Bench helped the Cavaliers: Shawn Marion

Mumbai: Shawn Marion is often dubbed as the most under-rated player in NBA history. The former Cleveland Cavaliers player hung up his boots in 2015 after a glittering 16 seasons in NBA.

The veteran won the NBA championship with Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and is also a four-time NBA All-Star recipient, a two-time All NBA Team.

Marion is in India for the NBA-ACG Jump event, a talent search programme to select 24 young prospects for the NBA Academy India.

Nicknamed ‘The Matrix’, Marion was known for his athleticism and versatility. The former champ spoke in an exclusive chat with this newspaper.

Excerpts:
What’s your assessment of young Indian cagers?
I haven’t seen much, but it’s exciting to meet the young players and to play with them. I wish the young guys good luck in trying to get to the NBA.

What are your thoughts on Cavaliers coming back from 3-1 down to win the NBA championship?
It was a brilliant comeback, to go down 3-1 and to comeback to win it. It says the whole thing about the play-offs.

Apart from LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, what helped the Cavaliers to win?
They found the way to use the bench. The coach went deeper into his bench and made some good substitutes at times. And they came in smart; the bench played its part. They helped them win the championship. The starters did a brilliant job in showing the way, but you are only going to go as far as your bench takes you. That’s what they are relying on right now.

Who is your pick for the 2016-17 title?
I do not have a pick to win the championship this season; it’s so up and down. It’s kind of scary, because you never know with these teams, what can happen. Some of the guys can get injured, injuries play a big part in saying that they are not winning.

Do you think Golden State Warriors can be stopped?
They are not invincible, they are a strong team, but others can beat them. It’s going to be interesting this season.