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Gotham bound Rice happy to be headed east
In one of the largest and most complicated trades in NBA history -- involving four teams and 12 players -- Patrick Ewing left New York without a ring, but Glen Rice brought his from L.A. Rice says he didn't feel wanted in L.A., but now he thinks he's found a home in the Big Apple. CNNSI.com's Mark Morgan talked with the three-time All-Star in New York. Mark Morgan: Let's talk about how you fit into this team offensively. We know you like to shoot the ball. So does Latrell Sprewell and so does Allan Houston. How do you divvy up the shots? Where will you fit in? Glen Rice: I think when you look at that situation, you've got to understand that guys are going to have to sacrifice a little bit, and I'm willing to do that, and I'm sure those guys are willing to do a little bit as well. Morgan: You're a career 20-point-per-game scorer in this league, but your scoring average dipped the past two years in Los Angeles. Was that because of the offensive system out there, coach Phil Jackson's triangle? Rice:It was a different role that I had to play, and I had to go out and sacrifice a little bit, and I was willing to do that. That's was one of the reasons we were able to win a championship. Morgan: One thing your new coach Jeff Van Gundy preaches is sacrifice both offensively and defensively. You aren't exactly known as a defensive stopper. Can you play the kind of hard-nosed defense Jeff is going to demand of you? Rice: I can definitely do that. I'll give it my best effort every night to out there and try to play the type of defense that he wants me to. I've always said that I'm not the best defensive player in the league, but I'll give it my best effort. Morgan: You come from a place in Los Angeles where maybe you weren't wanted, and you're traded for a guy who's a legend in Patrick Ewing. You said in your news conference that you felt like you found a home. Can you be comfortable here in New York? Rice: I definitely feel I can be comfortable here in New York. One of the things I've also said is I can't fill Patrick Ewing's shoes. In my mind, he's one of the all-time great centers. I just have to go out there and do the things that Glen Rice is capable of doing. Morgan: Congratulations. Thanks for your time. Rice: Thank you very much.
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