By Janie McCauley
Associated Press
OAKLAND, Calif. ó Chris Mullin has a serious thing for star power, and he sees that potential in top draft pick Anthony Randolph. How soon, well, the Warriors will have to wait and see.
Mullin and Golden State went for youth, height and versatility with their first selection in the NBA draft, taking the LSU forward 14th overall in the first round Thursday.
iIt was one of the greatest things that happened to me all my life,î Randolph said of going to Golden State. iThey get up and down, led the league in scoring and coach Don Nelson is one of the best coaches ever.î
Whether itís playing defense, scoring or blocking shots, Randolph believes he is ready to contribute at the next level right away. In fact, he said he had his way with Alabamaís Richard Hendrix ó who happened to become Randolphís teammate when the Warriors selected the 6-foot-9, 255-pound forward with the 49th pick in the second round.
iI think I can do great things on both sides of the floor,î Randolph said. iI love blocking shots. I think thatís one of my best assets. It gets your teammates pumped up when you block shots.î
The Warriors hope the 6-foot-10 Randolph, among a talented freshman class in this yearís draft and the seventh one taken, will complement their up-tempo game
iHeís long, athletic and he can make plays,î Mullin said. iWe feel he has star quality.î