by Jerry Feitelberg

It was Media Day Monday afternoon at the Warriors practice facility in downtown Oakland. There were about 100 journalists in attendance as the Dubs pre-season opens Tuesday.The World Champions had a short off-season, but many of the players had busy summers. Steph Curry became a father for the second time as he and his wife welcomed a new baby girl to the family. Steph traveled to China and was surprised by the knowledge of the Chinese people regarding basketball in general and the NBA in particular. The Media asked Steph if he was changed by all the adulation that has come his way, and his response was.” I’m still the same old me.”

Andre Iguodala was next on the podium. Andre was all smiles. He was the MVP in the NBA finals and mentioned that he was ready for the season. He said that he had played basketball all his life and is looking for the new season. He said that the training routine is still the “same ole, same ole.” He thought the Klay Thompson wore down late in the season, but Klay said that did not happen. Klay felt great all year. Klay was very proud to visit the Bahamas and spend time with his relatives. Klay’s father was born in the Bahamas.
Draymond Green was up next. Draymon signed a big contract with the Warriors after the Finals. Green made a large donation to his school, Michigan State. He said that the University had a huge influence on his life and wanted to give back to the place that helped him become a man.

Mo Speights spoke briefly, and Australian Andrew Bogut told the media that he doesn’t care if the Dubs play “small ball” or “tall ball.” He knows that the Warriors have different situations, and it doesn’t matter to him if he doesn’t get a lot of minutes. He understands what coach Steve Kerr is doing and will do whatever the team needs. Other speakers were Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli, Jason Thompson and Shaun Livington.
Barnes answered questions regarding his contract negotiations. Barnes felt that they would be done before the season started but didn’t wants to get into specifics. Ezeli talked about coming to the United States from Nigeria. He also spoke about going to college at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennesse and his time spent with former NBA star, also from Nigeria, Hakeem Olajuwon. Jason Thompson, all six feet eleven of him, was quite effusive about the trade that brought him to the Warriors. Thompson played with the Sacramento Kings for seven years and never made the playoff. Jason was traded to his hometown Philadelphia 76ers, but the Sixers made the trade that brought him here.

The players all said that were excited to be defending their championship. They know that all the teams in the NBA will be gunning for them. They also said that this will be year two of coach Kerr’s system and that they should be better. There is no question that the Warrior fans were treated to an exciting season. The Dubs won 67 games and the playoffs in Steve Kerr’s first year as head coach. The Dubs pointed out that many of the players are young and hope to play together and getter better this year and for several years beyond. The season starts Tuesday, October 27th at the Oracle Arena against the New Orleans Pelicans.