Quick conversations

In advance of the NBA China Games, which will feature the defending champion Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers, four players from those teams answered questions for China Daily.

BLAKE GRIFFIN

Q: What can the fans expect from your performance in China?

A: As a team, we want to execute early and take these preseason games to work on some things we need to work on as a team. At the same time, we're going to put on a game here and we know how important basketball is to our fans in China. We respect that the fans want to have a good time as well as see a good basketball game.

What do you think of the Miami Heat? Who is going to win?

The Heat are a great team and have a lot of talent, but we do too, so we're looking forward to this matchup. Obviously, we are going to win.

When you joined the NBA in 2009, you had a long break due to an injury. How did you get through that period?

I focused on getting better and getting healthy. My teammates and the organization were great and supportive.

We noticed that a pink Dora bag seemed to be your favorite bag - why?

I wouldn't say it was my favorite, but the veterans my rookie year forced me to carry it wherever I went.

Who's your basketball idol, and why?

Growing up, I was a big Michael Jordan fan like every other kid. He played the right way and had the right competitive spirit.

When and where did your first basketball game take place? What is your recollection of the game? How did you feel about that game?

My first game was when I was 6 years old. All I remember was that we won, and that I got a rebound and dribbled all the way back down the court without passing. I didn't want to pass and didn't quite get that concept yet.

What goes through your mind when you are dunking?

I dunk because I am trying to finish in the most effective way.

You had a busy time last year, both on and off the court, as you starred in some humorous commercials. Which do you like better, acting or basketball?

I like playing basketball much better, but doing funny commercials is something that I enjoy during my downtime.

What do your parents do for a living? It's been reported that you were home-schooled until high school - what did you learn at home? Did you feel you were different from the other kids?

Both my parents are school teachers and my dad is a basketball coach. Growing up, it was all about basketball and working hard and that instilled a lot of great values.

Do you still remember how your father coached you and your brothers?

My dad was a great coach for my brother and myself. We had a great time, and learned to work hard.

You are very close to your brother, and he was the person to hold you up for your first dunk when you were 2 years old. Would you like to share more stories about your brother?

It was great growing up with him and having an older brother to play with. He showed me the ropes and how to do things. I looked up to him a lot and I'm very appreciative of everything he's done for me and what he has taught me.

Can you tell us about your internship at the website Funny or Die?

It was really fun just to be able to see that side of the business and film some cool video. The Funny or Die folks are a great group of people and I am grateful for that experience.

CHRIS BOSH

Q: What do you have for breakfast? And what is your favorite food?

A: Oatmeal and a breakfast sandwich. Usually scrambled eggs and ham inside. I don't really have a favorite food. I love so many different foods I can't pick one.

How do you keep fit in the offseason?

I lift weights and I always try and get some type of cardiovascular exercise as well. As training camp gets closer I play more and more basketball. I also swim and do yoga as well to improve my flexibility.

What is your favorite destination for a vacation?

I love going to Italy! Great beaches, nice people and most importantly good food. Food is very important on vacations.

What music do you listen to before a game?

I actually listen to classical music before games because I love the fact that it doesn't have any words. I have so many different emotions day to day before games and they constantly change. I can fill in the blanks with my own words instead of someone dictating the way I feel with their own.

What do you do when you are on the road?

I love catching up on my reading and visiting my favorite restaurants. I also get to get some good sleep while my kids are at home.

What are the must-have items in your carry-on bag when you travel?

Phone, tablet, headphones, a great book, a sketch pad and chargers.

Who are your best friends in the league?

Other than my Heat teammates: Jarret Jack (we went to school together) and Ronny Turiaf (we got to hang out and win a championship together. Really cool dude).

Which retired player do you wish you had a chance to play with?

Hakeem Olajuwon. He was one of my favorite players growing up. And Scottie Pippen. He was a fierce competitor and extremely talented.

What comes to mind when you think of China?

The Olympics in 2008 in Beijing. I had such a great experience and it was so much fun. Everyone there loves basketball and that made the atmosphere at the games so great!

What do you want to say to your fans in China?

I can't wait to visit China again, this time with my Heat teammates. I always have a great time there and I'm excited to play in front of our great fans again for the first time since '08.

GRANT HILL

Q: What do you have for breakfast? And what is your favorite food?

A: I usually have eggs, turkey bacon and/or oatmeal for breakfast ... My favorite food is my grandma's gumbo

How do you keep fit in the offseason?

I watch my weight by monitoring what I eat and drink and making sure I do some type of cardio exercise every day. I make sure I do an activity every day that makes me sweat. I try not to get too out of shape during the offseason.

What is your favorite destination for a vacation?

My favorite country to visit is England. With so much history to discover along with great food and shopping, England is a great place to visit. But I also love to travel and explore new countries that I've never been to before.

What music do you listen to before a game?

I don't listen to music before I play. But if I did it would be anything by my wife Tamia.

What do you do when you are on the road?

When I'm on the road I like to read, go to the movies and usually eat at a good restaurant. I also like to get out of my hotel room and explore the city and what it has to offer.

What are the must-have items in your carry-on bag when you travel?

The Bible, a picture of my family and my computer.

Who are your best friends in the league?

Most of my close friends are retired. I'm close with Steve Nash, Jason Richardson and Jameer Nelson.

Which retired player do you wish you had a chance to play with?

I wish that I could have played with Magic Johnson. He was my favorite player growing up.

What comes to mind when you think of China?

I visited China last year with my wife and daughters. We had an amazing time. I enjoyed visiting the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the hutongs, the Silk Market, and the Bund (in Shanghai). There's a lot of history and exciting things to do in China.

What do you want to say to your fans in China?

I'm very excited to finally get the opportunity to play in China. I hope to have the chance to interact with as many Chinese basketball fans as possible.

SHANE BATTIER

Q: What do you have for breakfast? And what is your favorite food?

A: Usually I have oatmeal or eggs. Scrambled. I love to cook. I would like to take chef's class after I am done playing basketball.

How do you keep fit in the offseason?

I cross-train. Some days I swim, some days I bike. I run hills and chop wood as well. I also lift weights every day.

What is your favorite destination for a vacation?

I enjoy going to any and every country in the Caribbean.

What music do you listen to before a game?

I'm not a huge music listener before a game. When I do, I like Jimi Hendrix.

What do you do when you are on the road?

I like to read. I also try to have dinner with my friends in the different cities I travel to.

What are the must-have items in your carry-on bag when you travel?

My iPad. Headphones. Books. Chargers. Sleep mask. I can't sleep when it is light.

Who are your best friends in the league?

Mike Dunleavy Jr of the Milwaukee Bucks. Steve Novak of the New York Knicks. Luis Scola of the Phoenix Suns.

Which retired player you wish you had a chance to play with?

Magic Johnson.

What comes to mind when you think of China?

My friend Yao Ming.

What do you want to say to your fans in China?

I am excited to visit China again and play in front of all of our Miami Heat fans! See you soon!