Bits from Randy Rigby Interview, 12/12

On John Stockton
** He literally would give his all.
** I think his post-career, it reflects [his values]. I mean, he has literally tried to now make up for all the time that he was away from [his family] on the road, all those years. And I mean, he’s now literally being their coach, in soccer or basketball, or whatever their, their children may want to go in the direction they want to go to be who they want to be. And I think it’s been neat to see John want to be, really, supportive and he’s there at their games and helping to coach and, and really involved in their life.

On the Jazz’s young players
I’m really getting excited about Enes [Kanter], and seeing, what’s exciting to me is, is seeing he’s realizing his, himself. The potential if, if he starts keeps developing like he’s developing. His, his potential is really remarkable.

And, and, and you know, I was glad to see Alex Burks* get a little more playing time in getting out on the floor a little bit. Unfortunately, because of some injuries, is what’s allowed him to be able to get some time to play, but he’s really coming on. So I, I, I’ve been really impressed with the development that we’re seeing from our young guys.

* Not a typo.

Who is the Jazz’s top rival?
Well, I think the natural and recently has been the Lakers. We’ve played them in a number of playoff games, and also with them winning championships recently, so that becomes a, a key rivalry in how we’ve competed against them. That’s gotta be one of our top ones.

With its proximity, and we’ve had some great rivalry runs against Denver in some playoffs, and then being close by.

But I, I think the other big one though, I’d say besides the Lakers, is [the Spurs]. San Antonio, we’re, we’re very similar type of teams. We’ve had some great games against each other…San Antonio is always a good benchmark team that we, we look and say, “How are we competing against that team?” And, and they’re a good rival for us.

Is it just me? I think a “rivalry” has to be a two-way street. I doubt the Jazz would spring to mind if anyone were to ask the Lakers or Spurs who their rivals are.

On his relationship with the Spurs
I have some good friends over there with San Antonio, and on a regular basis they’re calling me and, and asking, “How do you guys approach these types of issues?”…We have a lot of respect for each other, and in many times, wanna make sure that we’re, we’re walking together on those issues as we’re talking with the league.

On the Jazz’s Cancun Beach Bash
To be able to get, you know, Spence Checketts and, and a Memo Okur, on a beach, and, and having them having a little bit of a virgin pina colada, and relaxing, and, and talking…It’s really a fun, and a great setting, and, and makes very special.

According to sources, Checketts dropped out of the trip after hearing that Rigby expected him to only drink virgin drinks on the trip.