Sunday Q&A: Wolves rookie Zach LaVine

When the Timberwolves chose Zach LaVine with the No. 13 pick in the NBA draft, it was with the idea that he could be a superstar player in the future — but that he needed seasoning to get to that point. LaVine, 19, has drawn some optimistic comparisons to Russell Westbrook, as both were somewhat unheralded guards from UCLA with tremendous potential and athletic ability. Whether LaVine approaches Westbrook's territory in the NBA remains to be seen, but for now he is part of a young core of Wolves players that opened training camp last week. The Star Tribune's Michael Rand caught up with LaVine on a number of subjects.

Q First thing I have to ask: When I do a Google image search for Zach LaVine, the first thing that pops up is a picture of your former UCLA teammate, Kyle Anderson. What's up with that?

A I noticed that, too. I don't know what Google's tripping on. I mean, we're both a little light-skinned, but I don't think we look the same. Maybe Google has to get that fixed.

Q What's it like being a teenage millionaire?

A I don't even think of it like it like that. I just think about how I have the best job in the world. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get to this point, so I feel like this has all become reality now.

Q How exciting is it to finally be at the start of training camp?

A It's very exciting. I'm not really nervous, but just anxious to get out there.

Q You and Andrew Wiggins are almost exactly the same age, about a month apart. How are you guys similar, and how are you different?

A I'm more of the talker. I talk a lot more trash. I feel like I'm a little more outgoing. Wiggins is cool, he's just a lot more relaxed and chill. When you get to know him, and when he does talk, he's a very, very funny dude. He's a character sometimes.

Q What's your best bit of trash talk?

A When I get going in a game, I might say a little something, but other than that it's just conversation during the game.

Q You've only been in Minnesota a little while, but have you started getting out — and if so are you getting recognized by fans?

A It's hard to go out sometimes. I didn't think it was going to be like that right away. You get mobbed every once in a while, but you just have to go to the right spots at the right time.

Q What are you looking forward to most about the season?

A Just living the dream. I have really high expectations for myself, so I just want to go out there and compete.

Q Where do you fit in and what is your role on this team, which has a lot of wing players and point guards already?

A I just feel like whenever the team needs a bucket, I can come and get it. I feel I'm a really good scorer. I have confidence in my game. I can get up and run the floor to the best of my ability, and above all I'm going to play my hardest.