October 8, 2007

Like my score, my golfing buddies are not to be made public. (warriors.com photo)

MONDAY MORNING, TURTLE BAY
The Warriors are leaving for their final practice on the North Shore before heading to Honolulu for their two preseason games.

I chatted with Warriors Assistant Coach Keith Smart about the progress of the camp and yesterday’s day off. To listen to the interview, click here.

DAY OFF
Yesterday, everyone got a rare day off. The coaching staff had a golf tournament on the wonderful course at Turtle Bay Resort, home of the Charles Schwab Cup. The results have not been released to the media, but I believe that the head coach ended up winning the contest.

I also played some golf yesterday, but the results of that outing are not in the public domain and my fellow participants are sworn to secrecy.

The players went a different route, as they took part in a game of paintball. It seemed like everyone had a good time and some of the guys actually drew up plays and strategies to further their success.

I have this vision, though, of a 6’11 Andris Biedrins trying to hide behind a barrier to keep from getting hit. That seems humorous.

MAILBAG

Question
Hi Tim,
Do the Warriors have any plans for Zarko Cabarkapa or Pierre Pierce? It seems like both have talent. Zarko in some ways looks like a Nellie-type of player. What do you think? I was reading how Pierce was very strong with the ball in summer games. Did he impress anyone in camp?
Thanks,
Vaughn

Answer
Vaughn,
Zarko is not in camp and I have not heard if he has been invited elsewhere. I am not sure where he is in his recovery from back surgery. I would expect to find him in Europe somewhere this year. If he improves his jump shot and consistency, then I would expect him to find his way back to the NBA. Pierce had a good summer league and he did impress the coaching staff, but I don't believe they thought he was ready for an NBA point guard position. That's why they went out and signed Troy Hudson, who gives them an experienced backup who really needs to have a good season.
Take Care and Aloha from Hawaii,
Tim

Andris Biedrins and his Warriors teammates played paintball during their off day on Sunday. (photo: Monique Saenz)

Question
Thanks for the news from training camp. The Warriors have their fans all over the world, including myself in Poland. Good to hear the players are having fun and that Patrick O’Bryant and Al Harrington are visibly showing progress. What kind of shape is Andris Biedrins in after spending the summer with the Latvian National Team? Can you see any significant signs of further improvement of his offensive game? Can you see him as a guy who can average 15 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks per game this season? Is there anything done during training camp to help him stay out of foul trouble?
Piotr
Warsaw, Poland

Answer
Piotr,
Thanks, and as always, the world-wide connection to the Warriors is warriors.com and the good folks there are working hard to make it one of the best sites in sports. Andris, like most everyone else, appears to be in good shape and I think his offensive game is improving and with the work of shooting coach Sidney Moncrief, he can hopefully improve his free-throw shooting percentage. I don’t think there is any doubt that Andris has a chance to be a double-double guy for years to come. As far as the foul problems go, I think Andris was making strides to improve that toward the end of last season.
Thanks for the interest,
Tim

Any broadcaster would love to cover a guy like Pat Burke. (photo: Monique Saenz)

Question
Thanks Tim, I am so glad that Monta is going to be OK and it was great to hear my question answered by Nellie himself in your previous entry. I am a huge Warriors fan and am looking forward to this season. I do have another question: Do you think Pat Burke and or Tierre Brown have a chance of making this team? I think Burke’s sense of humor would go over real well with this fun-loving group.
Patty

Answer
Patty,
I think the numbers and the players here would make it difficult to keep either Burke or Brown. Both guys would be great to have as insurance, but I don't know if they have a real shot. Selfishly, from the announcer’s standpoint, I would love to have Pat around as he seems like a good guy. And you’re right about his sense of humor – just check out these videos from last year when he was with the Suns. Video 1 | Video 2
Aloha,
Tim

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