Warriors rookie Randolph must impress in practice
By Curtis Pashelka
Bay Area News Group
Posted: 01/03/2009 06:49:47 PM PST
MINNEAPOLIS — Warriors coaches orchestrated a few games of two-on-two involving some of the team's younger players Saturday afternoon inside a practice facility on the bottom floor of the Target Center.
The games were physical at times, as assistant coach Russell Turner kept score and rarely called fouls.
If Anthony Randolph wants to play significant minutes in a game, chances are, he'll have to make his impression during such workouts.
Coach Don Nelson said Friday that Randolph will be "on ice for a while" until the 2008 first-round draft choice proves to coaches in practice that he's ready to play in an NBA game.
"You're going to have a lot of heat on you because you're young. And sometimes the coaches want to see your reaction, and how you handle stuff," said Corey Maggette, the only player there Saturday with more than three years' experience. "That's what it's about. But as a player, you have to be totally professional because this is a man's game."
Randolph, who has not played in 12 of the Warriors' 35 games, including the past three, said the coaching staff wants him to make plays and improve his rebounding.
Randolph reached double figures in rebounding against Orlando and Houston in December, games where he played over 24 minutes. Overall, he's averaging 13.4 minutes, 5.9 points and 4.3 rebounds.
"I can't control what somebody thinks about me," Randolph said. "When I get my minutes, I'm going to playhard, like I do every game."
Forward Brandan Wright, in a similar situation as a rookie last season, said: "It can be tough, but he's just got to keep his head. He'll be all right. He's a smart kid."