By Johnathan Kendrick
Jazzhoops.net head writer

Going into this year’s draft the Utah Jazz had big expectations – power forward or center sized expectations. When their 14th pick rolled around, they were happy to select University of Minnesota PF, Kris Humphries. Humphries officially measured in at 6’9” – a height that saw his stock rise the week before the draft. It didn’t hurt that he was considered the strongest player in the draft, was only six months older than the eight high school “projects” also chosen in the first round, or that he already had proven himself on the collegiate level by becoming the first freshman to ever lead the Big Ten Conference in both rebounding and scoring. If that wasn’t enough, he was also All-Big Ten First Team, and the AP voted him an Honorary All-American.

Despite the accolades, Humphries selection drew some criticism from some of the hosts, broadcasting the draft live on ESPN. Suddenly his coming out party had stuck him with labels like “selfish” and “me first.”
Labels that Kris and those who know him or have watched him play say are not accurate.

Humphries did a lot to displace any questions about his game, and replace them with optimism with his 19 point 10 rebound performance in his first organized game as a Jazzman, in the Reebok Rocky Mountain Revue summer league last Friday. He showed strength, athleticism, and genuine support of his team and the individual members. Despite twisting an ankle early in his second game and being forced to sit out, Humphries has continued to be upbeat around the locker room and supportive of his teammates.

We had the opportunity to ask Kris Humphries about his potential, the move from college, and the “selfish” comments that quite frankly just don’t seem to fit.

Jazzhoops: Eight high school players were taken in the first round of the NBA draft based on “potential”. Despite the fact you played a year of college ball, how much potential is left in your game?

Kris Humphries: That’s not something I can really have an opinion on, I want to continue to work and get better. Learn what I can from the coaches and the veteran players around me. It's exciting just to have an opportunity to get better – and from what I have heard (the Jazz) are excited to work with me – and I come to work everyday, so in that I guess there is potential.

Jazzhoops: How is your shooting range?

Kris Humphries: Probably out to the college three. I haven’t shot a lot of NBA three’s.

Jazzhoops: Is it intimidating or just a matter of time before you get used to that range?

Kris Humphries: No, I can hit shots from out there. It’s just my game, and my development as a player, that’s going to depend a lot on what the coaches want to do with me. I am open to play in more, play out, do whatever.

Jazzhoops: Do you prefer to spot up, or play with your back to the basket?

Kris Humphries: Something that’s helped me get to where I am at is the ability to do both. So I enjoy doing both.

Jazzhoops: Compared to what you have seen in the Revue – how does it compare strength wise to college?

Kris Humphries: Guys are bigger. Obviously the higher the level you go, the bigger the guys get.

Jazzhoops: Has it been a problem for you yet?

Kris Humphries: No, I feel I am versatile enough, where I can take advantage of my strengths, whether it be quickness or strength.

Jazzhoops: Speaking of strength and quickness – how is your conditioning so far?

Kris Humphries: I came in great shape, and have gotten in better shape since I have been here.

Jazzhoops: Are you a natural rebounder or is it something you still have to force yourself to do?

Kris Humphries: Growing up I was not always the number one option (offensively). I was on some teams coming in to high school where the only way I was going to score, or get the ball, was to get it off the glass. That’s where I learned to do that and it’s an instinct for me now.

Jazzhoops: Let me take you back: draft night. I am sure you remember the comments. They called you a “selfish" player. To be honest, watching you out there – you are the loudest one, cheering from the bench, and you seem to have a great rapport with Snyder and some of the others. Do you see yourself as a selfish player or see where they got that opinion?

Kris Humphries: No. People say things that you can’t read into – because you know what kind of player you are. (The Jazz) would not have brought me here if they felt that way – or had believed those types of comments. I am just really looking forward to all the positive things. Which are developing relationships with the coaches and the players, getting better and winning here.

Jazzhoops: That’s great. I know the relationship with the fans is going to be a good one. Good luck.