Q: Is it hard to believe you guys are already back here?

A: No, last year I think it was too long. This season, making the playoffs gave us a good time but we're anxious to get back on the court and get the ball rolling.

Q: Before we talk about the team let's talk about your offseason. Did you do anything fun, anything exciting?

A: I just really focused on what I need to do to help us get farther than we did last year and just shaped up parts of my game.

Q: How much will your role change this year and how much do you want it to change?

A: I really can't say right now. If it changes I'm willing to accept the challenge that's put on the table for me but if it doesn't I'm just gonna do whatever it takes to help this season.

Q: What are some of the things you learned from your experiences last year and what have you been working on the most in the offseason?

A: I'd say agility stuff, just being more of a guard-like player, working on my legs.

Q: Based on what you have worked on and learned, what are some of the expectations you have coming into this season?

A: I expect for myself to play.

Q: Any thoughts on what it'll take to crack the rotation, or is that something to prove in training camp?

A: You gotta start at day one and try to dominate in the games and practices, and when I get my chances against the Lakers and whoever else we play in the preseason, those are the times when I'm going to get my best chances to show myself, so I have to take advantage of them.

Q: Has the organization communicated any of their expectations to you as far as the role they want you to play?

A: Basically that same thing, getting in that rotation, getting back there and rebounding. We struggled with rebounding last year so we definitely need that. They made it pretty clear that's what they expect the most from me.

Q: There's been a lot of talk about some people labeling you as a major project or a bust because you've spent a lot of time in Bakersfield. Does it bother you? Is it something you just try to ignore or does it help motivate you to play better?

A: It doesn't really bother me because for most people, I could ask if they want to play one-on-one and see what they say, and until they can't prove that then..well, who are they to call someone a bust? And it's not even me, just anybody in the NBA. But it helps motivate you. You never like being talked bad about.

Q: Have you got that popcorn smell out of the car yet?

A: Yeah, I got it out although I still find a couple kernels sometime.

Q: With Richardson gone, does it make it a little bit harder to plan something?

A: I'll figure something out. I'll see if I can fly to Charlotte one day.

Q: As a rookie, what do you bring to the team in terms of how they can best use your skills?

A: Playing low post, shooting from a distance, rebounds, playing defense.

Q: Have you moved to the area yet? How do you like it so far?

A: Yes. Really good, really good. Around here in Oakland and also San Francisco, it's a great area to live.

Q: What have you been doing to prepare for the way Don Nelson runs the team as far as the style of play?

A: I came here almost two months ago to work on my footwork and my quickness, strength. I think I made a step forward with my skills.

Q: What kind of hopes do you have going into the season with the Warriors?

A: I hope I'm going to help this team to come into the playoffs and maybe do something bigger than last year.

Q: What was it like, just looking back, the whole experience of playing and upsetting Dallas in the first round with everyone watching, everywhere?

A: I think it kind of shocked the world and really put the Warriors back on the map. We're here this season to show that wasn't a fluke and it wasn't luck. We are we as good as we showed we were and having everyone from the jump, from training camp to work with each other, hopefully everyone stays healthy and it's gonna be another good season for us.

Q: How good do you think Baron will be in a contract year?

A: I've known Baron since high school and know what he can do. As long as he stays healthy and now he's got this extra motivation, I'd even say a chip on his shoulder he'll come out and play with. If he stays healthy it's gonna be a fun season, a real fun season.

Q: What were some of the things you thought about when you found out the Warriors drafted you this year?

A: First thing, I was very excited that I got drafted. Second of all, I was surprised the Warriors actually drafted me. I hadn't talked to them much when I worked out. I didn't know they were going to pick me so I was surprised and happy. For me, from my point of view, that's the place to be. You want to be where it's exciting and a team on the rise.

Q: Were they a team you got a chance to watch much of in the playoffs?

A: When I studied in school I used to stay up very late at night so I'd catch games on the West Coast all the time. I watched all the Golden State games during the playoffs.

Q: Lately Don Nelson's been talking about some of the things he hopes for you to do as a defender. What do you see yourself doing to meet his expectations to be a "defensive stopper" and can you be that kind of player?

A: That's what I think I'm best at, defense. I think defense is something you can control all the time so I'm going to try to bring that to the table. I can stick with some guys.

Q: What kind of things have you been doing to prepare for playing in a system with a lot of running up and down the court?

A: I've basically been trying to prepare myself mentally to maintain my effort for a longer amount of time.

Q: What would you say your biggest strengths are right now?

A: I think my strengths are the things I can control, like defense and rebounds. Most people know me for blocking shots. I can bring that side.

Q: Now that you're away from that situation (Dallas) and you're here, what are the things you appreciate about Nelson and the way the team is run?

A: It's just a real open, freestyle way to play basketball. If you don't know the game well enough, it could seem like a bit of organized chaos almost, but when you really look at it and see the way guys fill the lane...there's a lot of teams in the NBA that really preach "We're gonna be an up-tempo team, we're gonna be in the best shape ever and we're gonna fast break," but Golden State and Phoenix are the only two teams that really seem like they're dedicated to it and not just at points of the game and then pull back. It's the whole game. They practice running, they practice the fast break. Other teams have the pieces to do it but they don't. I think it's hard for a lot of coaches to really just let the team go without calling a lot of set plays, especially when the other team goes on a 10-2 run or something like that, I think your instinct is "Hey, all right, we've gotta set plays and we know it's gonna work."