Q. What excites you in terms of the possibilities of what you can do this season?
CASON WALLACE: Just knowing that every year is like a mystery, you know. We start 0-0, and we don't really know what the other team is going to do or what we have to -- we know we're going to have to compete at a high level. That's the only thing we know.
So just excited to go out there and see what the game gives me this year.
Q. You were able to learn a lot from all three guys, but specifically with Lu, you're going to be asked to help fill that production as a defender. What were you able to learn from your time with him?
CASON WALLACE: Very solid player. He was probably the best on the team at navigating ball screens. So I feel like his time here, the conversations that we had, he's taught me a lot while he was here.
Q. Your extension, or pending extension is a huge topic. What can you tell us about where that stands contractually heading into this year?
CASON WALLACE: Yeah, I mean, that's between my agent and Sam. Like I said, I'm just here to get better and you know win games.
Q. I think you're seen as the presumed starter in Lu's spot. Is that something that matters to you whether or not you start or come off the bench?
CASON WALLACE: It's not on front of my mind, honestly. First we got to get out there as a team and you know, once we start gelling together, and you know, Mark, he changes the lineups here and there. Whenever he puts me out there, I'm going to put my best foot forward.
Q. How much have you paid attention to some of the other extensions signed by your rookie class?
CASON WALLACE: Not a lot but shout-out to my boy, Keyonte. I see him in Fort Worth when we were out there and we were just chopping it up. We grew together. So seeing him sign a big contract, I was excited for him.
Q. Obviously you said it's between your agent and Sam, but how important is it to you -- how much does that matter to you whether that gets done before the season or whether it's something that you're dealing with next summer?
CASON WALLACE: I mean, it's going to happen whenever it happens. Right now I'm not even thinking about it. We just got back together as a team. Training camp is tomorrow. So that's really where my mind's been at.
Q. You are a veteran on this team at this point, which is crazy to say because you're, like, 21, 22 years old. What are you looking forward to teaching some of the guys that are younger, as far as tenure goes, on this team?
CASON WALLACE: How to play without fouling. Just a lot of habits that you have when you first get to the league that you're going to have to create new ones or just got to throw some old ones in the trash. So I was that guy when I first got here. And just being able to teach them and help them along the way.
Q. I think only you and Caruso are on the defensive group chat. Who do you think is getting added to the group this season?
CASON WALLACE: I don't know. We going to have to see. We going to have to see. I don't really have control over the group chat. But whoever comes in there, they are going to get some good insight.
Q. Who is controlling it?
CASON WALLACE: A coach. A coach.
Q. You mentioned working out with some of your teammates in Fort Worth. I know you were also in Canada a bit with Shai over the summer. What do those workouts do in terms of team bonding and that sort of stuff to work alongside guys in the summer?
CASON WALLACE: It was cool just like you said, just being there with a teammate. You know, just good. I was just working out.
Q. One of those guys who was both of those was Jared, as well. I think he was in L.A. with Chet, too. Just obviously he's a character off the court but from your experience with him in the gym, what kind of can you say about his ability to lock in when it is time to get serious?
CASON WALLACE: Yeah, he's a great competitor. He can be mature at times. But when he gets an MO, you know, he's a tough player to stop on. So he's a great piece for us. Focuses at a high level.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports