Rowan Kavner

This weekly series from Clippers.com features a Q&A with Clippers players, coaches, alumni or those who follow the Clippers’ organization closely. The next edition features forward Hedo Turkoglu.

LOS ANGELES – Chris Paul said he couldn’t imagine having to do what Hedo Turkoglu does on a nightly basis, unsure if he’ll play at all on some nights and then getting 20 minutes or more on others.

What strikes Paul and other Clippers teammates most is the 36-year-old forward is always ready for whatever’s asked of him. Paul called Turkoglu “the consummate vet,” and that was never more evident than during last week’s game against his former Kings squad, when he played 33 minutes and scored a season-high 19 points.

Turkoglu’s averaging 3.5 points in 10.9 minutes per game, but he’s had 19-point and 12-point performances this month. He’s had games where he doesn’t play at all. He’s also had a game where he scored eight points and pulled down eight rebounds in 37 minutes of action.

The reserve forward talked about his fit with the Clippers, the playoff push and how much basketball he thinks he has left.

How hard is it not knowing how much you’ll play on any given night?

HT: “I guess I’m getting used to that. It’s my job. My one priority is just keeping myself in the best shape I can. I come in here and get in some extra work, get some shots up, and if I get my name called, I’ll get out there. I don’t know how much I’m going to play, either, every night. I just try to compete and play as hard as I can.”

It looks like you’re still having a good time. How much fun are you having this year?

HT: “I’m having a blast. They have a bunch of nice guys and a great organization and great people – and not just in basketball – on the other side of basketball, too. When you have those kind of people around you, it makes your job easier and enjoyable. So I’ll just enjoy it.”

I think Doc Rivers joked you were his secret weapon after that 19-point game.

HT: “I guess having guys like me, veteran guys, it’s always helpful for the team. It’s a long season and you face injuries. An experienced guy like me and other guys, it’s always helpful for the team. I’m glad I did something good to help win games, and I’m looking forward to doing more and more. I don’t want it to be just one game. I want to be able to do that every night.”

Doc’s talked about saving you for the playoffs. Do you think that’ll be the case?

HT: “I hope so. I have experience in the playoffs. Like I said, we have guys who are really playing good. I think he’ll make the best decision when it comes to the playoffs. If he calls my name, I’ll try to do my best. But I still try to do my best cheering for my teammates and helping them out. I’m just enjoying it and happy to be part of this organization. We’ll see what happens.”

How often do you hear people say you’re done or that they thought you were done?

HT: “Pretty much every day. It’s part of the job I guess. Some people like you; some people don’t. The good ones are going to say good things about you. The bad ones are always going to try and take you down. I guess I’m used to do that. I just focus on my job and prepare myself in the best way I can. When I get an opportunity, I just try to do my best.

Do you think you’ll keep playing after this year?

HT: “I do actually. I love what I’m doing. I still want to play. If I get opportunity again, I’ll try to do my best. If not, I think I had a pretty decent career – 15 years. I’ll have plenty of time with my kids.

“I know I’m getting kind of to the end of my career. I’m just going to enjoy every second of it.”