Spurs Off-Topic conversation: Cory Joseph

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C ory Joseph is still the same guy.

Yes, the former Spur has a little more money in his bank account with the four-year, $30 million deal he signed over the summer. He is playing a new role on his new team, the Toronto Raptors, and is back in his home country. Other that that, Joseph vows he’s still the same.

The 24-year-old point averaged 9.9 points, 3.3 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 25.6 minutes last month for the Raptors. The highlight of those 16 games was the game-winning 3-pointer he converted against Washington, helping the Raptors win their fourth straight.

Joseph took some time recently to recap his four seasons with the Spurs, his most memorable Gregg Popovich moment and what he learned from Matt Bonner in this off-topic discussion:

What was the process like over the summer? It appeared you were coming back to San Antonio and then they went in a different direction.

Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) battles for the loose ball against Denver Nuggets center J.J. Hickson (7) during the second half on Dec. 3, 2015 Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) battles for the loose ball against Denver Nuggets center J.J. Hickson (7) during the second half on Dec. 3, 2015 Photo: Nathan Denette /Associated Press Photo: Nathan Denette /Associated Press Image 1 of / 12 Caption Close Spurs Off-Topic conversation: Cory Joseph 1 / 12 Back to Gallery

It happened a little fast. I was a restricted free agent at the time, going through the process and they had a chance to get LA (LaMarcus Aldridge), so you know, as many organizations would, they went after LA, got him and then they had to get some (cap) space and I was one of the guys they had to release. It’s a business. Obviously, I loved, enjoyed and had a great time in San Antonio. I was there the past four years. Everything was great — coaching staff, players, fans; everybody was amazing to me. But it was time to move on, and you know, take a different direction in my career.

Was it a shock? I know you said it’s a business, but …

It wasn’t much of a shock. They let me know if they had a chance to (sign) LA, then it would be possible that they would release me. … It wasn’t completely a shock to me because everybody knows how good of a player LA is.

When you signed back in Toronto, did Drake embrace you at all?

For sure. Even before I got here. At the OVO Fest, they debuted the black and gold (Raptors jersey) and he was wearing my jersey on stage rapping. It was cool.

What was your favorite time with the Spurs? I’m assuming it had to be that 2014 championship run?

Of course. I would never forget that. I will always hold that close. I’ll always remember that. It was a big part of my development and my game. And obviously I’ll remember all the times where people didn’t get to see the work with all the coaches, just trying to get better in the development process.

You changed that 2014 playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Pop put you in Game 4. You were defending Russell Westbrook, and your energy really sparked your team in that series. What do you remember about that moment?

It was a big moment for me. All the work that I had put in behind the scenes, being able to get an opportunity. I just remember at halftime, we went in, and I didn’t know what was going on with Tony (Parker), so right at the end of halftime, he was like “Cory you’re going to start.” Then I knew I had to get out there, get a good warm-up, and be mentally prepared. I always had to stay mentally prepared anyway because you know he’ll throw you out there at any moment, so that got me used to that because it happened before. … When that happened, I was a little bit nervous, but I went out there, (said) trust in your hard work that you put in all the time, and just ball out and play hard.

Did anyone in Toronto ask you what it’s like playing for the Spurs? You hear so many stories about the culture and all that stuff.

Yeah. A bunch of people asked me. There are bunch of things you can say about the Spurs’ organization. They are a first-class organization. That just sums it up. I heard it all the time, even before I went to the Spurs, but then I really got a chance to realize it and see it when I was there.

What was your favorite Pop moment?

My favorite Pop moment … I was in Los Angeles one time and me and Manu (Ginobili) were on the elevator, going back up to my room. He got in the elevator with us and said, “We’re going to dinner if you want to come.” So I didn’t know what to say, and Manu is like “Yeah, sure.” I was like, “OK, I’ll come.” Obviously, a rookie is not going to turn it down. So I went to the dinner, and I remembered he had like four bottles of wine at the table and he was making me try them. You know, I’m coming from college. I didn’t drink wine at all. He was teaching me about the wine and made me try all the different wines, so by the end of the night, I was a little tipsy (laughs). And then the next day we had the Lakers and he put me in to play (laughs).

How long did it take to make a decision about where to play after San Antonio? Was Toronto approaching quickly, or were other teams involved as well?

It was a couple teams, but Toronto started getting serious and for myself, I knew it was a great situation for me.

So because it was home, you had to go?

Yeah. It’s home and .... number one, (I needed to) put myself in the best situation where I could succeed. I felt like it was a great situation for my basketball career, and obviously it’s home as well, so that made the decision easier.

If I’m not mistaken, in the win over Washington last month, that was your first ever game-winning shot, correct?

Yeah. That was my first. You know, I have ups and down. … Against Golden State, I turned the ball over at the end. Actually, after I turned the ball over, it made me think about Manu because I remember it was 2014 preseason and he turned the ball over and it was late in the play. (The turnover against Golden State) was something exactly like that play. Timmy (Duncan) tried to throw it in to Manu, and Manu was curling around and he lost it. The other team got it, went down and scored. They hit that buzzer-beater. … I was kind of thinking about that. You know, it’s ups and downs all the time. It was great to hit the game-winner, but it was a horrible feeling to lose the ball (against Golden State).

Obviously you get this big payday, you had to go out and splurge a little, right?

Nah. That’s the one things about playing in San Antonio for four years. I had good vets. They taught me well. I didn’t go out spending. I’ve got the same car I had when I came in as a rookie. Everything is the same.

Who was the most conservative with his money when you were in San Antonio?

Oh, that’s Matt Bonner by far. That’s an easy question. We all knew that.

I thought you would say Tim Duncan because they dress the same.

Nah. Matt Bonner. Tim likes cars, though. We all know Tim’s got his car shops and stuff.

Did Matt teach you anything about how to save?

Of course. I remember with Matt, I was eating dinner with him one time and we were talking as I ate. I had a dollar in my pocket or something, and he said, “Just remember, that dollar is two dollars, it’s just not a dollar because you know when you get paid, you get taxed and you have all these expenses. You spend that dollar, that’s two dollars.” I remembered that.

I don’t get it. What did he mean two dollars?

Remember we get taxed like 50 percent basically. After your taxes and agent fees, and all this stuff; so if you have a dollar after taxes, it took you to make two dollars to get that dollar.

So in that past few months, anything that has changed about you other than the fact you’re wearing a different uniform? Still the same guy?

Yeah. Still the same guy. Nothing has changed. I’m still me. Just trying to help my team, going out playing hard every chance I get.

jyoung@express-news.net

Twitter: @JabariJYoung