like hanging out with friends. But when it comes time to play basketball, the fun is over.

Which NBA players have you patterned yourself after?

Curry: None, really- I'm my own player.

For a few minutes you thought you would be playing beside Elton Brand. As things turned out, you'll be on the court with another player coming right out of high school, Tyson Chandler. How special is that?

Curry: It's great. I have a feeling the fan turnout is going to be great this year. I think that we'll get a lot of support from the city and it was a great move to bring us young guys in here. We are going to show everyone that we belong and that we deserve to be in this league.

The comparisons to the Spurs' Tim Duncan and David Robinson are already being made. How do you react to that?

Curry: Yeah, I hear about us being the "Twin Towers" all the time. This is a new day and age, though. I think our game will be a lot faster, more of an up and down game rather than just a half court thing. But we'll also be able to dominate in half court situations. We are going to be a very dangerous team.

You are now an official NBA player. Once all of the dust settles and you've had time to catch your breath, what do you plan on doing?

Curry: Other than moving, I don't know. Basically just getting started with everything up here.

Does Eddy Curry have a nickname?

Curry: I don't know... probably "The Truth." That's what I like to call myself.

Bulls fans throughout the world check this website. What message do you want to deliver to them?

Curry: It's taken a lot of hard work for me to get here. And it will take a lot of hard work for us to get to a level where I think we should be. But I'm willing to put that work in and I know everyone else on the team is, too.

- Adam Fluck, Bulls.com