Antawn Jamison to Sportando: Golden State and LeBron are the best

Antawn Jamison has played for both finalists of the NBA Finals, Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors.

The American forward retired as a player of Los Angeles Clippers in 2014 but he is still involved in the game from the position of commentator.

Warriors (1998-2003) were his first team in the NBA after being selected 4th in the first round of 1998 draft by Toronto Raptors.

He played for Dallas Mavericks (2003-2004) and Washington Wizards (2004-2010), before he joined Cleveland Cavaliers (2010-2012) and he close his career in Los Angeles (Lakers 2012-2013 and Clippers 2013-2014).

He is happy to see his two former teams fighting for this year’s title. He believes that Golden State Warriors is the best team in the NBA and LeBron James the best player in the world.

You have played both in Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. Which team do you support in the NBA Finals?
"Both organizations deserve the championship. Cleveland hasn't had a championship in the city for a long time and I know how much the city depends on the organization. The same happens with Golden State. The basketball team hasn’t won a title since 70s. I’ve played for both teams and it will be good to see one of those two organizations to bring the title to the city. Both teams are very talented and there will be great games”.

What is your prediction? Which team do you consider as the favorite?
“I think Golden State can do a good job if they win the first two games in their home court. They are a team that have done a great job. We all know that LeBron James can help Cavaliers win a game on the road. Stephen Curry, tough and healthy, will put Golden State in a situation to set the tone against Cleveland and can put some pressure on them. I think Golden State might do a good job if they realize how close they are taking advantage of their home court from day one. In my eyes, they’ve been the best team from the start of the season until the end. Golden State has a big chance to win the series”.

You played in Cleveland when LeBron James was not there. What changes did he make and made them a top team so quickly?
“LeBron James is the best player in the NBA. In every sense. He is the best player in the paint. Since he left Cleveland and went to Miami he has learnt how to be professional and how to have a killer instinct. There were Dwayne Wade and Pat Riley but anytime you have him on your team you definitely are a championship contender and you put yourself in a situation to win championships. He is one of those guys that doesn’t come around so often. Back in the days there were Michael (Jordan), (Larry) Bird and Magic (Johnson). He is one of the greatest. Every time he is on your team you have the chance to win the championship. Five years straight he is in the finals. The last five years. He is the best player in the world”.

Is it a surprise for you that Golden State reached the finals?
“Somewhat of a surprise. Because coming in from last season we knew that they had a pretty good team although the made some changes. From the way they started the season, I am not surprised at all. They have been the best team. I am not surprised since the play off started, that we see them in the finals”.

Is Stephen Curry the main reason that Golden State are in such a high level this year?
“Yes. He is the MVP of the League. He is a guy that puts the team on his shoulders. He sets the tone, game in, game out. He has broken many records. He is the reason why Golden State is in the finals. I won’t be surprised if we see the match up of Stephen Curry with LeBron James. They ‘ve done a great job”.

How is it possible a rookie coach in the NBA to reach the finals? I am talking about David Blatt of Cleveland Cavaliers.
“He has never coached in the NBA but everybody knows that he is a pretty good coach. He has done a great job overseas, so I am not surprised so much with him as I am with Steve Kerr. He’s been an assistant before but never a head coach. With LeBron James you have a coach inside the court. So he (David Blatt) has done a great job with LeBron James as a play maker. I am not surprised they made the finals especially with LeBron James as good as he is. They needed some time to find the chemistry but they finally made it”.

You last played for the Los Angeles Clippers. What do you do now after your career in the NBA?
“Right now, I am a commentator for the Los Angeles Lakers. I am in the studio for pre and post-game and half time shows. I am in the NBA TV. I am talking about the games now”.

You were for 16 years in the NBA. How would you rate your career there?
“I had a great career. Those 16 years I had important numbers for the majority of my career. I have no regrets. I did something I love for 16 years including college and high school. I am satisfied with the way my career ended and all the things that I’ve been through. Definitely I am disappointed that I didn’t have the opportunity to win the championship because everybody is fortunate to have such accomplishment”.

Did you enjoy it better in Golden State or in Cleveland?
“I enjoyed it all. Golden State was the first team that I played for. I learned a lot. Maybe they are closer to my heart because they were the first organization that I played for. The people are still in contact with me. They showed me how to be in the right direction in order to be professional. Cleveland was good too. Both organizations have a special place in my heart and made everything special. I just love both and want to see them in the finals to see who is going to win. I can’t really pick one at all”.

Interview via Maria Karvouni