Steven Adams has wowed the media with his trademark Kiwi wit in his first appearance as a New Orleans Pelican.
The towering NBA centre has fronted local reporters via zoom to complete his first day at his new home in the 'Big Easy'.
Adams was traded to New Orleans from his NBA home of seven years - Oklahoma City - as part of a four-team deal that the Pelicans hope transitions them into Western Conference contenders.
Speaking of his departure from the city that adopted him as a cult hero, Adams insists it's all part of being a professional athlete, but in his typical style, the 27-year-old will remain in touch with the former teammates he calls friends.
"It's all a part of the business, getting traded," he says. "That isn't really the difficult part.
"The difficult part is the relationships that you build within a team and then you have to move on, but it's not like I've died or anything. I'm going to see them again, so that's fine.
"It ain't that sad."
Wednesday (NZ time) marked the first official day of the NBA pre-season, but with just three weeks until the regular season tips off, Adams doesn't have much time to settle in with his new teammates.
They include superstar Zion Williamson, who Adams is a big fan of. Many see that frontcourt combination as a point of difference for the Pelicans, in an era when the paint-guarding big man is almost irrelevant.
But Adams' new coach, Stan van Gundy, has already indicated the Pelicans will look to play a more physical, 'old school' style of basketball this season, which is fine by the likeable Kiwi.
"At this point, mate, I'm not even sure If I am starting, so let's keep that off the table.
"You can't assume anything, but Stan is a smart guy and he will make it work. He can make anything work whatever way he needs to and I will follow his lead.
"The main thing for me is dealing with the coach, and understanding what we need as a team and what I can contribute to that.
"I will share whatever experience or knowledge I have, but I don't have all the answers and I would never claim I have all the answers.
"It's a cooperative thing - we are in a competitive environment and it's about teaching each other. Everyone has a voice in the team.
"That's always been my approach - to just go in there and do what I can. I know that sounds vague and cliché, but I will go in there and play hard."
Adams was one of the most popular members of the OKC Thunder roster with both his peers and the fans.
The Wellington-born baller ingrained himself in the culture of the city and he will continue to do the same in New Orleans.
Adams says it's important for professional athletes to remember there is more to the game than just the on court performance.
"As a player, you obviously play basketball, but you have to think bigger than that. You're representing a city and that city's history.
"You have to look at that and decide how you will hold yourself.
"You are representing the fans and that means a lot to people. It shouldn't be taken lightly, so I do the best I can to represent them.
"But it's not just that - I am representing New Zealand as well, so I guess that ties into the whole ingraining thing."
And Wednesday proved a great start for Adams, who met his new teammates and coaching staff for the first time.
Adams is already getting "good vibes" and is excited about the playing group that has been assembled.
"You have great talent from top to bottom, with a new coach. It's not new enough to call it a complete rebuild, but you can really see where this team wants to go.
"Great talent, great young players, with some great vets - it's exciting stuff.
"Even spending just a day here, you can sense that the culture here is solid."
The season tips off on December 23 (NZ time).
