Mery Andrade: «It's not easy being a female assistant coach in the NBA»

...Continued.

— Has it always been easy being a female assistant coach in Toronto?
— If it has always been easy? It's not easy! It has never been easy! [laughs] It's not 'always'—it was never easy! Sometimes being the first is complicated, and it brings good and bad days. But the Good Lord always finds ways to keep pushing me and rooting for me, and that's what I appreciate. Those are the challenges that kept me playing for so many years [16] as a pro [in the United States, Italy, and Portugal]. When Ticha [Penicheiro] and I left Portugal [for Old Dominion University in 1995/96], it wasn't easy. People thought Portugal was in Texas... We managed to educate them, and I feel I'm back in that educational phase now: getting people used to seeing a woman at this level.

— Do those barriers extend across the entire NBA, or is it specific to Toronto?
— Yes, across the whole NBA—it's the culture itself. But honestly, I think it's sometimes even tougher in Europe! Still, as my mother says: 'You wanted the bike? Now pedal...'.

— Is the day still far off when we will see a female head coach in the NBA?
— I think so, I won't pretend otherwise... Of course, there's always someone looking to break the mold who could make it happen, but I believe it will take time. As the saying goes: Rome wasn't built in a day, right? The key is that the build always moves forward—and if we take a step back, make sure it's just one step, not ten.

— Do the female assistant coaches in the NBA exchange experiences with one another?
— There are three of us. We don't have much time; everything moves so fast. I'm talking to you here [after the game] and I should already be on the team bus [she made it with less than a minute to spare]... But honestly, no, we don't exchange notes very often.

— What is your biggest dream right now?
— To make the most of this experience—which is extremely tough for me because I'm always striving for more. Even as a player, I was fiercely competitive and constantly wanted more; as a coach, I'm the exact same. Sometimes wanting more keeps me from staying grounded in the moment. I'm already looking ahead to the future or dwelling on the past trying to improve, so the present—where I am right now—doesn't always bring the satisfaction it should. I only really realize it when I go back to Europe and talk with friends, coaches, or colleagues who ask questions: I answer naturally, and only then do I realize it isn't so normal after all.

— Did Kawhi Leonard's arrival in Toronto [former Clipper, marquee offseason addition, and 2018/19 champion with the Raptors] change the team's and the city's mindset?
— No, he's actually been fantastic. I'm still in an observational phase because I wasn't here when they won [the title], but he has been completely open and approachable. He said: «I'm not here to take anyone's job, I'm here to help». He doesn't say much at times, as everyone knows, but he's a fun guy and makes people laugh when he talks. When he speaks, though, it's surgical: «Stop»—and everyone stops. «This, this, and this». Done.

— Are the Raptors contenders for the Eastern Conference title?
— We work toward that, don't we? But we aren't the only ones who improved. Philadelphia [76ers] and Miami [Heat]—who we faced in the preseason—also got better. Everyone puts in the work at the start of the year; that's when you can dream and see where that effort takes you. But across an 82-game regular season, luck also plays a role: injuries heavily dictate the kind of season you have, your seeding, and how you finish down the stretch…

— Where you manage to be?
— Exactly. And who you have out there on the court with you.

— Is the East more competitive than ever in recent years?
— Absolutely yes, without a doubt.

— If you could change one NBA rule, what would it be?
— Rules change so often already that I just want consistency! More than changing anything, I'd love consistency regarding physicality—which I love—but they constantly tweak it: one year they allow it, the next they take it away. But I get why: NBA players are so smart... And we coaches do the same: we study the rule to see how far we can push the envelope. For that reason, I probably wouldn't change anything; I'd just want more consistency.

— When talking about the NBA today, it's hard not to mention Neemias Queta. Last season, he started all but one of the 76 games he played in, earned All-Defensive Team votes, and was in the Most Improved Player conversation. How did you view his season?
— I told him I was super proud of him because I know he never shies away from hard work. One thing I'm learning, even as a coach, is that putting your head down and grinding every single day doesn't guarantee you'll get recognized—that depends on your team and a bit of luck—but if you don't put in the work, one thing is certain: you won't get opportunities. I'm thrilled for him because he put in the work, earned his shot, seized it, and even earned a contract extension.

— Do you still enjoy going up against him?
— Yes, definitely… I always try to calm him down a bit with some pastéis de nata, codfish cakes… He gets so happy, he really is a kid at heart! But yeah, I love it when people say your boy—it's great recognition from the Portuguese community.

— Speaking of that community recognition: you're in Toronto, home to a massive Portuguese community…
— Fantastic!

— Are you recognized in Toronto as an assistant coach and former Portuguese international?
— Yes, at certain events. People always ask me to share my journey, and I think that's great. The community does an incredible job, even the embassy. I had to reach out to the embassy once and they were super helpful: they go out of their way to support you and make you feel at home. They say: «Mery, Mery, you have to come by and eat…». Both here and when we play in Miami, at Old Lisbon [restaurant], which is amazing—Chef Carlos is incredible!

— It sounds like the Portuguese always end up gathering at the same spots…
— Every single one of us! It truly feels like home. It's so nice when you're away—and sometimes after days that don't go as well—to step in, hear Portuguese spoken, and enjoy our comfort food…

— One last question before you have to go: eight consecutive seasons have seen eight different NBA champions—a streak that started with the Raptors in 2019. Will this trend continue, or will you break it and bring home another title?
— [applause] Let's go, let's go! We have to keep pushing, keep pushing!

— Have a great season, best of luck, and keep building on your success.
— Thank you, thank you so much!