Former Connecticut forward Jeff Adrien has a good chance to make the regular-season roster of the Warriors, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. Golden State needs rebounding help and Adrien's non-guaranteed contract makes him an attractive piece as well. Adrien played in Spain last season. http://www.boston.com/sports/basket...one_is_buying_what_owners_are_selling/?page=5
He sounds to be really making a mark here. 6'7" but a 7'2" wingspan, a motor that doesn't quit, a heavy banger, ala Paul Milsap, very quick and explosive for his position, too, moving around much bigger bodies due to sheer power, what's not to like!?! Seems like he could be what we all wish Richard Hendrix would have been...
BW got yanked for unaggressiveness after playing about 3 minutes the game before last and last game he didn't get in at all. Smart is imploring that he be aggressive and use that athleticism to have an impact on the game. I really like this move by Smart. Wright is far too passive and we need our reserves to come in and play balls to the wall like any other good reserve PF/C. I know hes a lightweight but hes gotta find a way to mix it up more on the glass, be all over the place on defense, play physically in whatever capacity he can, etc. Hes got the athleticism, length, mobility, range, etc. to be a much better rebounder than hes showing. I like that Smart is sending the message that if Wright isn't going to have an impact he'll go with the significantly less talented but more active bigs that he has on the roster. If Wright isn't rebounding, defending, laying guys out in the paint, and making an impact then Amundson, Adrien, Udoh, etc. will get the minutes.
I like it too. At this point, despite the injuries and limited minutes, it's still make-or-break for BW. He can't afford another unremarkable season. Who knows what BW's shoulder is like -- dislocations are the worst types of injuries, and some never heal correctly. It's a huge psychological issue, I imagine, because you never know for sure if and when it will pop out, but when it does, it is apparently the most nauseating and horrific type of pain possible (at least of the sports-related injuries). So, GS can't afford to wait 3 more seasons. It's nothing against BW. It's just the nature of the game. And the game is starting to pass him by. He needs to have a break-out year, and show flashes of dominance, or else he will probably miss his chance, at least with the Warriors.
