National Basketball Association

Luol Deng Q&A: Excitement abounds in joining Heat

Published Sep. 27, 2014 2:05 p.m. ET

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MIAMI, Fla. -- New Miami Heat acquisition Luol Deng spent the first day of training camp Saturday adjusting to playing with his teammates and getting back to NBA shape. With the Atlanta Hawks controversy behind him, Deng is solely focused on acclimating himself to the Heat culture in his role as their new starting small forward.

Once practice wrapped up a few feet away from the watchful gaze of team owner Micky Arison and a casually dressed Pat Riley, Deng spoke with FOXSportsFlorida.com about his arrival to Miami and how he views his role on the new-look team.

FOX SPORTS FLORIDA: What was in Riley's pitch that made you ultimately decide to sign with the Heat?

DENG: Just showing up, that was about enough. I think when he showed up, I had the ultimate respect for someone in his caliber whose name is always going to be affiliated with this game. But the things that he said to me made me really -- I believe in myself but hearing it from him -- he had the ultimate respect and it got me excited. I wanted to take the chance and follow through on what he said.

FSF: Could you describe the free agency process when dealing with the Heat this offseason? Did they reach out to you before LeBron decided to sign with the Cavs?

DENG: Yeah, I was contacted right away on July 1st. Miami was the first team to contact me that night. Then they visited me before LeBron made his decision.

FSF: What was it like to start working with your new teammates?

DENG: I'm really excited. There's nothing more fun then being with a group of guys that have the experience and are excited to go and battle. I really think it's always fun as you watch the guys around you prepare and get ready for it. Everyone around here is very serious and excited for the year.

FSF: What have you been your first impressions with the Heat organization in your short time here so far?

DENG: Honestly, first class everything. I'm really excited. I've been in the league -- this is my eleventh season -- and it really excites me everything that's being done here. Just the fact that I've been in the league eleven years and I still see myself improving, that's excites me.

FSF: Do you feel any pressure in essentially replacing LeBron James in the lineup?

DENG: I would never try to replace anybody, whether somebody is better than me or if I'm better than somebody. I think that we all bring different things. The biggest mistake I would make is to try to be LeBron. I'm not LeBron. My whole life -- I'm 29 years old -- I've never been able to be somebody I'm not. So I just got to be myself, work hard and try to do my best. My ultimate focus is what can I bring to this team and that's it.

FSF: Have there already been discussions with coach Erik Spoelstra on what kind of a role you'll play and do you anticipate any adjustments from what you're accustomed to?

DENG: My role is what I'm asked to do. My role will define itself as the season goes on and my job is to try to fit my role as best as I can. I think that if I'm called on defensively, just be ready and go out there defensively. If I'm called on to score or whatever it is the team needed, I will do my best to try to provide that.

FSF: After the controversy with the Hawks, how nice is to get back on the floor and really put that behind you?

DENG: It's been behind me, honestly. I think that it just came back to the surface yesterday (in Media Day) because it's the first time I'm seeing everybody but honestly I think that after I made my statement it was over with. I can't control what everyone thinks or how everyone feels. My position is I really forgive Danny Ferry and people make mistakes. I'm ready to move on. Whatever it is or whatever it came from, let's just make sure it doesn't happen again to someone else and make sure we just improve as human beings and how we view other people. That's really about it.

FSF: A lot of analysts and fans are underestimating the Heat's chances in the wide-open East, what kind of potential do you think this team has?

DENG: I mean, that's okay, I think that once you start listening to the outsiders you've already failed either way, whether they praise you or they don't. If you get caught up in the talk, this prediction and talk never gets it done. I think it's really about how hard you work, believing in yourself, setting goals here as a team, and keep getting better every day while holding each other accountable.

You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.