Andris Biedrins has been terrific, but he's not 'maxing out' like C.J. Watson

December 30, 5:57 PMGolden State Warriors ExaminerMatt Steinmetz

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Andris Biedrins: Nice season, but he's no C.J. Watson 

Let's take it one step further with the whole C.J. Watson having best season of any Warrior thing. The only other two players in the discussion are Andris Biedrins and Ronny Turiaf.

There's No's all the way around with Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette and Jamal Crawford. And there’s no way Kelenna Azubuike, Brandan Wright or Anthony Randolph are in the running.

Marco Belinelli hasn’t been doing it long enough.

As for Turiaf, he’s been very helpful, but Watson’s done a little more overall.

Here’s why it’s not Biedrins. Trust me, this is not easy to do. This is about the guy most playing up to his ability and potential. I'm a big Biedrins' Guy. But here we go:

? While Biedrins has been solid and consistent for the most part overall, he has tapered off since a nice start to the season. Facts are facts and he began the season with 10 straight double-doubles and he's has had eight in the 23 games since. (Seriously, I hate doing this).

? Biedrins’ defense has been pretty good, which makes him hugely valuable on the Warriors, but it’s only been pretty good. It hasn’t been outstanding. Just better than average.

? The more Biedrins is asked to do the less effective he’s become. Biedrins averaged seven shots per game last season; this year, he's averaging 10-plus. Last year, he shot .626 from the field; this year he’s at .551.

? He's missing a lot more chippies this year than he used to.

? This last one really hurts: His foul shooting has taken a similar turn for the worse. Last year Biedrins shot 62 percent from the line; this year he’s down to 56 percent.

Again, it’s hard not to wonder if Biedrins’ 24/7 cycle of basketball _ NBA season, Latvian basketball summer, NBA season _ is catching up with him a little bit.

One last time, Biedrins is about the least of the Warriors’ problems these days. The kid’s a gamer and a keeper. We just leaned Watson’s way on this one.

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