Steinmetz: Biedrins blossoms for Warriors
By: Matt Steinmetz
Special to The Examiner
November 5, 2008
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| Bound for greatness: Warriors center Andris Biedrins (15) has recorded 11 straight double-doubles dating back to last season. (AP) |
SAN FRANCISCO — We’re one week into the Warriors’ season, so naturally it’s time for some observations.
Despite the Warriors’ 1-3 start, it’s not all bad.
Look on the bright side: They’re doing better than they were at this point a year ago, when they started the season 0-6.
Here are three positives and three negatives about the Warriors’ beginning:
Positives
1. Big results with big lineup: During their three-game road trip, the Warriors had success employing a big lineup, with Stephen Jackson at point, and Ronny Turiaf and Andris Biedrins in the lineup.
It gave the Raptors trouble for the better part of two quarters in Toronto, but turnovers and bad decisions down the stretch did them in.
Still, coach Don Nelson has once again proven he can find a way to create a mismatch.
2. Biedrins becoming a star: Is there anyone out there who still believes Biedrins is effective only because he’s in Nelson’s system?
Truth be told, Biedrins might be the most fundamentally sound player on the Warriors, and he is progressing into an upper-echelon center.
He’s not pretty, but the Warriors could do a lot worse than putting the ball in his hands more.
And did we mention he’s probably the toughest player on the team as well as their biggest “team” guy.
3. Monta mending: Before Monta Ellis injured himself riding a moped this offseason, all the questions were about how and if he could play point guard for this team.
The discussion centered on — and rightfully so — whether Ellis could evolve into a true point guard and whether or not that was even in the best interest of the team.
However, after watching the Warriors through four games, it is now apparent: Ellis will be fine at point guard.
Fact is, even if Ellis struggles at the one, he’s going to be a significant upgrade over DeMarcus Nelson, C.J. Watson or even Jackson.
Negatives
1. Where are the young ’uns?: Don Nelson talked all summer of using Brandan Wright and Marco Belinelli. He also talked up the talent and skill level of rookie Anthony Randolph.
Through four games, Wright has played 24 minutes, Belinelli four minutes and Randolph a minute-and-a-half.
That’s not good.
2. Corey Maggette’s start: It hasn’t been a good beginning to his Warriors career. He’s shooting terribly from the field, and his hamstrings are acting up.
Certainly, Maggette’s field-goal percentage is going to improve, but he hasn’t proven he can score meaningful points or get to the line and convert in critical situations.
3. Point problem: DeMarcus Nelson is doing everything he can. Watson is giving you exactly what you’d expect he give you.
And Marcus Williams has been buried.
In other words, nothing has been resolved here.
Matt Steinmetz is the NBA insider for Warriors telecasts on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. E-mail him at msteinmetz@sfexaminer.com.
GAME DAY
Nuggets (1-2) vs. Warriors (1-3)
WHEN: Today, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Oracle Arena
TV: ESPN
RADIO: KNBR (680 AM)
