Trail Blazers vs Warriors Friday, 11/20/09 AT 07:30PM

Getting to know the opponent: Q&A with Warriors.com

11/19/09

Written by: Max Mandel

Although it was only three years ago, the 2006-2007 playoff run must feel like a distant memory for Golden State Warriors fans. Key faces like Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson, Jason Richardson, and Al Harrington have all been traded away or departed through free agency. In an effort to get back to the playoffs, the Warriors have decided to build a young nucleus around Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, and Andris Biedrins. In order to get a better sense for what this young Warriors team will bring to the table on Friday night, we decided to check in with Andy Fahey of Warriors.com to discuss the recent trade and how the young core of guys is performing this season.

I am a Trail Blazers fan: The Warriors just pulled off one of the first trades of the NBA season, sending away the talented but frustrated Stephen Jackson. How has the team responded to the trade and the new faces that were brought in?

Andy Fahey: The Warriors have played two games since the trade – at Cleveland and at Boston on back-to-back nights. That’s a tough draw for any team, let alone one suffering from so many injuries. Despite being undermanned,  the Warriors hung tough with both the Cavs and the Celtics before ultimately falling in each contest. Despite the defeats, the Warriors have played well since the trade. The team is playing together and players are stepping up. Corey Maggette has definitely picked his game up, and the same can be said for Stephen Curry. Monta Ellis, meanwhile, is playing like the superstar that he is quickly becoming.

I am a Trail Blazers fan: When he was drafted by the Warriors, it seemed like Stephen Curry was being placed in the perfect system for his game. What have your impressions been of Curry so far, and how is he adjusting to the NBA?

Andy Fahey: Stephen Curry is coming along just fine. His high basketball IQ and strong passing ability more than make up for his lack of size. Plus, he’s a much better defender than what many people give him credit for. He positions himself well and has the ability to read passing lanes, which has led to him averaging more than a steal a game. Since Monday’s trade, Curry has averaged 13.5 points, 7.0 assists and 2.0 steals. If he can cut down on his turnovers, he has a legitimate shot at Rookie of the Year Honors. For more on his adjustment to the NBA, check out his blog at http://www.nba.com/warriors/fanzone/curry_blog.html.

I am a Trail Blazers fan: One of the most talented young forwards in the league is Anthony Randolph. Why hasn't Randolph been able to earn consistent playing time, and how has he developed since last season?

Andy Fahey: First off, Randolph is only 20 years old. He’s still developing, both physically and as a basketball player.  With young big men, it often takes some time to develop, as I’m sure you’re aware of with Greg Oden. Randolph does have a world of talent and potential, but at this point is far from a finished product as a basketball player. He was bothered by some back issues earlier in the season and he does get in foul trouble from time to time, so that might explain his lack of consistent playing time. However, he has played at least 20 minutes in all but three games this season and he is being counted on even more right now with the current slate of injuries to the team’s big men. 

I am a Trail Blazers fan: Who is one guy that might not receive a lot of national attention that Trail Blazers fans should keep their eyes on when these teams meet?

Andy Fahey: Anthony Morrow. He went undrafted out of Georgia Tech in 2008, was signed to play professionally in the Ukraine before he absolutely killed it in Summer League last year and earned an invite to the team’s training camp. Morrow is one of the top, if not the top, pure shooters in the NBA. He led the league in three-point percentage as a rookie last season and he is now shooting 50 percent from long distance. He’s become more than just a shooter in his second season and is capable of a big game on any night of the week. If you think Ray Allen has a picturesque jump shot, just wait until you see Morrow.

I am a Trail Blazers fan: The front court has been ravaged by injuries, with both Ronny Turiaf and Andris Biedrins missing significant time. When are both expected to return to action, and what impact will their return have on the team?

Andy Fahey: Both players are nearing full recovery. There’s no definite return date on either, as each has to see how they respond to rehab workouts. But from the looks of things, we’re thinking/hoping that it will be sooner rather than later. Without Biedrins and Turiaf, both of whom started on Opening Night by the way, the Warriors are under-sized against every opponent they face. Even when healthy, the Warriors don’t have an abundance of size on their roster. But when they do return, look for the Warriors’ rebounding and defense to pick up tremendously.
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