Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo: Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

The center of the Boston Celtics, Daniel Theis, shared his thoughts on his rookie season and his goals for the future.

Q: How are you feeling, back working and no second thoughts about knee?

A: “I feel great. My knee has recovered. I still need some more explosiveness, but I think it’s going to come with all those games because I haven’t played. Except for the preseason games, I haven’t played in so long. So, right now, I’m just enjoying every practice I can have. We practice hard, really competitive. I’m just happy to be back on the court.”

Q: You had a really good rookie season. Do you set the same kind of aspirations, the same kind of goals for yourself?

A: “First of all, I hope I can play at the same kind of role I had. Every time I step on the court, I want to help the team. So, hopefully, I can be a part of it early in the season. I feel great, my knee’s ready, so whenever I step on the court I want to help the team.”

Q: Was there a turning point early in the season where you felt you could play your game at this level?

A: “I think even from the beginning I played consistent. Before I got hurt after the All-Star break, I probably played my best basketball since I got here. Hopefully I can get there again. We’ve got so many games where I can hopefully find my rhythm really quickly. At the end of the day, we have so many good players, I think it’s going to be fun, more fun to watch than the preseason.”

Q: There’s a lot of nicknames for you: there’s Vanilla Theis, Theis Baby, which one do like the best?

A: “I heard them, too. Whatever they want to call me. It’s fun. It’s just the fans having fun giving nicknames. There’s Scary Terry. It’s just fun. Especially in Boston, the fans are just amazing. If they give me anyone they want, Vanilla Theis or Theis Baby, it’s fine with me.”

The 2018-19 NBA season tips off tonight on Sky Sports, the new home of the NBA in the UK with more than 170 live games throughout the season. Tune in to Sky Sports Arena from 1:00am to watch all the live action.