In an interview over the weekend, Camby seemed enthusiastic about his opportunities in Los Angeles, where he instantly assumed a leadership role, as well as a mentoring role for 19-year-old rookie DeAndre Jordan.
Camby expects his role with the Clippers to be similar to his role with the Nuggets, where he wasn't a rah-rah leader, but a stoic, stubborn captain who hated to lose.
"I'm the guy that has to defuse a lot of stuff that goes on," he said. "In the NBA, games can get hostile and very brutal, and guys come to me for a sense of calmness. And I think they respected me, me being a captain for six years. I think I was well-respected all the way from the trainers to the ball boys."
As for Jordan, Dunleavy thinks he could be a pro similar to Camby: "as far as long, major athleticism, shot-blocker."
Camby often speaks quietly into the rookie's ear. While in Fresno for a preseason game, Camby treated Jordan and some teammates to dinner at P.F. Chang's, where they bonded over conversation and wontons.
"Learning from Marcus," Dunleavy said, "there's not anyone better to learn from."
Benjamin Hochman,Denver Post
