SFC: Turiaf brings energy to town

Turiaf brings energy to town
Warriors get their big man
Rusty Simmons, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, July 19, 2008


(07-18) 19:23 PDT -- Ronny Turiaf is bringing his heart to the Bay
Area.

Turiaf officially joined the Golden State roster late Friday, when Los
Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak didn't match the
Warriors' qualifying offer. The 25-year-old Turiaf is known more for
his post-draft heart surgery in 2006 and his passionate style of play
and cheerleading than his size (6-foot-10, 250 pounds) and statistics
(6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds).

"Let's end this; the Lakers aren't going to match," said Mark
Bartelstein, Turiaf's agent. "Ronny is very excited; this is the
perfect system for him."

The Lakers had seven days to match the Warriors' four-year, $17
million deal, which was relayed to Los Angeles on July 11. With an
abundance of post players, the Lakers opted not to continue with
Turiaf, who probably would have gotten limited playing time behind Pau
Gasol and Andrew Bynum and would have caused the team's luxury tax
payout to skyrocket.

What the Lakers lose is a winner, who infuses his team and the fans
with energy. With the Warriors, Turiaf is expected to be center Andris
Biedrins' main backup. He provides hustle (1.4 blocks in 18.7 minutes)
and has already proven he can produce when given the chance (averages
of 11 points and 6 rebounds in nine starts when Gasol was hurt).

The Warriors "don't have anyone like him in the front court,"
Bartelstein said. "He'll be their most-skilled big guy, and with big
minutes in the Don Nelson system, he'll have what is conducive to what
he does.

"He appreciates the Lakers and the great run he had there."

Turiaf was the 37th overall pick by the Lakers in 2005, but after
signing a two-year deal, he was diagnosed with an enlarged aortic
root. His contract was voided but the team paid for his surgery, and
he returned in less than six months.

Since then, Turiaf has become a fan favorite for his in-your-face
style of play and sideline action. He may have become a Warriors
favorite Nov. 1, 2006, when he made of 8 of 10 shots for a career-high
23 points in Oakland.

A Warriors official said Turiaf could be in Oakland as early as
Tuesday for a physical and could be introduced to the media at
practice Wednesday.

That's just the middle of a chaotic offseason. Having already lost
franchise player Baron Davis to the Los Angeles Clippers and failing
to sign Elton Brand or Gilbert Arenas, the Warriors inked Corey
Maggette and Turiaf.

Now, the real fun begins.

The immediate concern is whether to match the Clippers' qualifying
offer extended to Kelenna Azubuike on Thursday. With a plethora of
wing players under contract, the bigger issues are what to do with
guard Monta Ellis and Biedrins.

Briefly: Jason Thompson's tip-in with 17.9 seconds remaining gave the
Kings a 94-91 win over the Warriors in summer league action in Las
Vegas. C.J. Watson had 24 points, six assists and four steals for the
Warriors. Anthony Randolph added 16 points and six rebounds.

E-mail Rusty Simmons at rsimmons.DeleteThis@sfchronicle.com.

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This article appeared on page D - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle