Zanik says veterans are bought in to new era
Here are some highlights from general manger Justin Zanik’s interview session:
On the new era:
“What I’m really excited about is to start implementing a program and a culture. … I’m just really excited for the journey. We have a bunch of new players that I think you’ll really enjoy getting to know. … As we kind of start this new era, just got to go with it and see day by day and watch them build brick by brick.
“It’s almost like the first day of school again — the rookies with backpacks and getting their pictures taken and really excited to get started with practice tomorrow.”
On the returning veterans:
“Their character, their leadership, it’s the same. They’re Utah Jazz men and they love being here. We’re excited to have them and help them lead this now younger group, and teach them about what it means to be a Utah Jazz man and what it means to represent the city, the state and the organization. And there’s been nothing but total buy in from those guys.”
On outside expectations:
“Our veterans, they’re here, they’re in shape, they’re ready to play, they’re going to play. We’re going to try and win every single game from jump. So any other projections about the season like it’s a new experience, we’re gonna grow together, and we’ll see where that journey takes us but I’m really excited to see these young guys grow.”
On the offseason:
“Danny (Ainge) and I spoke about this about two or three weeks ago. I don’t want to speak for him, but in his long, absolutely Hall of Fame distinguished career, this is the craziest and longest offseason he’s ever had, and it certainly is for me. So if I had to describe it in one word, I would call it never ending.”
On potential moves:
“I’m really excited every day to come in and see what type of team this is and that we grow, and then based on what we need, what we want, what we’re trying to grow for the future. Then, obviously, you’ve seen it’s an organization that’s not afraid to make change.”
