Q&A with former Pacer A.J. Price

Price was the Pacers’ second-round selection (52nd) in the 2009 draft. Now, he’s playing in Shanghai.

Holick Lee is an avid Indiana Pacers fan and he has written about the team from afar since 2001. In the last few years, he has traveled over to the United States and to Indianapolis to see the Pacers play in person.

The Pacers have a great Chinese following thanks to Reggie Miller, Lee and ChinaPacers.com.

Lee caught up with former Pacers reserve point guard A.J. Price over the weekend. Price was drafted by the organization in 2009 and then was back for 10 games early last season after the team suffered several injuries.

Price is currently playing for the Shanghai Sharks. Read Lee’s Q&A with Price below — and view more of Lee’s work at ChinaPacers.com.

On playing in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA)

Just the opportunity to play. You know I am a competitor at first. CBA is giving me the opportunity to come in and play every night at a high level. Today is a prime example, we played a good team. Very competitive back and forth. We know Will Bynum is a tough opponent so it was good, always good to come out and compete. That’s the biggest thing for me.

On his favorite moment with the Pacers (2009-2012, 2014)

Just getting drafted there. That was my first team who gave me a shot in the NBA. So being drafted there by Larry Bird that was the biggest highlight you know. I love the city. I love playing for the Pacers. But, at the same time, I didn’t always get the opportunity I wanted so over here that’s what it’s about for me right now.

WATCH: ChinaPacers.com re-enacts Paul George’s heave for 16th anniversary

On whether he noticed any differences in his two stints with the Pacers, in terms of chemistry, the culture of the team, the system

Surprisingly no. It’s not that different, because Frank Vogel was there both times I was there. When I got drafted, he was the assistant coach for Jim O’Brien, who was good for years. He kind of just, he used that same system and integrated some of his own stuff but the core, starts with defense and it’s been the same thing.

On the new system the Pacers are utilizing this season

You know, I haven’t had the opportunity to see them play this year so I am not sure how the new system is fitting them. Without big [Roy] Hibbert, that’s why it would be the biggest reason why they would want to speed things up. Hibbert kind of demanded the ball in the block to slow things down. Without Hibbert, they probably want to speed it up but like I said I don’t know if it’s fit them well. It’s hard to say.

Check out more of Holick Lee’s work over at ChinaPacers.com.