O'Bryant might go to the development league? (see 2 next to last
paragraphs) -AL
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WARRIORS NOTEBOOK
Big men have to adjust in their contributions
Janny Hu, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, October 7, 2006


Warriors coach Don Nelson rebuffs the notion that centers, at least
traditional ones, don't have a place in his small ball system.

"If they're good big players," Nelson said, "Then they're going to
play."

Which may or may not be a comforting thought to the Warriors' center
threesome of Adonal Foyle, Andris Biedrins and Patrick O'Bryant.

The oft-maligned Foyle has been in and out of the starting lineup since
signing a hefty multi-year contract two summers ago. Biedrins, entering
his third season, is still adjusting to the physicality of the NBA, as
is the rookie O'Bryant.

Training camp began with Nelson's assertion that Foyle will have a
diminished role this season with Troy Murphy expected to be the
starting center. That leaves a pack of big men fighting for what appear
to be limited minutes in a guard-heavy attack.

"Every coach has what they think are comparative advantages," Foyle
said. "You kind of just get open to it, or you really shouldn't be in
this business."

Early reviews have been good on effort, mixed on results. Nelson
inserted Foyle into the first unit during scrimmaging Thursday night
and saw him zip a three-foot pass "100 miles an hour." Foyle also took
an out-of-position shot that was subsequently blocked and missed a few
defensive rotations, according to Nelson.

"Sometimes he looked like the old Foyle," Nelson said. "Most of the
times, he did the jobs I've asked him to do and he was better."

The 6-10 Foyle will essentially become a defensive specialist, as he
remains the Warriors' only legitimate shot-blocker. Though Nelson sees
better decision-making skills in Biedrins, the coach said the Latvian
center isn't necessarily an option on offense, either, and will look to
him as a rebounder.

As for O'Bryant, who was drafted specifically to fill the Warriors'
hole in the middle, Nelson said the rookie would not see much action
this year but was high on O'Bryant's potential.

The ninth overall pick is still recovering from a fractured foot and
could be a candidate for the development league, which Nelson said he
is in favor of utilizing so his youngsters can get playing time.

Briefly: Guard Monta Ellis (strained thigh) returned to scrimmaging
Friday, as did forward Zarko Cabarkapa (ankle) and rookie center
Patrick O'Bryant (fractured foot). ... The A's have at least one fan in
Nelson, who moved practice up by an hour Friday in order to attend the
A's playoff game later that afternoon. ... Golden State will hold a
free open practice Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Arena in Oakland.

E-mail Janny Hu at jhu@sfchronicle.com.

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