GREEN MISSES FIRST DAY OF TRAINING CAMP
Head coach Kerr says veteran forward has an ‘excused absence’
SAN FRANCISCO » Andrew Wiggins was present for the Warriors’ first official day of training camp Tuesday, but Draymond Green’s absence continued into a second day.
Green, who also missed media day Monday and was spotted at the Rams’ game in Los Angeles on Sunday, has a hall pass for now, according to coach Steve Kerr, who said the team has been in contact with Green over the past week.
“He’s got an excused absence until he’s ready to come up,” Kerr said following the Warriors’ first practice of training camp. “Because of the nature of what’s going on, certain things always take precedence over basketball.”
Wiggins’ vaccination status is the question of the week. If unvaccinated, he could be forced to miss every Warriors home game under San Francisco rules that take effect Oct. 13.
Kerr did not have an update regarding Wiggins’ potential eligibility, but said he was a full participant in practice. For now, the Warriors are preparing as if Wiggins will be their starting small forward, Kerr said.
“If you tried to get ready for every contingency, you’d be running around in circles,” Kerr said. “Andrew’s practicing. He looks great. He’s in good spirits. His teammates love him. His coaches love him. We’re happy that he’s in the building. We’re all just working and getting ready for the season, and we’ll adapt accordingly.”
‘OLD KLAY’ BACK AT PRACTICE, WINS SHOOTING COMPETITION » Klay Thompson apparently gave an accurate assessment of his progress in rehabbing his right Achilles tendon on Monday. “I can make a lot of jumpshots,” Thompson told reporters.
On Tuesday, he paired with newly signed backcourt mate Avery Bradley to win the shooting competition in practice. The prize? A WWE-style belt.
Thompson, who is still recovering from the Achilles injury, was not limited at all in practice Tuesday, Kerr said. When the Warriors scrimmage for the first time Wednesday, however, Thompson will sit out.
“He was shooting the lights out,” Kerr said. “He was smiling, laughing, joking around. It was really fun to see the old Klay back.”
BRADLEY’S BACKCOURT CHANCES » Bradley may have partnered with him to claim the shooting competition belt, but it’s his defense that most excites Kerr.
“Avery’s been a pro for a long time, and he’s one of the best on-ball defenders in the league,” Kerr said following Tuesday’s practice.
Bradley, while an unlikely
candidate to win the starting shooting guard role in Thompson’s stead, is one of the players battling for the final spot on the roster.
Golden State inked the 30-year-old Tacoma, Washington, native to a contract following a workout last month as the team searches for depth in its backcourt. Since being drafted by the Celtics in 2010, Bradley has bounced around the league.
“It’s cool to be on the other side with these guys, learning how they play and learning the tricks of how
to create shot opportunities for yourself,” Bradley said Tuesday. “They’re very clever.”
If Bradley earns a spot on Golden State’s roster, it will be because of his defense and shooting ability, a role he said he got comfortable with playing alongside LeBron James and Co. with the Lakers.
“When I got to the Lakers, I was able to find my role, focus on defense and make open shots,” Bradley said. “I feel like this is a similar situation.”
As for Kerr’s assessment
of his defense, Bradley concurs.
“I know every guard around the NBA; they know about me,” Bradley said. “They’d better be prepared because I’m going to come after them every single possession. … I honestly feel the same way. I might be the best on-ball defender in the NBA. I just have to go out there and prove it.”
BRING THEM BACK » On stage, Bradley used the platform to advocate for the Sonics’ return to Seattle.
He was facing a friendly crowd, with multiple reporters in the room (this one included) identifying with the Pacific Northwest, and was lobbed a softball.
“It would mean everything to me. Everything,” Bradley said, repeating himself for emphasis. “I would love to call this home and finish my career here if the opportunity’s there. But I would love to finish up at home as well, if I could. I miss the Seattle Sonics. And I know every NBA player from the state of Washington feels the same way.”
Bradley was competing with a fellow Washingtonian to earn an invite to training camp.
He had to beat out Isaiah Thomas, whose history with Bradley goes back to their high school days in Tacoma.