Tag: Golden State

Andrew Wiggins shares he’s put on ‘a couple of pounds of muscle’ during Warriors offseason

During the Golden State Warriors extended offseason, Andrew Wiggins admitted to adding “a couple of pounds of muscle” to his 6-foot-7 frame.

During the Golden State Warriors extended offseason period, multiple videos and photos were shared of Andrew Wiggins working in the gym. The former Rookie of the Year was practicing his drives to the bucket, long-distance shooting and more. 

When Wiggins wasn’t on the court refining his game, it looks like the 25-year-old was hitting the weights. On Wednesday, the Warriors shared a bevy of photos as players return to Chase Center for the start of preseason training camp. 

In one photo, it’s easy to spot the layer of new muscles on Wiggins’ arms. In a press conference with Bay Area media, the small forward was asked about his offseason workout plan. Wiggins admitted to gaining “a couple of” pounds of muscle. 

I put on a couple of pounds of muscle. Just a couple of pounds. Just a few. I definitely feel stronger. I feel faster, stronger. I feel good. Coming into the season, I feel the best I’ve ever felt ever. 

Via @warriors on Twitter: 

Listen to his full pre-training camp interview with media via Warriors SoundCloud. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Wiggins’ first run of action with the Golden State Warriors was limited to only 12 games. During that span, Wiggins averaged 19.4 points on 45.7% shooting from the field with 4.6 boards, 3.6 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest. 

With Klay Thompson set to miss the entire season with a torn Achilles, the Warriors will likely lean on Wiggins over his first full season in the Bay Area. 

Wiggins will have the rest of training camp to build chemistry with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Kelly Oubre Jr., and James Wiseman before the season begins on Dec. 22 against the Brooklyn Nets. 

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Report: Warriors scheduled to play Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks on Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, the Golden State Warriors will travel to Milwaukee for a holiday tilt against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.

After eight months away from the court, Golden State Warriors basketball will soon make its return to primetime. With preseason training camp underway, the 2020-21 schedule is being pieced together.

Although Golden State’s NBA Finals and postseason streaks are over, the team is reportedly extending their run of playing on Christmas Day. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Golden State Warriors will be a featured team on the league’s Christmas Day slate.

While the schedule is still tentative, the Warriors will travel to Milwaukee for a holiday tilt against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks at 2:30 p.m. EST.

Joining the Bucks and Warriors, Christmas Day will feature five other games, including the New Orleans Pelicans at the reigning Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, the Brooklyn Nets versus the Boston Celtics, the Dallas Mavericks against the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. For the Christmas nightcap, the Denver Nuggets will host Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Via @wojespn on Twitter:

During a season filled with injuries and struggles, Golden State’s Christmas Day effort provided one of the highlights of the 2019-20 campaign. Damion Lee led the Warriors against the Houston Rockets with 22 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the field with a career-high 15 rebounds. Draymond Green added a vintage performance with 20 points, 11 rebounds and three assists in Golden State’s 114-106 win over James Harden, Russell Westbrook and the Rockets.

Only three days into the season, Golden State’s Christmas Day contest will provide a chance to measure where they stand in the NBA’s hierarchy. With a healthy Stephen Curry back in the lineup with Green, Kelly Oubre Jr., James Wiseman and Andrew Wiggins, the matchup on Chritsmas Day against Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton will be a chance to test where the Warriors stand against a team with deep postseason aspirations.

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Draymond Green, Steve Kerr and other former Warriors react to Andrew Bogut’s retirement

After Andrew Bogut announced his retirement from basketball, Steve Kerr and Draymond Green chimed in on Twitter to appreciate the Warriors’ former center.

On a Monday edition of his podcast “Rogue Bouges,” Andrew Bogut announced he’s retiring from basketball after 14 seasons in the association. After being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2005 NBA draft, Bogut played for five different teams during his 14 season career. In 2012, the seven-foot center was traded to the Golden State Warriors in a deal that included Monta Ellis moving to the Eastern Conference.

Over five seasons in the Bay Area, Bogut averaged 6.1 points on 57.9% shooting from the field with 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 blocks in 23.2 minutes per contest. As a Warrior, the Australian big man notched an NBA championship ring in 2015 as Golden State’s starting center along with earning a spot on the league’s All-Defensive Second Team.

Outside of his time in Golden State and Milwaukee, Bogut played short stints with the Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers.

Along with his ever unique ability to find an open Stephen Curry or Klay Thompson from the post for an open shot on the perimeter, Bogut’s consistent defensive leadership helped build a stout frontcourt next to a young Draymond Green.

Following his retirement announcement, Bogut’s former coach and teammates chimed in on social media. Steve Kerr, Green and some of his former teammates, including members of Golden State’s 2015 championship roster congratulated Bogut for a strong NBA career with messages of support on Twitter.

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Former Warrior Andrew Bogut announces retirement after 14 seasons in NBA

After 14 seasons in the NBA, including five with the Warriors, Australian center Andrew Bogut has announced his retirement from basketball.

To open the 2005 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Australian center Andrew Bogut out of the University of Utah with the No. 1 overall selection. Fourteen seasons later, the big man is hanging up his jersey.

On Tuesday, Bogut announced his retirement on his podcast “Rogues Bogues.” After a reunion with the Golden State Warriors during the 2018-19 season, Bogut played the 2019-20 season with the Sydney Kings in Australia’s NBL.

Following seven seasons to start his career in Milwaukee, Bogut was traded to the Warriors in a blockbuster deal that featured Bay Area crowd favorite Monta Ellis.

Bogut initially spent four seasons in Golden State, tallying 6.3 points on 58.1% shooting from the field with 8.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.6 blocks in 23.7 minutes per contest.

The seven-footer was a key piece on Golden State’s run to an NBA championship in 2015. After stops with the Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, Bogut rejoined Golden State for 11 games and the playoffs in the 2018-19 season.

Next to NBA champion, Bogut earned several accolades and honors during his time on the hardwood. In 2010, Bogut was named to the All-NBA Third Team. He also earned spots on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2015 and the All-Rookie First Team in 2006. In 2011, Bogut led the NBA in blocks.

On Twitter, the Golden State Warriors thanked the 36-year-old center.

Via @warriors on Twitter:

Along with his fierce defensive prowess and strength as a leader, Bogut will be remembered for his crafty vision as a passer from the post. The big man had a knack for finding Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson leaking away for an open jumper from beyond the arc.

Bogut will finish his 14-year career averaging 9.6 points on 53.5% shooting from the field with 8.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 blocks.

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Report: Former Warrior Glenn Robinson III agrees to one-year deal with Sacramento Kings

After a 48 game stint with the Golden State Warriors in the 2019-20 season, free agent Glenn Robinson III will sign with the Sacramento Kings, per Michael Scotto.

While Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were dealing with injuries during the 2019-20 season, Glenn Robinson III provided a level of consistency the Golden State Warriors desperately needed.

The six-year veteran averaged 12.9 points on 48.1% shooting from the field with 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest. Along with registering new career highs in scoring, rebounds, assists, field goal and free-throw percentage, Robinson III shot a career-best 40% from beyond the arc on 3.5 attempts per contest.

Along with his steady play, the Michigan Wolverines product started and played in 48 of 51 games during his time in the Bay Area.

After a breakout campaign in Steve Kerr’s rotation, the Warriors included Robinson III in a trade with Alec Burks to the Philadelphia 76ers for draft pick compensation.

Following 14 games and one playoff series with Philadelphia, the 26-year-old is on his way back to Northern California. However, it’s not for a reunion with the Wa3rriors. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Robinson III has agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings.

Via @MikeAScotto on Twitter:

The former second-round pick’s deal with Sacramento is reportedly a one-year contract, per Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee.

Via @JasndersonSacBee on Twitter:

With 2020 draft picks like Tyrese Haliburton and Jahmi’us Ramsey roaming Sacramento’s backcourt behind De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield, the former Golden State Warrior can bring a layer of proven veteran stability to Sacramento’s slim wing unit.

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Warriors 2020 preseason schedule set to begin on Dec. 12 vs. Nuggets at Chase Center

The Warriors will have the chance to return to Chase Center for game-action when the preseason begins on Dec. 12 against the Nuggets.

For the teams involved in the NBA’s restart inside the Orlando Bubble, the 2020 offseason has been a whirlwind. However, the Golden State Warriors have been away from the court for eight months.

After an extended layoff, the Warriors will make their long-awaited return to Chase Center in San Francisco for the start of the 2020 preseason. On Friday, the NBA announced the Golden State Warriors preseason slate would begin on Saturday, Dec. 12 at Chase Center against the Denver Nuggets.

Via @warriors on Twitter:

Following Golden State’s first preseason contest against the Nuggets, the Warriors will play a pair of road games against the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 15 and Dec. 17.

In the past, the preseason has served as a small tune-up for a team coming off a trip to the NBA Finals. Yet, Golden State’s stretch of three preseason games will provide an opportunity for a first look at Steve Kerr’s restructured rotation in the Bay Area.

Along with a healthy Stephen Curry, the preseason will feature the Golden State debuts of No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman and offseason addition Kelly Oubre Jr.

With limited group practice time available over the offseason, Curry, Wiseman, Oubre Jr, Andrew Wiggins and 31l have the chance to build chemistry in live-game action before the Warriors attempt to climb back into playoff contention in the Western Conference.

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Warriors Rewind: Kevin Durant drops 51 points vs. Raptors in battle with Kawhi Leonard in 2018

With no hoops until December, Warriors Wire is rewinding through Golden State’s history for memorable matchups and standout performances.

With no hoops on the calendar until Dec. 22, Warriors Wire is rewinding the tape through Golden State’s history for memorable matchups, standout performances and everything else in between. 

With Steph Curry and Draymond Green missing time due to injury, Kevin Durant registered a scorching stretch of games with a new season-high scoring mark in three consecutive contests.

After torching the Orlando Magic for 49 points on 9 points on 16-of-33 shooting from the field, the 10-time All-Star laced up against Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors. 

Before the Warriors matched up with the Raptors in the 2019 NBA Finals, the two powerhouse teams traded heavyweight knockout punches during a regular-season tilt.

November 29, 2018

With his two All-Star teammates sidelined, Durant began to take over early against the Raptors, scoring 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting in the first half. The reigning NBA Finals Most Valuable Player was unable to get his long-distance shot to fall, missing all three of his attempts in the first two quarters.

After a big first quarter, the Raptors were able to take a nine-point lead into halftime over Durant’s Golden State squad. Despite an early advantage, Durant’s thrilling second-half effort helped push a late comeback from the Warriors.

In the second half, Durant ripped the Raptors for 27 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field. The Golden State forward knocked down 4-of-4 attempts from beyond the arc in the final 24 minutes.

Although the Warriors were able to force the game into overtime, Toronto’s rounded attack led by Leonard was to much for Kerr’s shorthanded rotation to handle. While only Durant, Klay Thompson and Jonas Jerebko notched double figures in scoring for Golden State, six different Raptors tallied 10 or more points. 

Leonard led the way for Toronto with 37 points on 14-of-24 shooting from the field with eight rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block.

Despite the loss, Durant finished the game with his 2018-19 season-high in scoring with 51 points on 18-of-31 shooting from the field. Durant added 11 rebounds and six assists in 43 minutes.

Watch highlights from Durant’s performance in Toronto via YouTube:

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Steph Curry and Eric Paschall show support for Nate Robinson before fight with Jake Paul

Prior to Nate Robinson’s boxing match against Jake Paul, Steph Curry and Eric Paschall weighed in on Twitter to support the NBA Veteran.

Before the start of training camp, the basketball community tuned in for a highly-anticipated boxing match. On Saturday night, former NBA guard Nate Robinson laced up his boxing gloves for a bout against YouTube star Jake Paul.

Prior to the start of the super-fight, members of the Golden State Warriors chimed in on social media. Before Robinson stepped into the ring, Stephen Curry and Eric Paschall showed support for the 11-year NBA veteran.

Via @StephenCurry30 on Twitter:

Via @epaschall on Twitter:

Despite the support, the fight did not end well for the three-time Slam Dunk contest champion. After a sloppy start to the fight, Robinson was knocked out in the second round with one vicious right hand from Paul, ending the contest with 1:25 remaining in the second round. Robinson dropped flat to the canvas as the referee stepped in.

After the fight, Curry and Paschall reacted to Paul’s violent knockout over Robinson on Twitter.

During the 2011-2012 season, Robinson spent 51 games with Golden State, averaging 11.2 points on 42.4% shooting from the field with 4.5 assists, two rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Over his stint in the Bay Area, Robinson shot 36.5% shooting from beyond the arc.

Against the Spurs, Robinson led the Warriors off the bench with a 30 point performance on 11-of-20 shooting from the field. Robinson added seven assists, two boards and a steal in 31 minutes.

Coming off a loss to Paul, the 36-year-old will now have to decide if he will still pursue a stint in boxing or return to the court.

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Report: Warriors signing undrafted free agent Kaleb Wesson to training camp deal

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Golden State Warriors are signing former Ohio State center Kaleb Wesson to a training camp deal.

Following the additions of Kelly Oubre Jr., Brad Wanamaker and Kent Bazemore, the Golden State Warriors are rounding out their roster before the start of preseason training camp.

After signing French wing Axel Toupane and Louisville’s Dwayne Sutton, the Warriors added another undrafted prospect to a training camp contract. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors are signing former Ohio State big Kaleb Wesson to a camp deal.

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

The 21-year-old is coming off a three-year stint in Columbus, averaging 12.9 points on 49.5% shooting from the field with seven rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.8 blocks in 25.8 minutes per game.

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic halting the college basketball season, Wesson was a key piece for Ohio State’s top-25 rated team.

On his way to earning All-Big Ten Second-Team honors in 2020, Wesson notched a near double-double on 14 points and 9.3 rebounds a game. In his final season at Ohio State, Wesson increased his 3-point shooting to 3.4 attempts per game. The Buckeye product averaged 42.5% from beyond the arc in his junior season.

Watch highlights from Wesson’s run at Ohio State via YouTube:

At 6-foot-9, 270 lbs, Wesson will add another piece to Golden State’s restructured frontcourt with James Wiseman, Marquese Chriss, Kevon Looney and Alen Smailagic. Wesson will likely compete for a two-way contract with Sutton and Toupane.

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Report: NBA grants Warriors a Disabled Player Exception after Klay Thompson’s injury

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the NBA has granted the Warriors a Disabled Player Exception after Klay Thompson’s injury.

Since the open of NBA free agency, the Golden State Warriors have been active with the additions of Brad Wanamaker and Kent Bazemore. The Warriors were also able to land Kelly Oubre Jr. in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

However, rebuilding a rotation without a player like Klay Thompson isn’t an easy task. To help, the Golden State Warriors applied to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Warriors have been granted a $9.3 million DPE due to Thompson’s season-ending injury.

The DPE will allow Golden State to sign a player to a one-year contract, trade for someone with one year left on their deal or claim a player on waivers with one year remaining. Any move the Warriors decide to make will need to be under the DPE’s $9.3 million amount. The $9.3 million total is the maximum value for a DPE.

The exception is set to expire on April 19.

Via @ShamsCharania on Twitter:

With several expensive contracts on the books and the first wave of free agency coming to a close, there’s a chance the Warriors opt to hold onto the exception until the season starts.

Having an option like the DPE will give Golden State the opportunity to monitor potential trades and the free-agent buyout market without a significant impact on payroll.

Although Thompson is slated to miss his second consecutive season with a significant injury, a roster with Steph Curry, Draymond Green, James Wiseman, Oubre Jr. and Andrew Wiggins still has potential. Adding another proven player with the $9.3 million exception could play a role in Golden State’s run back to the Western Conference postseason.

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