In the starting lineup during two games after the injury of Quentin Richardson, Yakouba Diawara went back to inactivity after Richardson’s return. He accepted to talk to us about his situation with the Heat and gives us his predictions for the current season.

After 2 straight wins against Orlando and Toronto, you lost at home against Portland…
Yeah. It’s a pity because we dominated the whole game and it was tough to lose in the end. The Blazers have score big baskets, especially Brandon Roy who scored a decisive three-point field goal.

What do you think about the early season of the Miami Heat? What was the goal of the team?
We are fifth in the East, it is not too bad, even if we have ups and downs. Behind the Four Bigs in the Conference, it is quite homogeneous. If you lose 3 games, you’ll fall to the 8 or 9 spot so you must remain focused and continue to work hard.

Which is your opinion on your coach Eric Spoelstra?
He’s a very young coach but he really does a great job. He is in the Miami organization for 10 years, and it’s a good thing to have young coaches in the NBA.

Dwyane Wade is free agent in 2010, does it hang over the life of the group? Do you think he will stay in Miami?
He’s the only one to know the answer. For the moment, he is with us and we enjoy having him around. Next summer, it will be his decision. But I really don’t know what he will do.

I guess that’s not the season you expected of…
It is clear that it’s not easy, there are ups and downs. I don’t play and, suddently, I find myself in the starting lineup. But it’s basketball, and the NBA is mostly a mental thing. There are 60 games left. I have to continue to work to deserve my place on the field.

Does the fact that you regained some playing time help you?
Yes, for sure. But, like I said, everything can change quickly in the NBA. Mentally, it is tough and, now, it is a bit back to the start since the return of Quentin Richardson.

Do you work other aspects of your game outside the practices?
Yes, I go to practice before the others to shoot and work on my dribbling abilities. I also stay after the practice to keep my routine, even if I don’t play.

You’re a free agent in 2010. How do you live this situation?
I keep working so I wait for proposals at the end of the season. But I let my agent handle that.

Are you wainting for a trade to find playing time?
We’ll see, I let the front office of the Heat and my agent handle that. For now, I am with them and I give all to the Miami Heat.

Have you thought about returning to Europe?
Not really. The NBA is the best league in the world and that’s where I want to be. But if I get a big proposal for a European club, it’s clear that I would consider it…

Which team impressed you the most since the beginning of the season?
There are a lot, but I would say that the two teams which really impressed me are Atlanta and Milwaukee. Atlanta because nobody expected such a level (19 victories and 7 defeats) from them and Milwaukee because they are sixth in the East and they perform very well.

Which player impressed you the most?
Without hesitation: Carmelo Anthony. Since I left Denver, he has progressed a lot. And Denver is second in the West. Now, he’s really a leader.

Finally, could you give us your predictions for the season?
MVP: Carmelo Anthony
ROY: Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings
MIP: Josh Smith

Interview by Jerome Knoepffler for Hoopsnotes.com