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Chat Reel: Shawn Marion

Suns F talks Goodwill Games and playing with Marbury

Shawn Marion sounds off on who has the best crossover in basketball and the UNLV connection. AP

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with Shawn Marion. Welcome and thanks for joining us.
Shawn Marion: Thanks, good to be here.

From Ben: Shawn, do you think the Goodwill Games are a good way to get in shape for the upcoming season, or will this be all about competition?
Shawn Marion: I think it's a little bit of both. Even when we come back from the Goodwill Games, it will be three weeks before the season. So we will be in shape for the season. And it's a good experience for us to play players on an international level.

From BigWillieStyle: Shawn, what do you think of the possible return of Michael Jordan?
Shawn Marion: It's a possibility. If he comes back, I think it will be good for the NBA. It will bring more fans to the games. But I don't what he will be able to do -- if he can return to the level before he retired.

From Bo Apostolache in Orange County, Calif.: Shawn, are you getting tired of people thinking of you as just a great leaper?
Shawn Marion: To a certain extent. I really don't hear that too much anyway. If you have seen me play, you know I can do more than just dunk. I don't consider myself just a great leaper.

From Ryan McHugh in Philadelphia, Pa.: Are you excited about the chance to play on the same team as Stephon Marbury? What do you think he brings to the team that Jason Kidd didn't? Congrats on your career so far.
Shawn Marion: I'm very excited. It will be something new for us. I've never played with Steph. I think he will bring more of an outside threat, and he is more aggressive in taking the ball to the basket. It will be exciting.

From pdiddy: Do you like the nickname "The Matrix"? Did Kenny Smith of TNT give you the nickname?
Shawn Marion: Yeah, he gave it to me, and I love it.

From Dwayne E. Tyler in Clarksville, Tenn.: My question to you concerns Trenton Hassell, your past teammate from Clarksville High School, who was selected No. 30 overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. What advice and encouragement would you give him on how to make it in the NBA?
Shawn Marion: Approach every day like it was his last, especially because he was drafted the second round, because nothing is guaranteed. So work hard. Good things come to those who work hard and listen to the coaches.

From Richard Harris in Detroit, Mich.: With the addition of Marbury, the return of Penny Hardaway, and you, forget about the "Big Three," you guys are the "Beast Three." Do you think you guys will have chemistry without upsetting anyone's ego?
Shawn Marion: I think so, especially if everyone is hungry. And we are all hungry right now. We will learn and get better.

From David Usher in Tempe, Ariz.: Hey Shawn, thanks for a great first two years. Do you think your development will be slowed down at all because of the change at point guard?
Shawn Marion: I don't think so. I think it will make me better.

From Richard Harris in Detroit, Mich.: How did you react when you were chosen to play in the Goodwill Games?
Shawn Marion: Actually, to be honest, I knew before they announced it. I had an inside scoop. I think it will be a good experience for me.

From Penny: Shawn, what's your take on all the high schoolers coming into the NBA without college?
Shawn Marion: I'm not against it fully. The only bad thing about high school kids coming into the NBA is they can't do what others can do. They can't hang out with anyone or go to clubs because they are too young. They have to be homebodies. And sometimes you need to get out with people. It's hard. For me I was 21 and all the guys were married. So, you have to learn to be on your own.

From rebel: Who has the best crossover in basketball today: Baron Davis, Iverson or Kobe?
Shawn Marion: Oh -- I haven't seen Kobe do it in a long time and I haven't seen Iverson do it. So I say it's Baron Davis.

From SD: How do the new NBA rules apply to your game?
Shawn Marion: It's hard to say. It will open chances for shooters to get their shots off, but at the same time it will hurt others.

From Penny: Now that you've been chosen for the Goodwill Games, do you think a Dream Team is in your future?
Shawn Marion: Definitely, it's a goal of mine and I'm shooting for it.

From smfan: Were you surprised by the Kidd-Marbury trade? Do you plan on re-signing with the Suns?
Shawn Marion: Yes, I was, and I hope to re-sign with the Suns.

From Penny: Is there a special UNLV connection in the NBA? I saw you laughing with Larry Johnson before a game in Madison Square Garden.
Shawn Marion: Yes, definitely. I think all the schools have a connection. We all show love: me, Larry, Greg Anthony, Rider, Tyrone Nesby and Keon Clark.

From sunsfan: What are your thoughts on Dan Majerle's return to the Suns? Had you met or played with him before?
Shawn Marion: It's a good thing. I haven't had a chance to play against Dan. He's been hurt some the past couple of seasons. But he is healthy now, and he can contribute to the team. I think it would be good.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Shawn Marion. Thanks for joining us, and good luck in the Goodwill Games.
Shawn Marion: Thanks. Take care.

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