Published July 12, 2009
The Charlotte Observer
By Marcus Thompson II
Contra Costa Times (Calif.)
LAS VEGAS
Golden State Warriors second-year shooting guard Anthony Morrow is somewhat of a star at the NBA Summer League.
Unlike last year, when he was unknown and undrafted and looking to make an impression, the former Charlotte Latin star is a sought-after commodity at UNLV's Cox Pavilion by fans and media bent on re-hashing his improbable rise.
Morrow's humility won't allow him to do anything but acquiesce, but he has moved on. He has mentally turned the chapter, focusing on reaching a higher level. He is no longer a feel-good story, but a player the Warriors feel good about.
“We think he's going to be a key component to our team,” Warriors general manager Larry Riley said, “and he's going to be an integral part of our rotation.”
Morrow, after exhibiting steady growth his rookie season, has earned a spot in the Warriors' beloved young core (which is why they are making him take it easy on his sprained left ankle, which kept him out of action Saturday). Morrow's special skill – his outside shot –- made him one of the top rookies in the NBA last season. His development has allowed the Warriors the flexibility to cash in some of their excess at his position (they traded Jamal Crawford and offered Marco Belinelli to Phoenix in discussions for forward Amare Stoudemire).
For many, that Morrow finished last season averaging 10.1 points in 22.6 minutes only bolsters his story, which saw him go from summer-league surprise to training camp invitee to the rookie who coach Don Nelson could hardly keep off the court. But to Morrow, that's ancient history.
When he is putting in three-a-day workouts at the Warriors' facility, he isn't thinking about the fact he was almost headed to Ukraine to play for about a third of the NBA minimum last summer.
When he is getting up 3-pointer after 3-pointer – in drills last month, he made 90 of 102 one day and 98 of 114 the next – he isn't motivated by his 37-point performance against the Los Angeles Clippers in November, the most in NBA history by a rookie in his first start.
When he is relentlessly working on his ability to create offense, he isn't thinking about being the first rookie to lead the league in 3-point percentage (46.7 percent).
Morrow, who played at Georgia Tech , said he is driven by what is next.
“I don't think about that anymore,” Morrow said. “Everybody reminds me about it. I will never forget it, but it's not something I think about. I feel like I still have a chip on my shoulder. I want to stay in the league and do great things.”
Morrow has spent the offseason working on basic ball-handling – getting a better feel for the ball, control of the ball and faster with the ball in his hands. He's also worked on techniques – footwork, positioning, decision-making – to give him more options. Defenses know he's a shooter, so the coaching staff wants Morrow to get better at pick-and-rolls, shooting off the dribble and getting to the basket.
Because of his effort, members of the organization expect these strides for Morrow, who has three teammates with North Carolina ties – Stephen Curry (Davidson), Corey Maggette (Duke) and Brandon Wright (North Carolina).
“His work ethic is just off the charts,” said assistant coach Stephen Silas, a former Charlotte Hornets assistant. “Unbelievable. He is going to be really good.”
Morrow's sprained left ankle – which kept him out of the first two games – is well enough for him to play today vs. Detroit.
He doesn't have to play. But, armed with memories of his last summer league experience, Morrow wants to play.
Not to relive the past. Instead, he knows it will help his future.
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