Bell is learning to keep guard up
It didn’t take Jordan Bell long to understand some of the pitfalls that come with his newfound celebrity. As a member of the Warriors, he needs to be aware of things that he once gave no thought: where he takes pictures, goes to eat, even drives his car.
With Bell making his case for Golden State’s starting-center job as DeMarcus Cousins recovers from a torn left Achilles tendon, the 2017 second-round pick’s profile figures only to rise in coming months. It will be important not to forget all he already has learned about keeping his family safe.
“It’s not college anymore,” Bell said after practice Monday. “Obviously, we’re on a bigger stage. You’ve just got to keep your personal stuff protected.”
Last fall, before he even started his first NBA training camp, Bell posted a promotional ad to Instagram for a fashion company with his dog, Prince. The photo, taken from his balcony, showed Lake Merritt in the background and revealed the location of his apartment to his almost 300,000 followers.
Soon thereafter, a man wearing glasses and a backpack started waiting outside Bell’s complex. At first, Bell didn’t think much of it, signing autographs for the fan before he headed to his apartment. But when that same man kept arriving day after day, Bell knew something was wrong.
While Bell was with the Warriors on a road trip in November, his girlfriend, Carissa West, took their two dogs for a walk one night. Bell’s stalker grabbed West by the shoulder and asked her if Bell was around. Fearing for his girlfriend’s safety, Bell notified the police and the head of team security, Ralph Walker.
Within weeks, Bell, West and their apartment mate, Shelly Brown, moved to a quieter neighborhood nearby. Now, nearly a year later, Bell is still trying to get his last complex to let him break his lease without penalty because of the circumstances.
“It’s one of those things you see in movies or shows, but I never thought it’d happen — especially to me,” Bell said. “I mean, I’m not KD (Kevin Durant ) or Steph (Curry).”
McCaw update: Guard Patrick McCaw declined his oneyear, $1.7 million qualifying offer with the Warriors, allowing Monday night’s deadline to pass as he remains a restricted free agent.
McCaw reportedly is considering a two-year, $5 million contract, with the second year not guaranteed. Because McCaw is a restricted free agent, any offer he receives from another team can be matched by the Warriors.
McCaw has missed five Golden State practices. Asked Monday afternoon about McCaw’s situation, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said, “We think about. We talk about it, but we go about our business.”
“We’re on a bigger stage. You’ve just got to keep your personal stuff protected.” Jordan Bell, Warriors forward/center