Milwaukee Bucks swingman Joe Alexander had a fairly quite rookie season. But with Richard Jefferson gone, there's more room for new contributors from the small forward spot and a greater need for points all around. InsideHoops.com met with the athletic Alexander in mid July for a quick, exclusive interview.

InsideHoops.com: How's the off-season been?

Alexander: It's gone well. I've made strides and improved the things I wanted to. And I came to summer league and had a much better year than last year, so I'd say it went well.

InsideHoops.com: What did you get out of your first season in the NBA? What did you learn about the league? About yourself as a player?

Alexander: I think the biggest thing I got was getting my anxiety out of me. Getting rid of all the mental blocks that were standing in my way. Now that those are gone, I can move on and learn the game.

InsideHoops.com: As for specific skills, what do you think you were ready to contribute last year and what needed work?

Alexander: I think last year I wasn't ready to contribute much, because of the mental side of things. Couldn't bring a whole lot to the table. But this year I think I can bring a lot of different things.

InsideHoops.com: Summer league is different from regular NBA basketball. What can you get out of it? A chance to take over or exert more control than you might regularly get?

Alexander: Summer league is all about experience. That's exactly what I need, minutes on the court, recognizing defenses, recognizing offenses.