Warriors players reflect on disappointing 2025-26 NBA season, preview offseason

Golden State Warriors players speak to reporters during their end-of-season media availability on Monday at Chase Center.

Warriors players reflect on disappointing 2025-26 NBA season, preview offseason originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

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What, how's your foot doing?

it's in a good spot.

Yeah, it was, definitely an unfortunate ending of the season for me with the, with the foot, and it was kinda one of those things that shouldn't have taken so long, but I kept trying to play through it, and I put myself back.

but yeah, I was, I was hoping to make a return in, you know, the first round, first, versus, OKC, but didn't end up that way.

But, I feel good that in, probably one to two weeks, I, I should be in a, a better place for sure.

What do you think the, the biggest difference for you was between the first half and the second half of the season?

let's see.

First half, second half, I mean, obviously I went through a lot of roles on the team.

I, I was a starter at some point.

Al came back.

He started playing really well.

Porziis, we traded for him.

so yeah, my role went down for sure.

Jimmy went down, which as a team we obviously took a hit.

So yeah, I think that's the biggest thing, like, just as a, just my role on the team changed.

What's your focus going What, what are you gonna focus on this off season?

What, what time?

I think I just wanna play a, a bunch of basketball.

I'm planning to play with my national team.

I think it would be good for me to put myself in different situations basketball-wise.

obviously work on the things that, keep me in the NBA, which is shooting the ball.

I think I made big strides defensively this year, and I, I think I also made strides being a f- a finisher around the basket.

so keep working on those things.

I wanna, lean out my body a little bit.

Like, what I, what I learned, you gotta be strong enough to, to hold your own, but it's, it's a, it's a, it's a fast league.

You play against a fast team every other night.

being able to run up and down the court, slide your feet defensively.

So, my first year I made a, a huge, step in, strength.

Obviously you wanna keep that, building that, but, the biggest thing is being able to run up and down f- floor for a whole, whole game.

And how long do you think it's gonna take for you to get back on the court, for your foot to heal?

I would assume, I think I'll, I'll be back in about two weeks, and start ramping it up from there.

Just with all your different roles this season, how do you feel about your future with, with this team going forward?

Yeah, obviously, I'm in, what am I?

I'm a unres- I'm a unrestricted free agent un- until the Warriors, wanna make an offer.

I've loved my time my two years here.

I, I appreciate Mike and Steve for taking a chance on me, drafting me.

I would love to be here for, as long as possible.

So, we'll be in touch, with them and my agent, and, we'll see where it goes.

But I love it here.

love the opportunity that I've gotten.

would love to be here.

Hi, Guers.

Hi.

How can, what can you say about how this group stuck together through so many ups and downs?

I mean, with losing Jimmy and Steph being out for long stretches, and just all the injuries, but still you guys were playing, playing for, you know, playoffs- Yeah and, and not e- not easy.

Not a lot of continuity.

No, 100%.

I mean, the, I don't know what the stat is, but we had so many different starting line-ups all year around.

But, yeah, the only The, you can only look at these things from, like, a, a positive lens, right?

Like, you, you, obviously it absolutely sucks what happened to Jimmy, what happened to Mo.

You have these guys out.

But look at Gee, look at BP, the way they improved their games.

Pat got a real chance, you know.

Like, and I love those guys, and seeing them succeed, like, made me, like, super happy obviously.

so you look at those stories and you look at Yeah, we just had so much bad luck with the injuries and we still m- you know, almost made the playoffs.

We beat a, beat that Clipper team, which was a, a great w- win for us.

So you just gotta look at the positives and, we're excited for next year.

H- how do you think you kinda handled your role changing from here to there?

Like, was, was that difficult at all?

It's, I always knew that, that it was part of, you know, part of the NBA.

And, the only thing, you know, there's never an excuse to not be a good teammate.

So, whether I was playing or being on the bench, and now I have this injury, you know, you always, you try to be there.

You try to be in good spirits and, support guys however you can.

Steve's future is obviously the biggest thing hanging over this team right now.

How, within the locker room, how do you guys view what might happen at the head coach spot?

yeah, I don't know.

I mean, Steve is an absolute legend, of course, and I've learned so much from him in the last two years, seeing how his mind works, seeing how he approaches and, the, the game.

And I, I think he, he loves this organization.

I think he loves this team.

and, I think he's absolutely brilliant and I, I think everybody hopes that he's back.

And, but also, we, you know, he's been in this league for so long.

He's had so much s- success, so you also, you know, he needs to make his own decision, and he needs to do what makes him happy.

But, I hope he's back.

I think everybody else hopes he's back.

but he ne- ne- needs to make that decision for himself.

You took, you took such, such tremendous strides in your career this season.

What do you, what do you think you're gonna remember most from this year?

Man, it was a tough year, you know, a lot of adversities.

So, but at the same time, if you look to the personal standpoint, that was good for me.

So I have the opportunity to grow.

when, the opportunity, shows up for me, I was just, like, ready and working a lot on my game so I can show a little bit more what I can do.

And if, I think the favorite memo- m- moment for me is, like, I was, talking about that, too, with the coaches.

we were in Phoenix, that, that game the, right after the trade deadline.And, that was a special game, you know.

I, I had the layup to, to like us to get in f- like I think it was nine- seven-nine-seven, then was nine-seven-nine-nine us.

but when Steve draw up a play for me for the first time, and I was like, "Oh, damn, that's like, that's different now."

Like, I'm not just being, you know, a guy like crash and energy guy.

He was like, "Draw a play on Gui.

You got the ball when you play the pick and roll."

That was, I think, the my favorite moment like that I realized how much my role has changed in the team at that time.

You obviously, you got your extension done, you know, during the season.

Does that change anything for you going into the, the, the summer knowing that you have that security that you're gonna be here?

Like, how does that affect your prep?

So for me, with extension, it was great.

Like I told you, like I told you guys, it was great, the great feeling.

Now you got the security that my family's good, you know.

So that of course, give us the security, a little bit more security.

But at the same time, I'm, I'm a, I'm the type of guy that I always want more, you know.

So now I got the security, now I gotta make sure that I play and, help the team more than I did this year, you know.

So for me, that's gonna be a big summer to work on a lot of stuffs that I gotta get better, you know, a lot of stuff that I need to, to do more for the team, you know, because now my role changed a little bit.

So I think, that the extension for sure give me a little of like, you know.

Yeah.

And just to follow on that, what do you wanna, what do you wanna work on this summer?

So keep working on my defense.

that's the thing that I al- always like when you play defense well, it's not, never a prob- problem.

And another thing that I wanna, do better is, getting to the line a little bit more maybe.

You know, I grew up playing FIBA, and there, there is no like, you know, some calls they have in the NBA, so I'm not used to that.

That was the first year that I have the opportunity to have the ball drive a little bit more.

So, we'll work a little bit on, on that more.

Don't try and get around guys to finish, more like go into and bump and get more calls, you know.

defense, that and, my keep working on my free throws.

I could have a better, free throw percentage this, this year, and three-point shots to be more constance- consistent every night, making shots every night.

yeah, I think that's it.

Gui, obviously the big question for you guys is, is Steve's future.

Mm-hmm.

Just what is h- has he meant for you with your time here?

Man, S- Steve is a special guy for me.

You know, like he was the coach that gave me my first opportunity to play in the NBA.

So that's like a guy that he like realized a dream for me, you know.

so he was a big part of it.

And the way that he coaches, you can see like one thing that I always like about like guys that was player and now he's a coach, like he understand the players very, very well.

So the fact that he was a player and played a long time in the NBA, be in the NBA for a long time, he really understand everything that the, the players, you know, go through.

So yeah, I love that.

And like I said, Steve is, is really, really special dude for me.

I wanna be coached for him like my whole career if I can.

K- kind of to that point, Steve had that long hug with Draymond and Steph after the game.

What was just y- your perspective on what happened after your guys' season kind of ended there?

I just saw that in the social media.

I wa- I didn't saw that in person.

But I don't know exactly what they, they, you know, what they have in mind there.

But like I said, man, it's just like a special group.

They did so much for the, they did so much for the organization.

Steve, Steph, Draymond, all, all of them be like big part of the organization, you know.

So, have all them around for the next years for, for me, will be great.

I love, like I said, I love being coached by, by Steve.

Draymond, I love have Draymond on the team.

And Steph, I don't even need to say nothing about him.

Steph is Steph, you know.

So, it would be great to have all them together next year too.

We, we haven't talked to you since the passing of Oscar Schmidt.

as the only active Brazilian NBA player, I was wondering if you have any reflections on what he meant to you and to the game.

so for me, Oscar, I never watch him play.

I'm too young.

So I think the year that he, finished his career in 2003 was the year that I was one years old, so I don't, didn't really watch him playing.

But s- Oscar was a lot for, you know, for Brazil.

He meant a lot for everybody because I think he put Brazil in a, in the map when you talk about basketball because what, nobody knew Brazil for basketball before him, and that was just soccer.

But then Oscar come in, in the Olympics, he was scoring 45, 50 points, 40, 50, 55 and, you know.

the fact that he's the second best, second, guy to have most points in the history of basketball, he's just behind LeBron, is tells a lot, you know.

It was Oscar, Holy Hands, like he's known in Brazil.

he was a big, big thing for all of, all Brazilians and, you could see like in Brazil right now, the only thing they talk is just Oscar.

You know, he had a big and huge impact for us.

Like, he's kind of like Pele of basketball for us.

And yeah, just like it was a hard time for all of, people that love Brazil, to, to love basketball in Brazil.

So, Oscar is really, really the biggest idol and the biggest guy in the basketball history for Brazil, so nobody can be like him again.Hi, Gui.

Thanks for doing this Hello, hello what did you like about the resiliency of this group, you know, through all the injuries and ups and downs and different starting lineups and how you guys kind of kept it together through so many heartbreaking injuries and, uh- you know, it was, like I said, it was a very tough season because of the injuries.

And what I love the most about this group is you, you could see us, like, we were fighting every night, even without our main players.

We were trying to win.

I think that's the biggest thing because we were not trying to, you know, lose games or Every game that we stepping on the court was just trying to win.

it's tough when you don't have your main players on the court.

You know, like you could see, if we don't have Steph in a playing game against the Clippers, we probably not winning that game because nobody can do what he does, just step in and hit a crazy three-point.

that was what we mi- missed the m- most part of the season, you know?

But, the way that we fight on the court, the way that everybody just give everything every night, shows a lot about this group, and that's was my favorite part of this group, too.

And how did you see Steve kinda keep it together, too?

I mean, he had to improvise with different rotations and lineups, what seemed like every single game.

Yeah, so it was really tough for him, you know.

Like, even, when, it was not just Steph and Jimmy out, or after, like, Moses out.

It was every day something happened with somebody.

That was like Moses has, like, the wrist, injury.

I had the, the, the injury in, like, be- by the, the end of the season, I have a little injury that I was dealing, too, you know.

So it was a lot of diversities, so it was really hard for him to make up and just trying to fix ro- rotations.

But, you know, I can't say nothing, I can't say nothing about that because he's great.

He knows.

Like, he got four rings, as a coach.

So yeah, he knows everything that he was doing, and he did his best with, we had in, in hands by the time.

And now, now do you go to wedding planning?

Is that right?

Or are you, you- What's your, what's your schedule now?

So, I'm actually just being invited for my- a wedding, because I don't know nothing.

Who knows everything is Julia.

She's making everything.

She's doing everything.

So she show me is like two options.

I don't know, like she say, "Oh, I got this option and these options.

Which one you like more?"

I say, "Uh, which one you like more?"

She say, "I like the, oh, this one is the best."

"I agree."

So that's, so that's how, that's how I'm doing right now.

I'm just, like, agreeing with everything that she shows me.

But, that's gonna be a good time, a great time, you know, so I'm excited for that.

Hey, Gui.

How you doing, man?

Good, good.

when you were drafted, Leandro Barbosa told me, he said, "Give him a couple years, two or three years.

He's gonna be fine.

He's gonna be fine."

What was your time with him like?

What did you learn from him?

And I know you guys have had many conversations over the years.

So, with him, when I got here, he was, he went to Sacramento, so we didn't spend so- a lot of time together in the NBA.

But I spent a lot of time with him when he was playing Brazil.

Yeah, he was, like, playing the end of his career in the club that I was playing the beginning of my career.

So, the fact that he was there, and I was watching his game a lot, you know, watching the way that he works, the, work ethic of him, like, he, every day he was there early.

He was, like, he made a lot of money in the NBA.

He, he was just, like, you know, he could just, like, do nothing and just be a-- 'cause he has a, like, big name in Brazil.

You know, Leandro's big in Brazil, so even here in America too.

But, when he went there, he's still working.

He's still doing everything right and showed me that, okay, even with him, with his life set, he's been working.

So I, I don't have nothing.

I gotta work way more than him, so I can have more opportunity to go to the NBA.

By that time, I was just thinking about have opportunity to be in the NBA.

And after I got here, you know, he was in my draft workout too, with the, with the Warriors.

and just having him, like, helping me, talking to me during my career, during, during the, during the time that I was in Brazil was great because I learned a lot.

I was asking him a lot of stuff about NBA and a lot of, like, like how the NBA works, you know?

And he was like, "You, you gotta, you gotta deal with a lot of stuff.

You're not gonna play."

That, and that happened to me.

He said, "You're not gonna play for one month.

But then you're gonna have opportunity to be starter in the next day.

So you're gonna start the game the next day, and you gotta be ready, and you gotta go there and perform," and that happened.

So with that mentality, not just him, but a, a guy that helped me a lot with that was Anderson Varejo.

I talked to him a lot, and he was talking to me about that, like, in the beginning of his career, he was not playing too much, but then he got opportunity to play.

He proves that he can play, he can help the, the Cleveland by the time, and he was there for, like, he turned into an idol there.

Yeah, so he c- he came here, played here one year.

But, I learned a lot from, from the guys like Tiago Splitter, too.

He's, like, coaching the first Brazilian to coach a NBA team right now, first coach to go to the, a playoffs from Brazil.

So really, really, proud of what Brazil b- been doing right now in the NBA.

I hope that we can have more players next couple years.

I'm gonna see my brother here in a couple years, too.

Yeah, that's the goal.

So that's, that's, that's good.

That's amazing.

What's up, Will?

What up, what up?

Hey, how would you describe your first 82, 83, 84-game season in the NBA?

for me, I think it was a great year.

I learned so much, learned the life of the NBA, how to make sure I'm keeping my body right and, being able to go through fatigue of the season and all that, and, just being able to learn and what it takes to be successful at this, at this level.

So it's been a great year for me.

So you hit the wall at some point and-How long did it take you to get through that, if you ever got through it?

I hit it a few weeks before All-Star, and it kinda lingered on the rest of the season.

I'm not gonna lie.

It's been a, been a long season just from, playing in national championship to 18 pre-draft workouts to Summer League to training camp, so it's been nonstop.

But, I mean, I've been asking the vets questions, how to push through that and the mental fatigue it takes, so, they've helped a lot with that.

Hi, Will.

How you doing?

How much do you think How much growth was there from, you know, so many guys having to take on bigger roles because of the injuries?

I know that there were some devastating injuries- Mm-hmm but also all the mixing and matching that, that went on.

I mean, did, do you think that can be a positive for a lot of the young players going, going forward, despite how tough it was at times?

Yeah, for sure.

I think there was a lot of growth, just with there being a lot of opportunity with some of the injuries we had, and guys being, having to be able to step up and, make plays and get thrown in that fire a little bit, and I th- definitely think that benefited a lot of our young guys and help them move forward.

And how much, of a challenge was that at times, and just maybe some of the, the strength that you guys showed as a group to withstand those, those lows?

For sure.

I mean, it's definitely a challenge.

I mean, we had some injuries to some very key players, so everybody had to do a little bit more for us to, win games and, just try to be in that, be in that fight.

So it definitely, definitely was a challenge, but I think we, handled it the right way, and we fought every time we were on the court.

Will, just where do you feel like your game grew the most as a rookie, and what do you wanna work on in this off-season?

I would say it probably grew the most, most in just, the mental side of the game, being more locked in and disciplined, and, like, scouts and stuff, actually studying, other teams', players, their traits and tendencies and stuff like that.

So being more locked in mentally.

what I wanna, grow on this summer, getting stronger, faster, being able to shoot on the move, making plays off the dribble, and, just keep growing on the season that I had this year and just keep building off of that.

Steve is obviously your, your first coach in the NBA.

We know that his future is questioned right now, see what's gonna happen next.

Just what did he mean to you, and what is your just, your interactions, your first remembrance of Steve Kerr?

Yeah, I mean, just a great coach in general.

I mean, just from the way he poured into me from when I first got here and the trust he put in me early on in the season, that's, that, it means a lot from a coach like that.

So, it's- it's definitely great to have a coach like that, just somebody that trusts in you, pours into his players, and wants to see you succeed.

So it was, it was great having him as a coach.

What's sort of the summer kinda look like for you in terms of plans and, and things that you're gonna do?

I need to rest first- 'cause, I'm tired, for sure.

so going to see family.

I'll take a little vacation and then right back to work 'cause I know it's a big summer.

Are, are you doing Summer League?

I will, yeah.

You're one of only a handful of players that are signed with this team long term.

How do you view kind of the uncertainty going forward with the roster?

for me, I can only control what I can control.

So, I just gotta make sure I'm ready and doing what I need to do to make sure I'm ready for next season.

What was kinda the biggest lesson you learned from the vets this season, just, reflecting on all of that?

It was It's so much, to be honest, but, just how much works, work it takes to be great.

I mean, I've asked Jimmy, Steph, Draymond, Al, I asked them questions, and I actually started, taking notes of everything they said just because those guys have played for a long time, and they've done it at a high level for a long time.

So if I can take something from every one of them, I feel like I'll have a very successful career.

Notes-wise, did you do that, like, in your phone?

Is that, like, a journal?

H- how do you take in that information?

Yeah.

I use a journal, and I write it down, especially, like, the last few w- few weeks when I wasn't playing.

Draymond, he had some big challenges.

Like, he had to guard Kawhi.

He had to guard Shay, and I would just ask him what's his mindset with, like, guarding those different players and, just keys my, keys like that.

That's something that can help you for a long time in your career, being able to guard those guys at a high level like he did.

So just little things like that, help benefit me.

Ha- have you journaled in the past?

And is that something that maybe you do outside of basketball as well, too?

this is really my first year, and just because I knew, this first year is about learning as much as possible.

So I wanted to make sure I was, taking notes to make sure I could keep 'em in, keep 'em in mind and learn from 'em.

Yeah.

I know guys come into the league and often say that they thought they were prepared for the speed of the league.

How would you say you handled the speed of this league, and were you surprised by some of that?

it's definitely a, a big difference, just 'cause guys are so much talented and quicker and faster, but I think I got adjusted pretty quickly.

we kinda played fast in college, so it wasn't too, bad of a transition for me, but it's definitely a, definitely a notch up just with how talented the guys are.

So I think I, I think I transitioned pretty smoothly into the speed of the league.

Alba, how, how do you look back on this season for you individually?

with a lot of joy, to be honest.

It's been cool, getting to play in the NBA and, like, getting the opportunity, like, just playing against, like, really good players overall 'cause I feel like mostly last year, I played, like, in garbage time and, like, feel like I played actually, like, meaningful minutes, this year, and yeah, it's been a great experience overall.

Did this experience give you more confidence with your game going forward?

No, yeah, definitely.

I, I could, like, test myself again and, like, measure up against, the best of, competition, and n- now I have, like, a better idea again of w- where I gotta work on and how to grow.

What's, what's next for you in th- in this off-season?

So just, work on my ph- physical abilities in the summer, like, trying to gain a little more weight, build some muscle and, work on my shot in off-season.

Have you talked to the, the Warriors front office about your future here potentially or, or anything along those lines?

yeah, just, working in the summer and, yeah, seeing what's next, next year.

What, what part of your game do you wanna continue to, to grow, and what do you think grew the most this season?

just, my o- offensive ability, so, like, being, better at, knocking down open three-pointers and, being a little more physical, yeah, like, just be stronger overall.What's like the status of your wrist injury at this moment?

It's getting a little better.

hopefully I can, r- let it rest now for like a couple of weeks and, I can be fully healthy again.

Do you know if you're gonna have to go through surgery or anything on that?

Oh, no.

Don't have to go under surgery or anything.

Just gotta let it rest and, like, properly heal all the way.

Where, where do you plan to spend your off-season?

I think I'm going back to, Bradley for a little bit, the college I went to, and, then gonna be here for the most part of the summer.

Is there anything you learned from being around the vets like Steph, Dray, and, and Jimmy that, that, that you felt was helpful?

Yeah.

I think, they're really big on, like, player accountability and, things just like a player-led organization, and just, how they hold the- themselves accountable and each other.

I, I feel like it's something I, like, wanna grow to.

Like, just being a master of my craft in a way and, yeah, I think, it's one of the biggest things I learned and seen.

Charles, uh- what did you want to show the league this season when you got on the Warriors for the last few weeks and- Wait, sorry, sorry.

I didn't hear what you said.

What did you want to show the league, when you came to the Warriors?

What were you hoping to, to showcase, and then do you think you did that this season?

obviously just showcase I'm an, I'm an NBA player for sure.

you know, it's been, it's been tough this year just going to different teams and stuff, seeing how different teams or players approach the game and stuff like which has been great and I've picked a lot of brains, and these teams I've been at, different coaches, picked a lot of brains and stuff.

But I mean, like I said, man, just showing them I could play, you know.

I, I belong, I belong in this league and now I've, I've done that, I've proved that and they're gonna be seeing more of me for sure.

So yeah.

Charles, just o-on that, just what you showed in the G League playing for multiple NBA teams this year, h-how will you remember this season most?

I mean, it's a season of ups and downs for sure.

I just felt like, you know, I was Even me going through all this stuff, I was really locked in.

regardless of playing in the G or just being on different teams, you know, I just It was just like I know it was a matter of, like, my time was coming for sure and, like I said, man, I just put my head down, just worked and just did what I'm supposed to do.

like I said, going through the different teams, picking a lot of brains and just, you know, advices I got.

but like I said, man, I w- I wouldn't want it any o- any other way, but which, you know, this is what happened this year, which I have to, I, I, I went through with it and, you know, I came out on top and I did what I was supposed to do to get here.

And, like I said, man, it was a lot of adv- adv- adversity, but I came out on top and I just gotta keep, you know, like, working and stuff like that.

just had my meeting with Steve and stuff like that, you know.

I'm not gonna share what what we talked about, but, you know, I know what I'm supposed to work on, I know what I'm supposed to do this summer and, which, which I'm very, very excited, man.

you know, I'm excited to just get to work and just, you know, just get better and just come back and, you know, anywhere, anywhere that's gonna be at.

But yeah.

Without sharing what you said with Steve and what Steve said to you, you seem like such an easy fit here.

Is this a team that you, that you would like to stay with in the future?

Oh, man.

I guess we're gonna find that out, right?

but yeah, like you said, man, you know, I came here, I mean, w- with the little time I had and, like I said, I don't know what you guys are gonna say, but I mean, I, I guess, with the little time I had here, it was, it was good.

It was great, man.

Like, I was, I was saying, man, when I had my meeting, it was, it was great, man.

Like, this I feel like I've been here for a long time, which I was in Santa Cruz and it's like, you know, everything was, like, entwined.

It was the same.

So I felt like I've been here for a long time and it was great, man.

Like, the c- the, the connection and everything just it was, it was good.

Like, you guys have watched me play.

Like, co- some of the players, and even when Steph, Steph told me, "Man, you playing.

We play like we've been playing for years."

So it's, it, it's been great, man, just, you know, picking up Steph's, Draymond, and these guys bring our game, you know.

I talked to Al a couple times even.

every game just, you know, being, being in the game defensively and stuff like that, like you guys know, man.

and these guys have dipped on rings and stuff like that, so it's just been great playing with them and obviously picking up their brains and getting better.

But like I said, man, it's just felt like I've been here for a long time and it was great.

It was a great time.

What's, what's the off-season kinda look like for you, and what are some of the things that you wanna work on?

Oh, man.

Trying to make me share my stuff out here, man.

But I'm just gonna say I'm gonna work on I'm, I'm gonna work a lot.

Definitely I'm gonna first start with watching film.

seeing what I definitely gotta be better going into next year.

Watch my game film, the games I played this year.

obviously everybody's watching the playoffs and see what I could bring to that next year, anywhere I'm gonna be at, we're gonna make the playoffs and stuff like that.

But obviously start with watching film and see what I gotta start working on and just, you know, definitely get stronger and just, be in the top, top, top shape going into next season, because I know what I do on the court requires for it to be in a lot of in, in the top shape, you know.

but, I think that's what I'm gonna start fo- I'm gonna start with and just see where that takes me, to along the line.

So Charles, you seem, you seem very comfortable operating in traffic in the paint there.

Where does that come from?

Has that always been that there or is that something you had to develop?

Oh, I mean, it's something I had to develop, you know.

like I said, man, I could really score and w- with traffic and it's like I'm just calm, you know, when I'm in that position.

And it's either I'm scoring or I'm finding my teammates.

So it's, it's I mean, all that stuff just comes with, like, watching a lot of film too, you know.

knowing where you're gonna be on the floor, knowing where, where to pass the ball, having your hands ready to catch the ball and stuff like that.

So it's just, you know, not in a hurry.

Um-Because that's your time to, to, to make a play for the team, and so why you in a rush?

But yeah, it comes with a lot of, like, watching film, staying ready, and just, you know, just getting ready for that moment.

So What do you think are the most important qualities to make a good rebounder?

definitely watch films.

'Cause I, I mean, I was telling one of the guys, man, like you see, every, every, every game is always different, because every team is gonna guard you different.

You know, when they know that's one of the best thing you do, they're gonna send two or I mean, there are some games where I was sending, two or three guys were sending me, which require that respect.

But I mean, like I said, man, I'm always watching film e- every time on how I could be, could be better.

You know, like, what can I do better this game rebounding than the last game?

Because obviously the other team watch films, film on me and see what they gotta do better on me, so I gotta see where I, I gotta do better with them.

So it's just, a little, because every game is not gonna be the same, but, you know, how can you impact the game rebounding every time than the previous game, you know?

So it's just about, you know, watching film and seeing where I could be at.

And obviously you start a game to f- you know, to get a feeling of how the team is gonna guard you, and then you just, you know, adjust while the game is going on.

But, yeah, man, that always comes with film, because every team is gonna guard you differently in the league.

So, yeah.

Brandon, how would you summarize your season?

kinda coincides with the team's success, up and down.

slow to start, learned some things when Jimmy and Steph were out, that are gonna help me in the future.

but I think I finished strong.

March and April were good for me.

had a couple solid games in the playing.

so yeah, just ready to continue and take the momentum from that into next year.

Obviously a significant off-season with you being extension eligible.

Do you wanna get that done, you know, this off-season and stay here?

Of course.

I wanna be here, for the long term.

it's always special having a team drafted you.

And so, hopefully we can get something done.

H- how do you feel like you dealt with s- with How, how do you feel like you dealt with some of the criticism that you faced outside the building and everything?

I mean, I don't know.

I think, you hear it, but it doesn't change who you are as a person or the things you try to provide for the team.

obviously, like I said before, a lot of it is self-inflicted, so, can't really do much on that end, but, just be a positive light for my teammates and, show out for them each and every night.

Do, do you feel like you kinda learned some things from that, that experience?

Yeah, I do.

I, I definitely did.

there's goods and bads to, to everything, but, I definitely Sometimes you need to go through some stuff to figure some things out, and so I think that's kinda what happened to me with that kinda stuff.

Brandon, obviously Draymond and Steph talked after last game about Steve and his future.

Sure.

What has he meant for you in your first three seasons being coached by him?

Yeah, definitely full of gratitude.

Gave me a big opportunity that, you know, most young guys don't get, and, so definitely thankful on that end.

But I think Steph said it best, just whatever makes him happy, whatever he wants to do, whatever brings joy to him at this point in his life, that's what we're hired to do.

Obviously we'd love to have him back, but if his happiness takes him other way, that's, you know, that's his choice.

And with the, contract extension, was that something that was ever on your mind during the season?

How easy was it to, to ignore that and just let that be what it is?

I, I think it's pretty easy to just put by the wayside, just when you think about it coming into the year, if you do at all, you realize the next summer is so far away, and there's so much in between that has to go on, that if you live and die by that each and every game, it goes like this.

And so, for me, I just let my agent and my group handle that, and just go out there and try to put my best foot forward every night and just continuously try to get better.

Did Jonathan's situation last summer have any kind of influence on wanting, you wanting to get a deal done now and wanting to avoid restricted free agency at all?

I think, I think both seeing him and Moses do two different things, for me helped just seeing the goods and bads to both sides.

I don't think, you know, one's better than the other.

but seeing that as a, as a teammate and seeing how they handled both situations I think is gonna help me.

Hi, Brandon.

how much do you think growth there was by some of the young guys?

Quentin was in here earlier and, and Gee just forced into bigger roles with, with so many injuries and, and, you know, the starting lineup changing almost every night.

I mean, it, it just gave people a chance to be put into some key situations, and I know that that, that Gee kind of tried to find a positive in, in that growth, despite some tough moments.

Yeah, I think that's what, what I was kinda alluding to when I said it's kind of a blessing.

Obviously we don't want nobody to be out via injury, but, it put us in positions that if everyone was healthy, we probably wouldn't have gotten.

And I think when you look at long-term success, I think it's gonna help us down the road.

like you mentioned Gee, him stepping up, I think, me being pushed and put into a situation that I probably wouldn't have been in and, seeing different things from different defenses, different defenders, I think it just, it helps us all in the long run, especially when we're all healthy all together.

How much do you think that experience that we're talking about without, you know, a bunch of the key guys kind of put you in position to thrive in March and April?

I think it's, it's, it's, it was very critical.

I think the month of February for me, I just learned a lot.

I was seeing a lot of different things I haven't seen, at all yet in the league, and going through those, you know, setbacks, failures, losing-Help me in the month of March and April and, and the playing games of, just taking the bull by the horns in the moment and, and being successful.

What's the next step for you in your development this summer?

What do you wanna work on in the off season?

Yeah, I mean, there's a bunch of things we can talk about.

I think if you just look at things from a whole, guys who take leaps or take that next step, you know, the two common factors are their three-point attempts go up and, their drives to the rim go up.

And naturally with that you get fouled more, you get to the free throw line, makes you more efficient.

I think Jimmy's a case in point of that.

You know, shoots, what?

Seven, eight free throws a game.

So it makes a lot easier and it, it calms the team down.

I think towards the end of the year I was able to find that a little bit, getting fouled a lot more and just learning the nuances of the game, how it's officiated and stuff like that.

And so, just continuing to be more efficient, more effective, on both ends of the ball.

Paz, obviously there's a lot of time between now and October- whenever a decision is made.

In your initial conversations with Mike, though, do you get the sense that they're open to getting something done as well?

we didn't talk about it.

We just kinda talked about the season.

we talked about the goods, the bads, what he was impressed with, especially towards the back half, but I know when that time comes, I know him and my agent Bill will take care of it.

To follow on that, you know, you mentioned the month of February being a critical month for you.

obviously a big spike in production down the stretch.

What did you find, what were you seeing in March and April that allowed you to, you know, have the success and the efficiency that you had?

Yeah, I think, the opportunity that I was given in, in February allowed me to take advantage of those in March and April.

like I said, getting downhill more, getting fouled more, it makes things a lot easier.

Basketball's a game of rhythm, and so when you're able to establish a rhythm at the free throw line, it, it helps in all facets of your game.

And so, just being able to take that, understand that there was no Steph, no Jimmy, and the load has to be dispersed throughout a bunch of guys, and me just trying to, to, to lead that and show other guys that it's possible to do stuff like that.

Brandon, in what ways did you feel the difference between play-in games and regular season games?

Even though play-in games, quote unquote, are not playoff games, the intensity obviously goes up.

What'd you What difference did you feel?

I mean, it's a lot different.

Dur- We just played in two game sevens back to back, win or go home, so the intensity's obviously a lot different.

The quality of opponent is probably a lot different.

but I think it's just the, the mindset, the locked in you gotta be to, to win those games.

obviously we didn't win, Friday in Phoenix, but, you know, playing games are nothing different to me than playoff games and I treat 'em as such.

And you mentioned something about how some of the outside noise is self-inflicted.

What do you mean by that?

Yeah, I think some of the comments, that I said early on, you know, wanting to be better than Steph, things like that, obviously anybody would wanna be better than Steph.

I know I'm not gonna be better than Steph, you know.

He's the only person that can be Steph.

And so for me it's just, having that confidence, but understanding that I'm just trying to be the best version of Brandon Podziemski I can be, and, wherever that kinda takes me in this career I have, that's where it's gonna go.

And do you root for the OKC I mean, the, the Santa Clara guys that are in the playoffs?

Absolutely.

love to see Jalen succeed.

Hopefully he can win another championship, go back-to-back.

it does nothing but good things for our program and, the Bay Area, so, yeah, wishing him the best.

Just where are you at health-wise?

How are you feeling right now?

I feel great.

feel like I can keep playing.

I, I prepared that way, if we were in a series against OKC right now, so feel like I could play another 82.

I feel great.

so the lessons I've learned from injuries, from surgeries, have helped me through this year, and hopefully beyond this.

How nice will that be to have an off season where you're not worrying about two surgeries and getting your body right, and be able to rest, heal up, and do what you need to do?

Yeah.

it's a good question.

I think, having those surgeries and having to take time off, being forced to take time off, I think allowed me to play 82 games this year.

I think if I approached it similar to how I did after my, my s- first year, I think there would've been a little bit of a burnout and I would've maybe had a injury or two here and missed some games.

But being forced to take time off and understanding my body, I think I really learned that sometimes less is more, in those areas.

And so I'm gonna kinda take that similar approach that I did last s- summer into sum- summer.

This is a bigger picture question, but I remember when you were a rookie you said that you never wanted to play in the play-in again.

Yeah.

How can you avoid that as someone who is, has more of a prominent role on this team, who is more of a leader going into year four now?

How can you avoid the play-in?

Yeah, I think, for us we just look at it as two segments.

the segment before we get Ji- Jimmy and Mo back, and the segment when we get 'em back.

And, you know, how can we win games, before that comes?

And then obviously the hope, you know, organizationally is that we're gonna have the same success we did when Jimmy first got here, when they come back.

And so, for me, having a more prominent role, Gee having a more prominent role alongside Steph, how do we find ways to, to win games?

'Cause, you know, personal success down the stretch for me and Gee is nice, but, you know, it takes you so far when you're losing.

And so, for me it's just gonna be tuning in on those, nuanced details of how c- we can win games.

Pat, how, how would you s- summarize this season in which it felt like maybe a career year for you?

Yeah.

I mean, you know, I evaluate it more on, on a team level, so, just up and down, injuries got us.

So, frustrating year that way for us, but, you know, the, the collective group competed.

you take away-Top two players on any team in, in the NBA, it's gonna be a pretty long year for anybody.

So, thankful for the opportunity here to come in and compete.

tried to make the most of it, and just, you know, really enjoyed the group of people and the group of guys that we had here this year, even though it was a bumpy year.

T- to, to that point, like, the grit and the fight that you guys had when all these players were, were down, I g- what, what was that like being in that, that, that grit and fight?

Yeah, I think it's, it's who we are.

it's who I am, for sure.

and I, I can go to war with these guys, you know, any day of the week.

So just like I said, I, I think we competed.

we weren't a fun outing, you know, for anybody, even though we might've been a little bit undermanned.

but that's the name of the game.

You, you lose your top two stars, it's gonna be tough to, to compete at, at a championship level.

So, you know, we'll, we'll see where it goes from here, but just thankful for the group that we had and, and how we competed.

Hey Pat, over here.

From an individual point of view, what are the things you liked about your development this season, and what are the things you say, "Okay, you know, go back this summer and maybe work on this, that, or the other"?

Yeah.

shot the ball much better from the three this year.

found something about halfways or two-thirds of the way through the year, just mechanically that I really liked for my shot.

So at an all-time high confidence-wise with that.

wanna get better off the bounce with it.

but just really, really grateful for the extended minutes and the opportunity to, to get on the floor, and, get in a flow and, and have a little bit of a rhythm that way, and find some things out about my game.

and for me it, it, it's about defensively being able to, to take on the challenge of, of maybe some high level guards, in order to get on the floor next to a guy like Steph or some, some superstars that have the ball in their hands a little bit more.

You gotta be able to do some other things.

And so, you know, I, I think I can operate in a pick and roll pretty well and, and do things of that nature, but defending at a high level is something that's gonna be able to keep me on the floor.

There's a lot of speed in lacrosse.

NBA speed, quickness different?

Yeah, different.

And, I played all offense in lacrosse, so, um- Yeah just had to get my body back in shape after that one year at Northwestern, to be able to defend at a high level.

My body feels great right now.

but there's always, you know, a n- a next step you can take as far as learning from high level defenders like Dray.

even a guy like Mel's really good on the ball.

So just taking some pointers, and then taking on that challenge in the off-season to go defend some high level guys and, and compete.

So that's really where my focus is.

Steph and Draymond, everyone who's come up here, has talked about what Steve's meant to them s- during their career.

Just for you, what has Steve meant for you in your career, and, what has it been like, I guess, the last few days with all the uncertainty over whether he's coming back or not coming back?

Yeah.

I mean St- I owe Steve everything.

he's been like a, a second father to me since I've been here as far as just giving me guidance day in and day out.

I think people realize, you know, they, they see what Steve did in those Chicago years, but what they might not understand is, is that he had a similar journey.

you know, he, he was a little bit of a journeyman for a while.

He didn't know where his role and, and where his minutes would come in during games.

And so Steve probably got the broadest spectrum of anybody that's ever played in the league, from announcing, to front office stuff, to coaching, to being a journeyman, to being a, a knockdown shooter for a championship team.

So when you need a, a level-headed opinion, someone to bounce anything off of, he's the guy I go to.

So just grateful for, for our relationship, what he's done for me.

I can't say enough about him.

They It'd be an honor to have him back here.

I, I, I think they probably feel the same way.

We'll see how it plays out.

ha- have you been able to talk to the, the front office about your, your future here or an- anything like that?

Yeah, those conversations are private.

a lot of things to play out in the off-season and it's, it's not even the off-season for a large number of teams still.

So, yeah, we'll, we'll see where things go, but grateful for my time here and, would love to be back in some capacity, but you just don't know how those things will play out.

Too many things to unfold at the moment, but those conversations are, are private for us.

Going.

Just, how would you assess how the season went for you bet- between the injuries and everything that's happened, that happened with the team?

yeah, I, I felt like it was, you know, a good season for me.

learning experience, being in a new environment and, and, and seeing things in different ways, but I, I think it was, it was good in that sense.

you know, I obviously not, pleased with, you know, with some of the injuries and missing some of the games and, and obviously everything that happened with our group.

as a team, you know, we didn't accomplish or achieve what we wanted to, so, so that wasn't, that, that wasn't it.

But, individually, I felt like it was, it was good for me.

It was, you know, still at year 19, I feel like I'm still, you know, growing and developing.

So, that, that was, that was positive and I felt like it was a positive, step for me, basketball-wise.

Al, you didn't need to come here.

You, you were an accomplished NBA player way before you even got here.

What brought you here and, and why I mean, I, I assume you probably wanna keep going, but what do you f- what do you stand on that?

yeah.

you know, I, you know, I, I felt like it was, it was a nice opportunity and a, and a, and a, and a challenge, you know, to be here and to, to play with, with some of these, you know, the- these great players and this great franchise.

that's, that's the, the reality of, of being here.

And for me, you know, these, you know, these next few-About this week, week, week and a half, I'll be, you know, speaking with, you know, with Amalia and, and, and just thinking about everything and seeing kind of what we're, what we're gonna do, you know, with our future.

So that's, that's kinda where, where we're at.

So you've not decided yet what you wanna do?

Not yet, no.

Yeah.

Mm-hmm.

How much do you like it here?

we, we really like it here.

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah, we like it.

S- Steve's future is, obviously uncertain right now.

just what has your experience been with him this season, just having him as your coach, and, and what have you kind of g- gotten from that?

it, it, it's been a very positive, experience for me.

you know, Steve, you know, just such a, a legendary coach already in its own, and just getting to, to see how he, he, how he operates, how he thinks, it's, it's, it's been great for me to be able to learn, a- and, and see those things.

So, so it's, it's been a, a F- for me it's just, just really a big learning experience just trying to, to take different things in and, and, and just see how, how I can be better and, and see how he does things and how he, how he's thinking the game and things like that.

So, so it's been a very, positive experience.

When it comes to your future, what are some of the factors that you and your family might consider, in terms of how you want the rest of your career to unfold?

yeah, I mean, I, I think that, you know, for, for, for me it has to do with, not rush into anything or not let emotions or heat of the moment determine anything.

So, I, I just think it's this I, I've, I've done this the last few years and it's just kinda taking time to step back and, and have a clearer picture.

Look at, look at, at the outlook of the team, looking at the future of the, of the team, how things look and, and also seeing kinda, you know, where I'm at and how I'm feeling and, you know, f- fortunately for me I'm, I'm healthy, I feel good, I still feel like I can contribute and, and play at a very high level, still.

so those are all things that, you know, that I'm gonna, I'm gonna look at and, now that everything kinda gets quiet, you know, it, it's something that, that I'll reflect on all that.

Al, to follow up on exactly that, obviously you have a decision with the option, whatever you're gonna do next couple weeks.

Is retirement off the table?

I mean, are you, are you confident that you'll play somewhere next year?

that's, that's a good question.

That's, that's a really good question.

yeah.

I- it's, Definitely that, that's, you know, been on my mind, but, but I, I just I, I enjoy, you know, playing and being, being in this position and, definitely taking all that stuff into consideration.

Both, Quentin and, Charles talked about just how you've kind of, you know, helped them along, the big men.

And I remember I asked you a while back, I said, "You wanna go into coaching?"

And you were like, "Nah, I don't think so."

But, I mean, it seems like you have a lot to offer, and what is it you try to do for the young guys on this team, the young guys that What kind of advice did you offer those guys?

Yeah.

for, for me is, is, is really trying to, you know, give them perspective, but also, trying to help them, you know, see things and, and try to help them be- you know, become better players and, and, and trying to understand kinda how the league operates and works and, and things like that.

So any, any chance that I, that I can to, to, you know, to talk to them or give them advice or, or tell them different things, that's what I've tried to do, you know, in, in this season or, you know, making sure that I'm always making myself available if they have questions or if they wanna talk about the game or experiences of mine.

So, always just trying to be mindful to help them.

That's just finding a way to, to, you know, to kinda pay it forward and, and, and be there for them.

And those four threes that you banged in, in LA, did that tell you anything about yourself that you didn't already know?

Yeah, I mean, I, I, I think, you know, it, it was, it was rewarding.

but, but something that, I guess to answer your question, I'm thinking yes.

I think it told me that, that I have that ability to, you know, to be able to do that.

and, and, and in that point it was like, you know, you I, I, I work, you know, so hard to put myself i- in those positions and to be able to be in those moments, so when those moments come or at any point, I feel like I'm capable, that I can do that.

you know, I, I put in a lot of work, I put in a lot of time, but, but I'm confident that I, that, that those displays I could continue to, to, to do those, tho- those types of, of displays.

Hi Al, what's your favorite moment in this season?

my favorite moment in this season.

man, I, I, I think, you know, there, there's I, I would have to say that, that, win against the Clippers.

You know, going on the road and, being in the play-in and, you know, It wasn't quite playoff basketball, but kinda fighting for your playoff lives and giving ourselves an opportunity.

I felt like our group was so resilient, that game.

You know, we've already had so much adversity, and then being down multiple times and not knowing what was gonna happen, but for us to find a way to-To group, band together as a group and figure it out and win the game, i- it felt very rewarding i- in a season that, you know, that we were, you know, just kinda, our, our backs against the walls a- all year and, you know, bad news after bad news, or different things happening, and finding a way to still care and, and try to represent, the Warriors in the right way.

That, that to me, was important.

you know, I know that, that our fans, you know, appreciated that, and, and I think they understand that, you know, that we didn't We, we had, we ga- gave everything we had, you know, you know, for the fans, and we appreciate the fans, you know, in that matter.

And I think it showed with, with the way that we played.

Even, you know, the Phoenix game, obviously we, you know, we lost that and But I felt like, you know, we, we were playing hard and we were trying to, to do our best.

A- Al, obviously when you got here, the hope was that there could be title contention.

Mm-hmm.

And like you mentioned, injuries, 100 things happened.

If in y- the thought process of the next few weeks, there's a reality that that may not happen here, how much would that impact your decision of whatever you decide to do for next year?

yeah, I, I don't know.

I think, I think the Those, those are all things that are, are fair questions, and, and, and that we'll have to ask and address.

But li- like I said, I like being here.

we've, we, you know, we've gotten acclimated, my family and I, to, to, to be here.

and, and, and those are, you know, those are questions, all that stuff that w- is gonna be going through our minds.

When the Celtics were here, I guess a few months ago at this point, you said that your departure from Boston was about bigger, something bigger than basketball.

What did you mean by that?

Yeah.

Yeah, that's a good que- that, that's a question that kinda stayed out there kind of, o- open-ended.

But, what, what I meant by that was that a lot of the times, you know, when people are making decisions, they're making decisions, there's also the, the things that you see and the things that kinda make sense for the, for the human eye and, and the things like that.

The, the way that I operate, and that I've carried my career, it's been through my faith.

And, when I went to Boston, Man, that was 10 years ago.

So it was 10 years ago.

Boston wasn't what it was now.

they were in the middle of, of a team that they just lost to the Hawks, and I was on that Hawks team, and we beat them.

And there was other places that I've could've gone, that were, would've put me in a better position, but I chose to go to Boston and, and take that chance.

But I took it because, because of my faith, because, that was the place for me that I felt that I, that was that I needed to be.

and, and then when all of this happened, I felt like it was time for me, Or I shouldn't say I felt, I knew that it was time for me, to move on.

Nothing to do with Boston, but again, following my faith, my belief.

And, and I knew that I had to go elsewhere.

And when I looked at it, I felt like here was, a place for me to, to be able to, to do things.

And, and sometimes it's bigger than basketball for me.

That's what I meant by that.

there are other things that I need to do and accomplish, and that's why that decision was made.

it's, it wasn't an easy decision for me to leave Boston, because for me, I was very happy, there with my family and everything, but I just felt like, I, I didn't feel like, I knew it was the, the right time, and this was the next challenge and the next step for me, and now I'm here.

And, it's, it's gonna be interesting to see kinda what happens now.

But, I have to be able to, embrace this, this new challenge that I have.

What are some of those things that you wanted to accomplish, and do you feel like you did this year?

well, I mean, you know, I, I think time will tell with some of these things.

But, you know, I came here to try to contend and, and, and try to win a championship.

And, and I don't shy away from that.

And, and, and, and I failed helping the team do that, and we failed as a group.

but, but, you know, that's still something that, that, that would be if I decide to come back here and decide to continue to play.

It's something that it's in my sights and something that we would like to accomplish.

Hey, Nate.

What's up?

How you doing?

What's up?

Good.

What, what did you wanna show teams this year, and do you think you did that?

I feel like I did exactly what I, what I set out to do.

Just prove that I can play in the NBA and that I belong.

Yeah.

What did, what does your off-season look like?

A, a bunch of hard work, grueling training.

Just finna put my body through, through the worst.

I'm just looking forward to it though, for sure.

What, what did you kinda learn in your stint with the Warriors about yourself in terms of your game or, or maybe your s- your person Or like your, I guess your internal stuff?

I, I didn't learn anything.

I've, I've been, I've been knew what I was capable of.

I mean, just trying to show everybody.

And I'm just grateful that the Warriors gave me opportunity, you know, being with the roster, all the injuries and stuff.

But I'm, I'm grateful that I got an opportunity to even go out there and showcase myself.

Is, is there anything you wanna work on in the off-season in terms of your game?

I'm just working on everything.

Just keep getting better, keep grinding, just keep trusting the processOh, yes.

Look at that, you guys are fast.

Oh, yeah?

Great.

Listen.

Wait, wait, I got one for you.

Nay, where do you, where do you intend to spend your off-season?

I'll be around.

I'll be around the, the Bay Area a little bit.

Yeah, for sure.

Yeah.

LJ, first of all, how you feeling?

I mean, I'm feeling pretty good.

if you're talking about the injury, yeah, bounced back pretty well.

Still some pain, but moving around a lot better.

How long until you think you can get back fully on the floor and go through all the rehab?

I mean, I could do a little stuff now.

probably just can't, like, run.

but I think probably, like, a week or two.

Yeah.

What, what'd you learn from your rookie season here?

learned a lot.

There was a lot of highs and lows, especially, even in the G League.

experienced a lot of highs and lows with winning and losing, injuries.

so, you know, you just gotta just keep battling, and, yeah, keep putting your, putting your head down and keep working.

You had some issues this year with, with the hamstring.

That can be really tricky.

Yep.

How do you plan to approach recovery and, and strengthening this, this summer?

you know, I mean, this is, like, my first off-season that I've, that I have that's, that I'm healthy, 'cause going into my last off-season in college, I had surgery, so I end up getting, a lot bigger during that time.

So, while this being my first one, I feel like it's a great opportunity for me to lose a lot of body fat, get into great shape, because, I haven't had that r- opportunity to get into the best shape as possible.

So, I feel like this is a great opportunity for me to take my game to another level.

Will was kinda talking about how long of a season it's been, 'cause y- you were also in that national championship game and all the pre-draft stuff and everything.

Just how has that whole experience been as a whole, just going from, from that to f- the Warriors and jumping in there?

it was definitely a grueling process, 'cause you go from playing in college, then going straight to the, working out for teams.

you're just flying left and right.

and then you go straight into Summer League and then G League, so you just hit the ground running.

you don't really get a break.

So, now you get a little small break, a little window to let your body recover, but after that, you know, I have the right people around to help me, with all the goals that I have as far as my body.

so I feel like this is a big off-season for me.

What are, what are some of the, the things in your game that you kinda wanna gr- grow this off-season?

I mean, the main thing for me right now is just getting into great shape, 'cause I feel like great, being in great shape will help all aspects of my game, especially, like, being able to de- defend and pick up the ball full court.

and then being in shape helps me be able to run around, on offense more, s- not mo- not stop moving when I don't have the ball, kinda like how Steph just runs around and the defense falls asleep.

So, in order to do things like that, you have to be in great shape.

So, yeah, that's the main focus for me right now.

Good?

Yeah.

Oh.

Sorry.

hi.

I- I'm just curious, w- what do, what do you learn the most from Coach Steve Kerr, and what do you think about his future here?

I mean, I learned a lot from him, and, you know, he's, he's a hell of a coach.

I feel like when a coach is able to motivate his players to, to continue to just keep fighting whenever things aren't going well, I feel like that really what describes a, a good coach.

And, you know, I hope he stays because, I mean, he's the coach that gave me a chance here.

so, I definitely love him for that.

And, you know, I only want the best for him, so, if he's happy coaching us, I, I definitely want him back.

LJ, you played some high-level basketball in college, obviously, but what is the biggest differences you noticed between college and the NBA, besides the length of a season?

I mean, every, all the players are talented, in their own right, and then, for me, it was, like, the pace.

the, when you watch the NBA on TV, it looks really slow and things like that, but when you get out there, it's like, it's moving.

So, that, that's, that was, like, one of the biggest jumps for me.

even, like, in the G League, like, it was just going so fast, so you get tired so quick.

so yeah, I feel like that was a, a big adjustment for me.

But like I said, being in better shape will help me with that.

And then, just having the experience and playing in these games will help me, for next year, because the more experiences you have, the game will actually start slowing down, mentally and stuff like that.

So yeah, that's, that was one of the biggest jump.

And w- what do you think are the, for your experience, the biggest differences between the way Coach Samson coaches- Ha.

And the way Steve coaches?

I mean, they're kinda polar opposites of, you know, Samp is more rah-rah.

Steve get fired up sometimes, though.

but I do think they're both, great motivators.

But they, I mean, they do it in their own way.

And, everyone's gonna be different.

so yeah, both great coaches.De'Anthony, what's your approach going to be into th- into this coming off-season with the contract and whatnot?

My, my approach I would say just, just getting better at everything.

Like, you know what I mean?

Just coming to this, into this year, it was just so much up in the air that, you know, we didn't know or I didn't know that could happen, you know?

So now that I know that type of stuff, it's just about working on myself and then whatever happens kinda happens af- after that.

Do you wanna come back?

most definitely.

I mean, I would love to come back.

you know, I kinda leave that type of stuff up to, you know, my agent and, upstairs, but, you know, I w- I would love to.

H- how would you summarize this off- this se- this season, in which you came o- back from the, the ACL injury and, kind of, you know, got back in the flow of things and, and made a, made a season of it?

I think this season it was, I think it was a, it was a lot, you know what I mean?

We had, we had a lot to deal with, just in terms of me, man, me being out to, to start the year, to, you know, me coming back to seeing Jimmy go down, to seeing Moses go down, to seeing like, you know, almost ev- every guy at, at some point or another, you know, kinda go down.

So, but at the same time, I mean, I commend everybody that, that was out there because, you know, that's not easy, and we, we battled, we fought every game.

We, you know, we tried our best no matter what, and, that's all you can hope for when, when going into a season.

Do you feel like your body's like back to 100%?

yeah, for the most part.

I think, you know, the, the bumps and bruises that come with the season, I think any- anybody's gonna have those, and I think those kinda crept up more so for me, which kinda led to my, you know, mental fatigue of, of, you know, playing this long at the same time too.

De'Anthony, do you feel like your numbers reflect who you are as a player?

Not necessarily, because I think sometimes I do kinda stuff that doesn't show up on the stat sheet.

And I also think, you know, I didn't shoot the ball as well as I, as I wanted to this year, but, you know, I think, I know and, and we know that, I'm a great shooter.

And so that type of stuff is, you know, you never really know.

But, I think I still just do stuff that doesn't really show up on the stat sheet.

You said that you'd like to be back here.

You could see what a good fit you are here, both as a player and with the culture too in the locker room.

But also with that, do, do you feel like you owe it to yourself to, to test the, the open market and, and to just to see what else is out there for you as well, just, just to give yourself that opportunity?

I mean, I think that type of stuff is just, you know, is in my mind.

but I think that's why also, like, you know, you gotta give yourself time to kinda decompress and, and see everything, that's going on and kinda let the dust settle.

So, I think that type of stuff is what Imma worry about, you know, next week and, and stuff like that, and kinda, you know, get with my agent and, you know, let Mike, and Steve, and, and Rick decide, you know what I mean, what they have going on as well too.

So, yeah.

Steve's future is obviously, uncertain right now.

just how has it been him coaching you this season, and like what, what have you kinda learned from, from him coaching you?

I love Steve.

I love Steve.

I just think, I love the way, you know, he approaches the game and also, you know, being a player, you know, he kinda understands what, what you're going through sometimes with, with having a season, you know, particularly like we had.

but, you know, with Steve, I just, I just learned so much about just, you know, playing with confidence.

Playing with confidence and kinda, you know, learning the game and, and knowing your own tendencies and playing to your strengths too.

Well, you, came into this season, couldn't re- wasn't ready to play at the start.

You had to do some, still some rehab work.

But once you got going, you got yourself up to where almost, you know, at the end of the season you were playing back to backs.

physically, did you ever get to the way you, to the level you wanted to get to?

Physically, I would say not necessarily.

just because, you know, obviously you would love to put more minutes, but I just think when it comes to like my knee or my back, you know what I mean, that, that held up great, but it was just kinda other stuff that kinda lingered with me, that necessarily I, I didn't really like.

but in terms of, you know, the major things, which is, like I said, my, my knee and my back, I mean, that, that held up pretty perfectly fine.

And so that's, that's what I can, you know, hope for and that's what is, is what I love.

And how much does it matter to you that Steph has said that he likes playing alongside you?

I mean, it, it means a lot.

It means a lot.

You know, somebody of his caliber, of, of his stature to say, you know, things that, you know, compliment you and, and compliment him as well, is important 'cause that means you're doing also, you're doing something right.

And, you know, your style of play is, can translate to, to a lot of different players.

And, you know, a player like him, he's so special that, you know, being on the c- court at the same time as him is, is, is surreal sometimes.

What, what can you share about what Steve and Mike's message was to, to you in your, you know, end of season review?

We made it through.

We made it through.

I just think everybody was just so That's one thing I love about the organization, like, you know, they put your personal interests, you know what I mean, in there, and they put their personal interests sometimes first.

So, like, I know we kinda ended the season shorter than we wanted to, and, you know, we had aspirations to, you know, play all the way to the end, but at the same time they understood my circumstances and my situation.

They just, they, they was so excited for me just to be able to make it through.

You know what I mean?

Just to, to finish the season, finish the season healthy.

And, you know, the, the year I had, you know, they felt like it was amazing.

So that's all I can hope for.

Would Steve's decision affect your decision when it comes to your future and the player option?

I think, I think that type of stuff is just, you know, just to handle when it's, when it's there.

You know what I mean?

'cause we never know what could happen before, we never know what could happen right after.

So, whenever he makes his decision, I know, you know, he should take his time and figure it out.

but I think after that you kinda gotta let the dominoes fall just to, you know, let everybody see what's going on, what- whatever his decision his is, and give that a little bit of time just to see where you're going next to.

You mentioned getting through this season.

What, what was, what was your experience working with Rick and the medical staff after a f- a full year?

Top tier.

I mean, I don't think, I don't think it's nobody better out there.

Like, obviously I haven't been to every team, but just the way they handle everything, the way they, you know, do their due diligences on you and, and, and make sure you're okay.

And, and they put so much emphasis on every player, you know, and every aspect that it's amazing.

You know what I mean?

It's, it's definitely amazing.

That it?

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