Anthony Randolph: More Than Just A Poster Prop

Anthony Randolph; frequent victim in vicious dunks, consistent customer of nasty blocks, and a sophomore in the world famous National Basketball Association.

You can not help but to eye this individual. He has a lanky build (standing 6'10" and 210 pounds) and reminds some of a youthful Morgan Freeman due to his slender appearance.

But all physical characteristics aside, Anthony Randolph did not show what many rookies are indirectly pressured to display; that is anxiety, inexperience, and misplacement. Instead, Anthony reflected promise and potential. He exhibited athleticism and talent, and courageously, on countless occasions, tried to block the angered dunker.  

Though most of Randolph's courageous stints concluded with a humiliating 20-by-30 poster, this young player is what a weak Golden State Warrior team needs. 

Averaging 7.9 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game for the 2008-2009 season, Randolph started most of his professional basketball career on the bench, which allowed critics to question Randolph's work ethic and attitude.

His playing time was very limited in the beginning, but as the season continued, his teammates would sustain injuries that would keep them on the bench for quite a few games (Maggette's hamstring and Azubuike's knee).

But when Maggette announced that he would not participate for the last month of play, Maggette's hardship turned into Randolph's success.

Randolph finally received his well-deserving chance to play solid minutes for his ball team near the end of the season. He would not disappoint.

In the remaining four games of the regular season, Anthony Randolph averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 boards, including a break-out game against the San Antonio Spurs where he scored 24 points and grabbed 16 boards.

Some might argue that Randolph's break-out game on April 13 did not matter due to the rest that Gregg Popovich granted his star players before the postseason. But if your a Golden State fan, you could care less about the components of the game. As long as your rookie is performing good, that's all that matters.

Golden State fans and the Warrior's coaching and executive staff watched closely this past Summer League, keeping an eye on their new draft pick Stephen Curry and sophomore Anthony Randolph

Randolph led all players in points.

He averaged an incredible 26.8 points per game and 8.5 rebounds a game while Curry produced 17.4 points per game and 4.2 assists per game. The young tandem led their Warriors Summer League squad to a 4-1 record; fifth best out of 22 teams.

Teammate Anthony Morrow helped the duo by averaging 24.7 points each game (second behind Anthony Randolph in points).

Randolph is beginning to find his way in the league and with his past troubles, he can help guide rookie Stephen Curry and help him get adjusted to the lifestyle of the NBA and the coaching system.

Speaking of coaching system, coach Don Nelson seems to be a perfect match for the duo because of his "care-free" style of play. Heavily concentrated on offense for the last couple of years, Don Nelson is lucky to have pieces such as Randolph and Curry to help contribute to scoring. Let's not forget that the tenth place Warriors were second in team points, averaging 108.59 points per game in the 2008-2009 season. 

The road ahead looks bright for the Golden State Warriors. With only a few more tweaks in the front court, Don Nelson and his Warriors can look forward to a possible playoff spot.

As for Anthony Randolph and his young teammates, they just need to play smart and controlled basketball next season. The world has seen what Randolph is capable of and all that is left is for Randolph to produce during the regular season.

Heck who knows, maybe Randolph will turn out to be the next skinny Tayshaun Prince. After all, Prince and Randolph share some what similar beginnings (Prince averaging 3.3 points per game in his rookie season and Randolph averaging 7.8 points per game in his first NBA season).

The troubled rookie season is in the rear view mirror of Anthony Randolph. Set-up with a fitting coach, a partner in crime, and teammates to turn towards, Anthony Randolph can be headed for a phenomenal year.