2008-09 News and Features

10 Questions with Kareem Rush

SIXERS.COM recently sat down with sharp-shooting guard Kareem Rush after practice. Read more to find out what he experienced playing basketball overseas, how Rush benefited from growing up between two superstar siblings and what he took from his time with the Lakers.

What was your mindset when you inked your deal with the Sixers this offseason?
I was glad to join a team on the rise, with great character guys in the locker room and a great coaching staff. I did then, and still do, view it as a great opportunity. I was really looking forward to coming to Philadelphia.

What do you think is the biggest asset you bring to the Sixers?
My biggest threat since I’ve come into the league has been my outside shooting. That is probably the best weapon I bring to this team.

What area of your game did you focus on improving this offseason?
I would like to improve my ball handling, so that’s something I dedicated a lot of time to. This summer I worked hard, trying to control the ball better, so I could become a better all-around player.

Explain what it was like growing up in a household with two highly-touted basketball players?
There was always great competition, especially between my older brother [JaRon] and I. We are only 18 months apart. The battles in the backyard were always competitive. It is fun seeing how my younger brother Brandon grew up and became successful in his game [Drafted 13th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft]. Actually, watching my little brother play against my older brother and seeing how good he was getting when we were younger made me become a better player. In a way, Brandon’s progression made me step my game up.

What are some lessons you gave to your little brother Brandon?
I always told him to work hard, stay focused and never take it [his talent] for granted, because it can be gone in a second.

What was your reaction when you found out you’d been traded to the Lakers on draft day in 2002?
I was excited. The Lakers just came off a three-peat, so I was expecting to get a ring my first year, but it didn’t happen. We ended up making the NBA Finals my second year and I took it all in and had a good time with it.

How was that Finals experience with the Lakers? You played a big role in helping them get there, coming off the bench to scored 18 points in the series-clinching win over Minnesota in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals.
What a great experience that was. And being a real part of it (Rush averaged 14.0 points in the playoffs in 2004) made it even more special…And even though I was a young player when we made it to the championship, I can bring playoff experience wherever I go. I have tasted what it’s like to be on a championship caliber team and I know what it takes to get there. I hope I can bring some insight to this team on what it takes to get to that level.

What did you gain from your stint playing overseas in Lithuania in 2006-07?
I was able to stay in shape and still play basketball, after I tore my groin. The important thing was for me to go over there and gain experience, rather than sit around and wait for someone to call me.

What’s your fondest basketball memory?
Being drafted was an incredible moment for me and I will never forget that day. I worked all my life and all the hard work culminated on that day.