Rashard Lewis

MAGIC FORWARD

On leaving Seattle, where he played his first nine years
It was time to move. They were starting over, and I want to be in the playoffs. There was always change in that organization, and I didn't want to be a part of it.

On his game in Orlando, where he averages 18.5 points
It was an adjustment. In Seattle, I was getting 18, 20 shots a night. Now it's 10 to 15. I used to be a post player, but here, with Dwight [Howard], I'm more of a one-on-one player.

On Howard's soaring All-Star contest dunk in a Superman outfit
We watched him work on it after practice, and the hardest part was getting the [alley-oop] right. None of us had any idea about the suit and cape, though. When he pulled his jersey off and had that on, I almost fell off my couch. That guy's crazy.

On being regarded as overpaid for his six-year, $118.5 million contract
It makes people say negative things, but it doesn't bother me. I know the pressure's on.

On his name
My mother [Juanita Goodman, a nurse] named me after Ahmad Rashad, the wide receiver. She thought he was so smooth, and she loved the name. Then she gave me the extra r for a little flavor. For my middle name she picked Quovon. I don't know where that came from.

"I read all the negative articles about my contract. I know the pressure is on me to score every night."

PHOTO

PHOTOGRAPH BY GARY BOGDON