Steinmetz: Randolph is the answer for Warriors at power forward
By: Matt Steinmetz
Special to The Examiner
March 11, 2009
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| Sky is the limit: Anthony Randolph has proven he is capable of making an impact with the Warriors during his rookie season despite being just 19 years old. (NBAE/Getty Images) |
SAN FRANCISCO — We’ve heard it a lot this season. And we heard it a lot last season. Come to think of it, we’ve heard it for years and years and years with the Warriors.
They need a power forward.
It’s an easy statement to make. After all, the Warriors need help when it comes to rebounding, a defensive presence and a low-post threat.
The Warriors’ lack of size cost them two years ago in the second round of the playoffs against the Utah Jazz, and it has remained a factor to this day. Conventional wisdom suggests they need a banger or an energy guy.
You hear all the usual suspects when it comes to filling this void, whether it’s Drew Gooden or Brandon Bass or Carl Landry or Paul Millsap or David Lee or Reggie Evans. Yeah, right. That’s about the last thing the Warriors need right now.
The Warriors have their power forward, and his name is Anthony Randolph.
I know, I know, coach Don Nelson and countless others project the 19-year-old Randolph to be a small forward down the road. I have doubts about that, but can we at least agree that for the next couple of years that’s not going to be Randolph’s position?
It’s hard to imagine a tougher blow for Randolph and the Warriors’ enthusiastic fan base than if they were to bring in some kind of limited big man who would wind up taking minutes from the rookie.
If nothing else, Randolph has proven during the past month or so that he can contribute. Maybe Nelson isn’t ready to play Randolph 30-plus minutes a night. But shouldn’t the kid get at least 20 or so minutes a game next season?
You would think so.
But where will those minutes come? They’re not going to come at center, where the Warriors have a suitable combo in Andris Biedrins and Ronny Turiaf. And they’re not going to come at small forward, not with Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette and Kelenna Azubuike on the roster.
Fact is, the only spot on the roster open right now for Randolph is at power forward. And if you look hard enough, you’ll see he fits well there.
Randolph is one of the best shot-blockers on the team and perhaps their best rebounder overall. Defensively, he’s got a long way to go, no doubt.
For one, playing the four keeps Randolph closer to the basket defensively, which is clearly where he’s more effective. That’s not even debatable.
For whatever reason, the Warriors seem reluctant to call Randolph a power forward. It’s almost as if by doing so, they feel they diminish his versatility. But playing Randolph primarily at power forward doesn’t take away from his overall skill set. And it’s just a place for him to start. In Nelson’s offense, he’ll have as much freedom as he deserves — regardless of what position he’s playing.
Down the line, the Warriors very well may have to revisit bringing in a physical presence. But that’s down the line. Right now they have a four: Anthony Randolph.
GAME DAY
Nets (28-35) vs. Warriors (21-42)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Oracle Arena
TV: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area
RADIO: KNBR (680 AM)
Matt Steinmetz is the NBA insider for Warriors telecasts on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. E-mail him at msteinmetz@sfexaminer.com.
