Nuggets.com Q&A: Malik Allen

At 6-foot-10, 255-pounds, Allen will be a reserve big man along with Chris Andersen and Nuggets.com caught up with Allen to discuss his move to the Mile High City.

Nuggets.com: With more NBA seasons under your belt then over half the Nuggets roster, what kind of veteran leadership are you looking to bring to the team?

Allen: I just want to bring a lot of leadership. This will be my seventh team in the NBA and I have a lot of leadership to offer. There are already a lot of guys on this team that have experience and leadership ability, so I am just going to add to that. If I just come in and be professional, then I will be doing my job.

Nuggets.com: You mentioned that the Nuggets will be your seventh NBA team. Of the previous six teams, who would you consider your favorite teammate to have played alongside?

Allen: Wow, I have had a lot of pretty good teammates in the past. But I think watching and playing along side Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) was a great honor. He is one of the smartest basketball players I’ve seen as far as situational and his mental preparation. I also played with Dwyane Wade for a season and a half and watching him develop was fun. He was still pretty good when I was there with him.

Nuggets.com: You were actually teammates with Nuggets guard Anthony Carter back in Miami. Have you talked to him at all yet about becoming a Nugget?

Allen: I actually have not spoken with AC quite yet. I understand that we may be living in the same area when I arrive in Denver so that will be a good thing. I’m glad he re-signed as that was one of the things I was watching closely to see if he would. He’s a good teammate and it will be good to be teamed up again with him.

Nuggets.com: As a player who went undrafted and began your professional career in the ABA and IBL minor leagues, do you have any tips for young players out there who may not be the next Carmelo Anthony, but still have a dream of one day playing in the NBA?

Allen: Don’t ever give up because you have to work hard. One of the most important things is doing your homework and preparation; learn the game as best you can. I have prided myself on learning the game by doing my homework. If you see the best teams out there, they have the talent but they also have done their homework and have been mentally prepared. I learned to do that at an early age.

Nuggets.com: Does it excite you to be playing with a contender in the West?

Allen: Yes, from the time that I heard it was an opportunity (to go to Denver) I was excited. Like I said before, there is a lot of experience on this team with Chauncey (Billups) winning a championship, Kenyon (Martin) has a lot of playoff experience, and even AC has played in some big games in his career. So for me it’s a great opportunity to be a part of something special.

Nuggets.com: Favorite activity to do when not playing basketball?

Allen: I love spending time with my kids. My son will turn three in September and my daughter just turned one. They’re always doing something new everyday.

Nuggets.com: If you were not playing basketball, what type of job would you like to have?

Allen: I get this question a lot, and it seems to change all the time. Doing some broadcasting with the NBA or NCAA basketball would be really fun. I know it’s not easy with the preparation, but that seems like it would be a good time. Also, I know there’s a lot of pressure, but being a General Manager and constructing a winning team is something I have been looking into. I like watching other players and seeing what it would take to make a winning team.