Quotes from Tristan Thompson

The same fans that want to rip you up are the same fans that want to talk you up and want your autograph.

I think that's my job to be a little nasty - to bring that energy, protect the paint and really just protect our guys. That's the role of a big man. It's not cute; it's not pretty being a big. You have to come in and do the little things, do the dirty work.

You can talk all you want but I'm definitely going to bark back.

I understand that at the end of the day it's about winning and if you win, we all look good - whether you come of the bench or you start.

Whether I'm starting or coming off the bench, bigs have to protect the rim and can't give nothing easy to nobody.

Me being blessed, you need to bless others.

I know I can block shots and I've got to do it. That's part of my job as a big.

That's one of the reasons I was drafted because I blocked three shots a game in college so I got to continue doing that in the NBA.

So with the skinnier guys, you definitely want to make sure you get a body on them; that's how you take away big guy's length, by getting into their bodies.

Yeah, I definitely like broadcasting. And I'm looking forward to getting into it when my career is done.

What I really lick my chops for is when you get the offensive rebounds at the end of the third quarter, fourth quarter. That really just sucks the life out of the opponent. You can see it in their face, especially when you're on the road, it just takes the whole energy out of the arena. That's what I live for.

Without the community, as pro athletes, we're nothing, so I feel it's important to give back and definitely connect with supporters the fans and the people that help us earn our living.

It's the playoffs; you have to pick up the intensity.

It's the playoffs. Teams are gonna go on runs.

Being considered for Sixth Man is definitely something that is pleasing.

In the draft you always have a special bond and connection, especially if you have one that goes right after you, so it's kind of always, I guess everybody thinks you're competing.

The one bad thing sometimes when you switch 1 through 5, guys think it's easier and they relax. You have to be just as aggressive. If we're going to switch 1 through 5 we got to meet that point of entry at the ball and be physical.

It's the little things. That's kind of what I bring to the table in terms of doing things that might not show up in the box score. Diving for a loose ball, or switching out on a guard and getting that big stop, cutting someone's water off if they've made a couple shots.

In the postseason, every possession counts, so it's the little things.

The key is to keep playing hard and the rest will take care of itself.

As long as we win, that's all that matters and everything else will take care of itself.

Me, guarding the best post players in the league, it definitely takes a toll on your body. But that's why I get massages regularly, cold tub, foot baths, rest and the weight room.

The weight room prevents you from getting injuries, keeps your body durable and, working out even during the season, it helps a lot. It keeps your body loose, it keeps strengthening your body, especially the functional stuff.

We don't got to talk to each other off the court. As long as we talk on the court, on the defensive end, that's all that matters to me.