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The Wright Stuff

By BRANDAN WRIGHT,

AOL

Posted: 2007-08-15 09:19:11

Filed Under: NBA

Welcome to the first installment of Warriors rookie Brandan Wright's AOL Sports Blog, The Wright Stuff. In this post, Wright checks in from Nashville, where he's working out and getting ready for the big move out to Oakland.

Fernando Medina, NBAE/Getty Images

Named for both his willingness to blog and his ability to finish with authority, The Wright Stuff is Warriors rookie Brandan Wright's blog on AOL Sports. The high-flying forward out of UNC will blog regularly about his first season in the NBA. Check AOL Sports' NBA page for new installments of The Wright Stuff.

AUG. 14, 2007 -- My summer so far: I went to New York for the draft. Then I went out to Oakland to be introduced by the Warriors. After that I went to Las Vegas to watch our summer league team. And then I came back home to Nashville on July 20. And I've pretty much been here since.

The summer's been good. I've been relaxing, working out, and just trying to enjoy my time at home with my family before I head back out to Oakland. I want to do everything I can to make sure I'm ready for training camp, and that includes letting my hip heal. I had a hip flexor injury, which is why I didn't play any summer ball, but it's pretty much healed up. I'm confident it won't hold me back once training camp starts.

Excited to Ball By the Bay

When the Warriors made the trade to acquire me, it said a lot, because they gave up a lot in Jason Richardson just to get me. It shows that they really wanted me, and I think I'll fit in well. They run a wide-open, up-tempo offense, so I don't think I'll be tied to one position. And I think I'll be able to do a lot of different things for the team. For instance, I think I'll be able to step outside a lot more than I did last year at North Carolina. It's exciting.

But how familiar am I with the Warriors? Well, I don't know any of the guys on the team from summer ball or college or anything like that. But like everyone else, I watched their first-round upset of the Mavericks. I was impressed with the toughness they showed in beating Dallas; dominating them, even. I wouldn't say I was as excited as a lot of other basketball fans, but it was impressive.

Photo Gallery: Doin' the Wright Thing

Joe Murphy, NBAE/Getty Images

Wright thinks the Warriors' wide-open offense will give him a chance to step outside more than he did while with UNC.

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And, even though I didn't play, I did watch our summer league team play in Las Vegas. I was impressed by a guy everyone's talking about: Marco Belinelli. He's a great shooter and he's got unlimited range. It doesn't even look like he's trying out there, that's how easy he makes the game look. If we can free him up with screens, or if defenses relax on him, he'll be able to drain it. I think he'll do a lot of good things. He's smooth.

Another guy who impressed me was Kelenna Azubuike. He only played in two games before spraining his ankle, but in those two games he played really well. Overall, the team was great, but Azubuike and Belinelli really stuck out to me.

Oaktown or Bust

As for what the rest of my summer holds, I head out to the Bay Area on August 27. I'll start working out with the team a few days after I get there. I'll just spend the whole month of September working out and conditioning to get ready for training camp.

Then we have our rookie seminar at the end of September. I haven't heard much about it, other than the fact that it's long.

I'm excited to move out to Oakland and get settled in a new part of the country, but I'm not really familiar with the Bay Area at all. I was there for a few days after being introduced by the team, but that's about it. When I move out there, I think someone from my family or a friend will live with me, but that's not definite.

I haven't really bought anything since signing my first pro contract - no cars or anything like that - but the first thing I'll buy when I get out to Oakland is a place to live. Probably a condo or an apartment or something like that; I won't buy a house just yet. And then I'll buy a car. But as of now, I really haven't spent too much money.

Away From the Game

Off the court, I like to play video games. I've been playing the new EA college football game a lot recently. I've been playing as Texas. I don't have any ties to the school; I just like the team. I tried playing as UNC, but it didn't go too well. I tried, though.

I also listen to a lot of rap and R&B - Lil' Wayne, 50 Cent, T.I., Young Jeezy, Ne-Yo, R. Kelly and Usher. I'm really impressed by the new T.I. "King" was an amazing album, but I think "T.I. vs. T.I.P." is actually better. I really like the tracks on the album where he fights with his alter-ego. It's a cool concept.

I've also started playing tennis. I've never taken any lessons, and I've probably only played 25-30 times total. Nothing organized, I just play against family members. My problem is keeping the ball inbounds; I usually hit it too hard. But It's nice to play sports other than hoops sometimes. I don't have to be perfect when I'm playing tennis, which is good because it's a hard game.

And I like golf. I've probably golfed about 15-20 times, and my best score is probably around a 120. I know I'll be close to Pebble Beach in California, but I don't think I'm ready to take on that course. I probably won't be ready for that for another 50 years or so.

2007-08-14 15:38:39

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13 comments

MichHodson 01:28:26 PM Aug 17 2007

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dude, seriously rent first. you got plenty of coin one year renting is not a big deal. always recommended when you are new to a town. good luck, this year

ashenpr1de 04:13:46 PM Aug 16 2007

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Nothing but love this year for you B.Dub.

Darkhorse for ROY 2008!

We'll see you at the Oracle baby... my recommendations is to get a fly pad in the City like Baron did. If you really want a taste of the Bay Life that's a great place to start.

Go Warriors!

Aconti67 11:16:39 PM Aug 15 2007

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get a house in blackhawk in DANVILLE, not scrublin dublin. you can live next to e40 there

hamburgl4r 10:52:22 PM Aug 15 2007

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hey Brendan.. you should get a condo in the city like Baron... or near Lake Merritt in Oakland like Andris.. Make sure you get some chinese food in Chinatown, Japanese food in Japantown and get some good ass burritos on a taco truck.

The bay is waiting for you man. GET SUPER HYPHY HYPHY..

m1k3j8n 07:21:48 PM Aug 15 2007

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Brandon! I'm excited to see your game! Welcome to the bay area! It's great to add another athletic big man to this roster.

m1k3j8n 07:21:44 PM Aug 15 2007

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Brandon! I'm excited to see your game! Welcome to the bay area! It's great to add another athletic big man to this roster.

Tomstead 07:05:55 PM Aug 15 2007

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Hey.... if you need any help with anything www.myspace.com/backeastband

I recommend that you get a house in BlackHawk... its in Dublin..... The housing market is very depressed right now...

Tom

JDM siR 20 05:22:00 PM Aug 15 2007

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welcome to the bay brandan! my friend is from tennessee, and since he moved here when he was 14, he's always loved it and calls this place home.

you'll find there's much to do out here, and i know you'll have a great time at oracle/oakland arena.

good luck patna!

angiemj74 05:08:00 PM Aug 15 2007

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hey brandan, good luck on the up coming season,as a true tarheel fan i know you will make the best of what you got going for you .remeber, you are a rookie and dont know it all.

fearthebeardorg 04:00:12 PM Aug 15 2007

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What it do, Brandan! Welcome to the Dubs. And welcome to the blogsphere. Good stuff. The 'Ville is cool, but The Bay awaits. And we can't wait to see you on the receiving end of some tasty dimes from Baron. Like on opening night. And check out how we do the sports-blog thing too. Hit us up when you want an exclusive interview with the tastemakers of Bay hoops culture!

http://www.fearthebeard.org/

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