Toscano-Anderson checks another box
Oakland native sailed waters of SF Bay for 1st time
SAN FRANCISCO » Juan Toscano-Anderson has spent his whole life a stone’s throw from the San Francisco Bay but never taken more than a ferry ride on its turquoise water. Not until Thursday, when a group of Warriors players and coaches chartered a boat prior to the Giants’ playoff game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The product of East Oakland’s 95th Avenue is still getting accustomed to the charmed life of an NBA player.
“The boat was beautiful. That was my first time actually being out there not on the ferry. That was my first time ever. I’ve been here for 28 years. New experiences for the kid,” Toscano-Anderson said before Golden State’s final preseason tuneup Friday night against Portland.
The Warriors canceled practice Thursday and opted for some team bonding beneath the Golden Gate Bridge instead.
Coach Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody were all pictured on the boat flying a San Francisco Giants flag in various social media posts.
Sometimes a little rest and relaxation can be more beneficial than another day of practice, Toscano-Anderson said.
“It was a rest day, for real,” he said. “Sometimes it’s good to step away from the gym and take a break. We’re so hyperfocused on our craft, spending hours and hours in this gym. I think mentally exercising your mind is, if not more important, then just as important as working on your jumper and lifting weights. So it was a pretty cool day, very relaxing.”
Kerr has commented on the “good vibes” of the group of players this sea
son, and Toscano-Anderson echoed that sentiment prior to their preseason finale.
“I think this team is a little different than last year’s team. I like the bond that we have,” Toscano-Anderson said. “There’s a lot of experience on this team. A lot of charismatic guys, which I can appreciate. A lot of laughs. … Not saying that last year wasn’t a great team, it’s just a different experience this year with different personalities. I’m excited for it.”
The outcome inside Oracle Park Thursday night likely didn’t devastate anybody on board.
Kerr, a native of Southern California, has been a lifelong Dodgers fan. Toscano-Anderson reps the A’s.
Toscano-Anderson wears his roots on his chest. His No. 95 jersey is an homage to his upbringing in East Oakland.
Before he broke in with the Warriors two seasons ago, Toscano-Anderson cut his teeth playing professionally in Mexico and in the NBA’s G League. Now 28 years old, this autumn is the first time he’s had a secure spot on a roster entering an NBA season.
“As much as I would like to say I’m the same guy, I’m not,” Toscano-Anderson said prior to the preseason. “As you can imagine, it was just a lot more that comes with being in the NBA but also being from my hometown. It was a lot but it is what it is and I’m appreciative of it and I’m appreciative of the opportunity that I have.”