Defense is something I take pride in. I feel it's just as important as offense. They should have RBIs for defensive plays.

It's not like I'm an introvert. You get to know me, I can have a conversation with you. But in front of the media, I'm probably more of a quiet guy.

If you write in the paper 'Lee stinks,' that's not going to affect me. I'll just laugh. And if you write 'Derrek Lee is the best player in the league,' that won't affect me either. I'll laugh.

I felt I was good in basketball but I wasn't a blue-chip prospect.

If they watch me play, people will say I'm not into it or whatever. That's okay. I kind of like it. People don't know how much work I'm putting into it. They don't need to know.

I want to be on that team that wins the world championship here in Chicago and sees the city go crazy.

I miss basketball every now and then.