Today's Warriors.com Daily Journal entry... http://www.nba.com/warriors/news/training_...aily_diary.html
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">October 6, 2005 Derek Fisher and Jason Richardson talk after practice on Thursday (courtesy BYU-Hawaii) He's been in Hawaii for training camp several times throughout his outstanding career. On most occasions, he's ventured to paradise with an extremely successful team that was about to enter a season with lofty expectations. And, most of the time, his teams featured a dominant player in the backcourt. Yes, Derek Fisher is back in familiar territory. Not with the Lakers. Not with Kobe Bryant. Instead, he's on Oahu in October with the Warriors, Baron Davis and with a squad that thinks it can be pretty special this year. Fisher, who signed a free agent contract with the Warriors last summer, has been one of the most impressive players in training camp, including Thursday's lengthy practice when he might have been the best - or second best - player on the floor. The 6'1" guard has done all of the little things Coach Mike Montgomery expects from his veteran in the early stages of camp --- make open shots, deliver the ball to his teammates and play solid defense. These are the intangibles the Warriors know that he will provide, along with the leadership that a player with three NBA championship rings can generate. In addition to his solid play in camp, Fisher has served as a mentor to a couple of the club's young players, including Ike Diogu and Monta Ellis, who have been paired with Fisher in the second unit in most drills and scrimmages. He has spent a lot of time consoling both of the rookies during practice and has provided encouragement to the youngsters during breaks in the action. On top of those responsibilities, he's had to spend a great majority of practice time trying to defend the ultra quick and talented Davis, who has left many of his teammates and casual observes speechless with his scintillating play at various times in camp. Despite the competition, Fisher and Davis are best of friends and have developed a strong sense of respect among their teammates. Davis, who has never been shy about expressing his opinion and imparting his basketball knowledge on his teammates, has been the most vocal of the Warriors in training camp. The players thrive on Davis' talkative nature and actually welcome it. During Thursday's scrimmage, Davis penetrated into the lane on several occasions and found center Adonal Foyle wide open for lay-ups and dunks. On one particular play, Foyle reacted a little slowly and was not in position to catch one of Davis' passes, which would have led directly to an easy bucket. "Come on Adonal, you've got to be quicker to the ball," said Davis, who ranked fourth in the NBA in assists during the 2003-04 season (7.5). Less than five minutes later, Davis approached Foyle at midcourt during a break, slapped his hand and provided his positive reinforcement. "Don't worry big fella," said the Warriors' point guard. "We'll get our timing down." Davis' ability to communicate with his teammates has not gone unnoticed with the squad and the team's management. He simply has something special - leadership qualities, respect of his teammates, proven results, etc. - that commands their attention and does so in a most appropriate manner. "That is what is so impressive about Baron," said Warriors' Executive V.P. of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin. "He has the innate ability to make a passionate remark to a teammate in the heat of battle and then follow that up with a pat on the back and an explanation. That is what great leaders do. I've seen him do it five times in training camp already." Baron Davis and Head Coach Mike Montgomery after practice at the Warriors Training Camp in Hawaii. (courtesy BYU-Hawaii) In addition to his instructions on the court, Davis has kept the team loose during the entire camp, including bus rides and team meals. As the team traveled back to their Turtle Bay Resort hotel on Wednesday night, Davis was soliciting the Warriors three rookies - Diogu, Ellis and Chris Taft - to sing for the rest of the players. He explained to the rookies that he had to sing solo acts on bus rides when he was a rookie in the NBA and that it was time for them to do the same. If not, they would have to turn over some of their per diem. "Come on Chris Taft, let me see what you have," shouted Davis from the back of the bus. "Monta, how do you 'all sing down in Mississippi? Ike Diogu, pull that iPod out of your ear and sing to us." Unfortunately - or fortunately, as it might be - none of the rookies had the courage to provide any tunes. Despite his failed to attempt to elicit a few notes from the newest members of the team, it's quite evident that all of his teammates and staff members are singing his praises. "There is so much liveliness at this camp," said Mitch Richmond, the team's Special Assistant. "We did not have that last year. These guys really enjoy being around each other and I think you need to give Baron a lot of the credit for that. He has set the tone for everybody else, both on and off the court." Both Davis and Fisher are expected to play a key role in the leadership department for Golden State this season. If the first three days of training camp are any indication, the Warriors are certainly in good</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"Come on Chris Taft, let me see what you have," shouted Davis from the back of the bus. "Monta, how do you 'all sing down in Mississippi? Ike Diogu, pull that iPod out of your ear and sing to us."</div> Haha let the hazing begin. Monta, Chris Taft, and Ike wouldn't sing on the bus so they had to pay up. At least there are more rookies this year to carry all the luggage. Every rookie, no matter what team, has to carry all the teammates luggage. Even the Bobcats star Emeka Okafor and Carmelo Anthony in his rookie year and even Lebron James.
