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February 23, 2005
Warrior's Notebook - Warriors vs. Hawks 2/23
By Paul Murdock
Warriors search for identity as second half begins:
With Cliff Robinson’s departure to the New Jersey Nets, the Warriors start the second half of the season searching for a new leader. Warrior’s coach Mike Montgomery hopes “one of the young guys will take more of a leadership role.”
Montgomery stressed that “Cliff will be missed most for his post defense. He was a guy you could count on taking a guy out (of a game).”
In the second half of the season, Montgomery hopes to see his team “stay competitive and hopefully that will translate into some wins. Most of all, I’d like to see them improve themselves individually and collectively so we have something to bounce off.”
Troy Murphy returns from the disabled list:
Troy Murphy returned from a ten-day stint on the disabled list today (fractured left thumb). His return to the lineup means the Warriors have all their starters healthy.
While this may seem like a blessing, Montgomery said they “may have some trouble finding out how to use people.” In Murphy’s absence Montgomery discovered that Mike Dunleavy “likes the four while Derek Fisher likes the two.”
Murphy was replaced on the DL by guard Luis Flores (sore hamstring), which means Mike Dunleavy could see some time at the point if Fisher and guard Speedy Claxton – who have missed a combined 15 games this season - don’t stay healthy, Montgomery said.
Montgomery weighs in on NBA age limit:
Coach Montgomery, one year removed from his post at Stanford, said an NBA age limit of 20 would be beneficial.
“It gives kids more motivation to do well [in school so they’re ready for the league],” he said. “Lots of kids are caught up in the idea of not studying [in high school] because they think they are going to the pros.”
Andris Biedrins, the Warrior’s 19 year-old Latvian rookie, has played 21 minutes this entire season.
“Management wants to work [Biedrins and second year forward Marko Cabarkapa] into the fray and see what they can do in certain situations,” Montgomery said.
Posted February 23, 2005 10:49 PM