Meyers Leonard talks four-point play, Chris Kaman teachings

Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard sits down with us to talk about his recent successes, challenges, focal points, and chemistry with teammates at Friday’s practice.

That four-point play against the Lakers was pretty impressive. What went through your head when you made that happen?

When I caught it I knew that, first of all, the shot clock was winding down and [Carlos] Boozer kind of hesitated for a moment. I just rose up and shot it. I knew that we had to make a play at the rim. I guess luckily for me the refs saw his hand on my hip and I knocked it down. After I made it [grins], I don’t know, it was exciting obviously.

Yeah, it might be the tallest four-point play ever, I don’t know.

I suppose. Maybe Dirk [Nowitzki]? I don’t know who’s taller.

Jan 5, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard (11) hits a three point shot as he falls out of bounds during the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won the game 98-94. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

You’re taller than Dirk.

Then yeah, could be.

A couple of people in the twittersphere are referring to you as “Meyers Legend.” Had you heard that?

I had not heard that.

What do you think of it?

I think it’s kind of cool.

Who is the better three-point shooter, you or C.J. [McCollum]?

It’s totally different. C.J.’s shots are normally a little more contested and off the dribble, so I would say his degree of difficulty, when it comes to his threes, is just different. I would say spot-up, if I’m open, I can…

Let’s say just in practice. Has this ever happened? You guys just shoot around?

We have. The last time I recall us having a three-point competition, I won.

That’s cool to hear.

With Robin [Lopez] and Joel [Freeland] out, what has been the hardest part of stepping in? What has been the most challenging aspect?

I think just continuing to learn to guard the rim. I have made strides and have been better with my defensive rebounding, but it’s just a learning process like anything else. I feel like the last couple of games I’ve done an alright job and I just have to continue to do so.

I noticed your timing is a lot better on your rebounding than it has been in the past. What have you been working on and specifically focusing on in practice?

Just hitting early. If I get pushed under then it becomes hard to hold people off using sheer athleticism to go get rebounds, so I think I’ve been hitting early and focusing on that.

More from Rip City Project

You have been playing a lot more physically this year and I think that has been beneficial.

Yeah, without question. I work on my body all the time, but this summer I really worked on my lower body strength and my core strength and just my overall strength. Not only that, I got a chance to play throughout the summer and then with practices and stuff like that I’m just trying to stay ready. I think the ability to be more aggressive and more comfortable out there is the game slowing down.

Good. I saw you working on your post moves with Chris [Kaman] a little bit earlier. What kind of impact has he had on your play style and development here.

I met Chris this summer, I had known him from the past, but I went and worked out with him for a week in Michigan and he let me come out to his house. That week was awesome for me and I learned a ton. Just angles in the post, offensively, defensively, staying within a rhythm in your shot, continuing to work on all aspects of the game. Having him around every day as a mentor is huge for me. Just like today, he’ll put me through some drills or sit down and chat. It could be about life, it could be about basketball, anything. He looks out for me, so I’m very appreciative.

That’s good to hear. Now, in three short years since you’ve joined the Trail Blazers, the team has gone from the lottery to title contention and you’re just 22 and beginning to hit your stride.How does that feel to be on such a successful team?

Well I think it’s pretty awesome. I’m very fortunate to be in the situation that I’m in.

Contributing to it too.

Yeah. That’s the main thing obviously for any competitor, you want to be out there contributing. Throughout the season I’ve had minutes, I haven’t had minutes, it’s all about staying ready and doing your work every day and being patient. Obviously injuries happen and I’m glad I’ve taken advantage of the minutes that I’ve had these last few games and hopefully I continue to do so. My confidence continues to grow. Like I said, the game is slowing down for me. I’m just feeling more comfortable out there. My timing is better and everything like that, but I’ve got to keep moving forward.

With every game it’s another chance to prove yourself and get the trust of the coach, teammates, everything like that. So to speak to your point, it’s a great organization, great group of guys in the locker room, on and off the court, good team chemistry. We have a legit chance to make a deep run this year. We have, like I said, a great group of guys and a great staff. We just have to keep our eyes on the next game, the next game, and the next game, and keep working to be the best we can be.

Next: Trail Blazers close out home stand against Magic