McCaw sits out camp, angling for better deal
OAKLAND >> As he continues to work toward a new contract with the Warriors, Patrick McCaw missed practice again Wednesday. Not a problem.
“That’s my teammate, my brother,” said Warriors star Stephen Curry. “At the end of the day, I hope he’s got good people in his corner, giving him sound advice and what not. We want him here on the team. We know he can help us win. Put him on a platform to shine so he can be a longtime NBA player.”
Over the summer, the Warriors extended a qualifying offer worth $1.7 million, making him
a restricted free agent. However, McCaw is angling for a two-year deal with the Warriors in hopes of entering free agency in 2020 as an unrestricted free agent, according to sources. Time is ticking for McCaw to make a decision, as he has until Oct. 1 to accept the Warriors offer before it’s rescinded.
• With LeBron James joining the Lakers, it’s easy to assume the Warriors will have extra motivation playing against their Southern California rival. Curry doesn’t see it that way.
“We’ll scout the Lakers just like we scout any other team,” Curry said. “It’s not that much difference. If you need any more reason to get up for a guy like LeBron. Find whatever you need to get ready.”
• Andre Iguodala sat out Wednesday’s scrimmage with a rib issue, coach Steve Kerr said. While the injury seems minor, it’s always cause for concern when Iguodala is hurting, given
his age (34), his importance to the team and his history. Iguodala missed 18 games last season recovering from injuries to his back and ankle. Most notably, he missed six consecutive postseason games after sustaining a leg contusion in the Western Conference finals against Houston.
• Jacob Evans, the Warriors’ first-round draft pick, was expected to get an early look for minutes in the preseason, and so far he’s making the most of it.
“Jacob is really good defensively,” said Kerr. “Strong. He doesn’t get
pushed around at all.”
Kerr’s words aren’t surprising when you look at Evans’ college career. During his junior season at Cincinnati, he averaged 1.3 steals and a block a game as he was one of the top defenders in the American Athletic Conference. His biggest need for development is on the offensive end, where he’s struggled to find a consistent shot. After a poor shooting display in summer league, Evans worked with assistant coaches Willie Green and Chris DeMarco to get more arc on his jump shot. Now,
that work is paying off.
“He’s got a good feel,” Kerr said. “I think he can be a good shooter, but it takes time.”
• Tyler Ulis was the last camp invite, but he’s finding ways to impress the coaching staff.
“Tyler Ulis really knows how to play,” said Kerr. “He’s a really smart player, sees the floor, and gets us into our offense.”
Ulis, who was signed on the eve of training camp, was a surprise free agent this season after getting released by the Suns in the summer.