Sports Radio Interviews

Andrea Bargnani On Signing His New Contract Extension

Andrea Bargnani is three years in to his NBA career after being selected number one by Raptors’ GM, Bryan Colangelo.  After a solid first year, Bargs stumbled in year two, but bounced back nicely in year three when he was given the playing time.  This 5-year, $50 million extension is based on potential.  Sure, this deal may feel like a bargain to Toronto fans a year or two from now, but at this point, Bargs’ 15 and 5 aren’t worth 10 per.  I love Bargnani, and taking everything in to consideration including: learning a new culture, playing an entirely new position, still only 23, being a big only three years in, and not having a great relationship with his coach the first two seasons, I predict this contract works out well for the Toronto brass.  Bargnani joined The Fan 590 in Toronto to discuss how happy he is with the dollar figure, if Toronto feels like home, and why he is content with playing in the T-dot.

Why are you happy to sign in Toronto?

“From January, last year, I was feeling very good.  I think we were playing very good, even if we didn’t make the playoffs; also, with the addition of Shawn (Marion) last year.  I don’t know, I feel comfortable here – I like to play with Chris, with Jose, and if Hedo is coming, even better… I’m very happy to sign this contract.  I’m very happy to be a big piece of the team… I’m just very happy to be here in this city.”

Does Toronto feel like home to you?

“Oh yeah, definitely.  Of course, Rome is my house and nothing can change that, Rome will always be my house.  Toronto is definitely my second home.”

Are you happy with the final number and where it stands?

“Yeah, I’m very happy because this is a lot of money.  Of course, you always try to get more money – maybe if you don’t sign now, next year, you play good, you gonna have more money, $10 more million, you don’t know, but I don’t really care.  I mean, I care about money, but I’m just very happy to be here.  This makes me feel good, I’m happy.”

Listen to Andrea Bargnani on The Fan 590 in Toronto

Tags: Andrea Bargnani, Basketball, Hedo Turkoglu, NBA, Toronto Raptors