When you take a look at the Warriors’ roster, they’re devoid of a tough, hard-nosed big-man who isn’t afraid to mix it up and who has no problem getting nasty with the best of them. There’s no one in the front-court who’ll deliver a hard foul, send a message or have the opposing team thinking twice about entering the paint.
Which brings us to training camp invitee, Jeff Adrien. Adrien is exactly the type of player the Warriors don’t have on their roster and who it behooves them to sign to a contract. The former UConn Huskie brings a level of nastiness and attitude which the Warriors have been lacking for quite some time now as they’ve been known as a relatively soft team over the past few season. Adrien isn’t the tallest or most gifted individual but what he lacks in size he makes up in grit, heart and passion. Get to know Adrien a little better as I have a feeling you may be seeing him on a regular basis during Warrior games.
Who is Jeff Adrien?
I play the 4, that’s what I am. I might be undersized or however else you want to describe me but the fact is I get the job done. I’m a totally different person on the court than when I’m off the court. On the court, I’m mean, ruthless, relentless and bring it on every play. Off the court, I’m more quiet and reserved.
What do you bring to a team?
Goal is to show this team that they need a guy like me who is a great teammate, brings energy and will bring it everyday and push everyone else. I’m going to work my butt off to show everyone in the organization that I deserve to be on the team.
How did you become a better player this off-season?
Truthfully, I worked on my conditioning, became a better shooter and really worked on my entire game. It’s hard to show everything you’ve worked on because you may not get the time or be put in a situation to showcase everything. I’m capable of doing things that people may not know I can do. I’m comfortable with shooting the ball all the way out to the college three-point line but that doesn’t mean I’m going to rely on it during the games.
How tough is the Big East?
I used to always say that the Big East is the third best conference in the world. You got the NBA Western and Eastern conference and right after that is the Big East. The Big East is a very tough conference and you have to bring it nightly as there are no off nights. The Big East does a good job of getting its players ready for the next level especially at UConn.
3 Things on your Bucket list
1. Make the NBA and play in an official NBA game.
2. Take care of my Mom and Family
3. Take a vacation to an Exotic Island.
Why is it so hard to impress Nelson and now coach Smart if a player is tough, gritty and plays rough like Adrien? The Warriors never had a player like Adrien, they always want finesse guys like Wright and Randolph. Adrien gets our thumbs up and deserves a roster spot. Maybe this coaching staff would want to invest on a banging forward now instead of softies like before.
Jeff Adrian is exactly the kind of guy coming off then bench that will help playoff teams. He’ll be a Lamar Odom type player, jack of all trades, that every team can really use.
Great Q&A with Jeff Adrien. I loved him coming out of UCONN and was surprised no one picked him up. His game was much more complete than Hasheem Thabeet.
I can’t wait for the $14 mil tied to Gadzuric and Radmanovic to go away (along with Gadzuric and Radmanovic). Hopefully, we can use their expiring contracts to get someone solid.
Nice article, Rasheed. Keep up the good work.
Let’s all remember that Barkley was on of the greatest 4s ever, and he was 6’4″. It’s width and quick ups, and long arms that also matter, not just height.
I like Adrien, give him a contract already! cut Miles.
I don’t know much about Adrien, but from the recent things I’ve heard and read he sounds like the Millsap or Boozer type of player the Warriors have needed for a long time. if he shows up during the preseason let’s sign this guy and find another diamond in the rough (e.g. Watson, Morrow, Azibuke etc.)
@Vitamin D Lou Amundson isn’t a rugged player nor is he anything like Adrien. Amundson is more prone to take a charge than he is to deliver a hard foul. Adrien has a mean streak which no one on the roster comes close to matching. Amundson isn’t known for his toughness. Adrien has made a career out of being tough, gritty and fighting/scratching for everything.
Have to agree with Vitamin_D on this one. That whole opening paragraph I was thinking “Amundson” as I read. Have you even seen him play? The guy is known for his aggression, hustle, offensive rebounding, shot blocking, and toughness. Maybe not for his flagrant fouls, but if that’s what you’re looking for then I’m sure glad you aren’t making the decisions.
“When you take a look at the Warriors’ roster, they’re devoid of a tough, hard-nosed big-man who isn’t afraid to mix it up and who has no problem getting nasty with the best of them. There’s no one in the front-court who’ll deliver a hard foul, send a message or have the opposing team thinking twice about entering the paint.”
Um… Louis Amundson? Hello?? These blogs need to be a little more in touch and evaluate the roster more accurately, otherwise it’s hard to take seriously… sorry…
But the interview portion was good. Thanks.
He gets my vote. He did a great job on Cousins, and Cousins was giving Biedrins a lot of trouble. With his strength, it’s tough to move him. Reminds me of Chuck Hayes in Houston. You don’t always have to be 7 feet to play some center. With Amundson having back troubles right now, and Gadzuric looking like walking linguini, I think Adrien could really help us.
I would like to see him in a Warriors uni