How Andris Biedrins Can Turn Things Around

November 10, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward Andris Biedrins (15) shoots the ball over Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) during the third quarter at ORACLE Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 107-101 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

I know many fans don’t really like Andris Biedrins, because of his terrible play in the past couple of years. I understand the contempt, as he doesn’t fill his big contract at all.

The Warriors, without a doubt, would amnesty him in a second. Too bad they already amnestied Charlie Bell a couple years ago. This isn’t good for the Warriors because he is just another guy taking up space on the roster. Either he turns it around, or the Warriors don’t re-sign  him, and he goes back to Latvia and plays ball there.

These are some keys in Biedrins’ game that need to be fixed:

1. Rebound the Ball: Biedrins is 7 feet tall. No matter what, he should be dominating the glass and boxing everybody out. His high basketball IQ helps the Warriors in defensive situations with steels, rebounds and blocked shots.

2. Cut: On offense, Biedrins doesn’t get the ball, unless it is an offensive rebounds. He needs to be more confident, drive the ball, and get to the cup. His jumphook should also be working for him. His long wingspan and his height should allow him to make his shots.

3. Make a Statement: Although he doesn’t play many minutes, Biedrins needs to work as hard as possible in those few minutes. He needs to be a Nick Collison-type player. Hard work does pay off.

4. Remember the Good Ole’ Days: In the 2006-2007 NBA season, Biedrins was a huge part of the dream team that made the magic happen in beating the Mavericks in the first round. He needs to remember that he is the only player remaining on the roster that has been on the Warriors for six straight years. He should assert himself and know his game.

While these all contribute to the low point in Biedrins’ career, none of these things are the main factor.

The main reason for Andris Biedrins’ slump is free throw shooting. Biedrin’s confidence has gone WAY down, ever since he made almost none of his free throws last year. I don’t know about you, but that can be pretty demoralizing. If Biedrins improves his free throw shooting, he will be more fearless going to the basket, getting rebounds, and even drawing charges.

The free throws are the center of his NBA career, and he shouldn’t let those change the course of his career. Andris needs to remember that the real centers don’t make their free throws. So what if he gets fouled every time? If he improves his shooting, he can translate this to ten points per game, and more minutes per game. The Warriors are unlikely to re-sign him regardless of his play, but maybe he could possibly get himself with another NBA team before an end to his young career.