On the Warriors: Randolph looks like a four, Hendrix looks like a longshot

July 10, 10:16 AMGolden State Warriors ExaminerMatt Steinmetz

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Anthony Randolph

The Warriors’ summer league team opens play on Friday, so their two rookies _ Anthony Randolph and Richard Hendrix _ are worth some mentions.

Let’s start with Randolph, the long and lanky left-hander selected with the No. 14 pick.

The hope is that Randolph will play the small forward position, giving the Warriors a versatile playmaker type from the perimeter. But if Randolph gets any playing time this year, it will come at power forward.

So far, Randolph’s instincts in the paint are far better than his instincts on the wing. He’s got a nose for the ball in traffic and has clever ways to be effective down there. The fact he’s left-handed can sometimes give him a little edge inside.
 

Rony Turiaf

In Don Nelson’s system it’s easier to play the four rather than three, which also will likely nudge Randolph to that position. The Warriors think Randolph may eventually be able to play some point forward, but that seems to be a long ways away.

Which brings us to Hendrix, whom the Warriors selected with the No. 49 pick. When Hendrix was introduced to the Bay Area media a little while ago, Nelson suggested he had a chance to earn some playing time in his first year.

The reality now, however, is that Hendrix may have difficulty making the team. Signing Rony Turiaf to an offer sheet didn’t help Hendrix’s cause one bit, and it will get even worse if and when Turiaf signs that offer sheet.

Obviously, Andris Biedrins will likely be back at center, and Brandan Wright already has been promised playing time at power forward. Don’t forget, Al Harrington is still a Warrior, and he is a flat-out frontcourt player in Nelson’s system.

Don Nelson

Kosta Perovic also has a guaranteed contract for 2008-09, and until he spurns the NBA to play in Europe, he’s going to occupy a roster spot. And as stated above, the fact that Randolph is more of a four than a three doesn’t help Hendrix, either.

Perhaps most significant could be Louis Amundson, a former King. Amundson’s agent said recently that his client would not practice or play for the Warriors’ summer league team unless he had a guaranteed contract.

Well, he’s been practicing with the Warriors’ summer-league team.