Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins (22) is photographed during Media Day at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO — Post-practice routine typically has Steph Curry getting shots up by himself with assistant coach Bruce Fraser feeding him the ball. This year, someone is joining in.
Chris Paul was spotted running drills and getting shots up alongside Curry after each of the Warriors’ practices to kick off training camp. Two former rivals joining forces and brain powers; it’s one of many glimpses into how intent the Warriors are to coalesce a once-discombobulated locker room. Even before training camp began, Curry and Paul were organizing all-team mini camps from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to start building that bond.
It’s no secret the Warriors’ disjointed locker room last year was a primary reason for their mediocre record and early playoff exit. That dysfunction can be traced back to Draymond Green’s pre-season punch of Jordan Poole, but compounding the chemistry issues were injuries and a two-month, unexplained Andrew Wiggins absence. Months removed, Wiggins can reflect on the impact his absence had.
“I don’t think it was Jordan (Poole)’s fault for the lack of the team being connected, it was a bunch of things,” he said. “I wasn’t there for a long time and I would like to think I’m one of the key parts to the team defensively and offensively. Helping the team out everywhere I can.”
Wiggins, 28, has said he’s made it a goal to play all 82 games and compete for his second career All-Star appearance. Pushing last year’s absence aside, the Warriors could take a huge leap from last season if Wiggins can get back to his 2021-22 form. A roster now skewed even older and perhaps less athletic needs as much Wiggins as possible to defend opposing teams’ best player.
Wiggins said his body and mind feel good. He’s back on his path, and entering his 10th year in the NBA and fifth with the Warriors, he hopes to lead the way to get the team chemistry back buzzing.
“It is something that we know we needed more of last year that wasn’t really there,” he said. “It’s easier to win games at home where you’re comfortable, but to win on the road you have to be connected. Playing for one another, sharing the ball and everyone on the same page.”
Usman Garuba’s fit
The Warriors roster skews a little older and smaller, potentially relying on Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga to be the main sources of athleticism in the front court. But how about two-way player Usman Garuba?
The Rockets’ former first-round pick is 6-foot-8 and found himself on the fringes of Houston’s lineup for his inability to find a niche on offense. But the 21-year-old profiles as a player that can find a role, and perhaps some minutes, with the Warriors for his mobility on defense with a motor similar to Draymond Green.
“He’s got a high motor,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “They both play so hard and as a young player, Usman has a good sense of who he is and that’s a big part of succeeding in this league, is having an identity and a game, awareness of what your job is, what you’re role is. He has a good motor, good feel and I’m excited he’s here. He’s 21, first-round pick for a reason. He’s a talented guy and no-nonsense.”
Originally published at Shayna Rubin