The Complex 7: Caron Butler

With the official tip off of the 2009 NBA season tonight, we’ve got a sleeper pick for a team to watch for: the Washington Wizards. Ok, stop laughing, we’re serious. With Gilbert Arenas back for a full season, and new coach Flip Saunders taking the reins, we’re looking for the Wiz to make a run at the Cavs, Magic, and Celtics in the Eastern Conference. Remember, you heard it here first.

The secret ingredient for our sleeper pick though is forward Caron “Tough Juice” Butler. With a personal commitment to defense, the 29-year-old UConn product is hoping to be the glue that keeps the Wizards together. The two-time NBA All-Star took some time out to answer the Complex 7 and discussed getting Jordans weeks ahead of the release date, bumpin’ that new Taylor Swift track, and the keys to Wizards’ success this season.

Interview by Ralph Warner
 #1: WHAT’S THE NUMBER ONE DEAL-BREAKER FOR A POTENTIAL GIRLFRIEND?

Caron says: I’d have to say bad feet. [Laughs.]

 #2: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER OF ALL TIME?

Caron says: Of all time…that would have to be the Jordan Xs.

Complex says: We heard that while at UConn you always had the new Jordans before they were released, how did you get them early?

Caron says: I had a nice hook up at the mall. I use to always just tell the people that worked at the Foot Locker, “Man I got to have the Jordans before anyone else has ‘em.” Then I paid a little extra and made sure I had the shoes. If we played a game two weeks ahead of the time they were released, I definitely had them.

 #3: WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Caron says: When I was on the Oprah Winfrey show talking about my life and what I had been through.

 #4: IF YOU HAD A WEEK HOLIDAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Caron says: I would just want to spend as much time as possible with the family. My favorite holidays are ones like Thanksgiving where you’re just with the family.

Butler has raised his points per game average each year since 2004.

 #5: WHAT HAS GOT TO BE IN YOUR FRIDGE AT ALL TIMES?

Caron says: I love O.J. and salmon, have to have those.

 #6: WHAT’S THE WORST WAY YOU’VE BROKEN UP WITH SOMEONE?

Caron says: [Laughs.] I’d have to say just not calling back.

 #7: WHAT’S THE MOST EMBARRASSING PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU’VE EVER WORN?

Caron says: Oh man…the Michael Jackson Thriller jacket.

Complex says: That’s back in the ‘80s when it was hot not anytime recently, right?

Caron says: [Laughs.] Nah definitely back then.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

Complex: What artists are you currently bumpin?

Caron: I love Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, and John Legend. Taylor Swift is also somebody that I have started liking, I like her new song. But usually during pregame I’ll listen to a lot of hip-hop. You don’t want to listen to R&B or something and get too relaxed. So I’ll usually listen to 2Pac, Biggie or Jay-Z.

Complex: We’ve heard about your commitment to improving on the defensive end this year. Can you tell us about what specific adjustments you’ve made?

Caron: Endurance, that’s something that I worked on a lot in the off season. Working on my strength and agility to be able to do it on both ends of the floor because it exerts a lot of energy.

Complex: What is the key to the Wizards’ success this season?

Caron: The health of our core guys. Myself, Gilbert, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood.

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