On the eve of the season opener, Warriors center Zaza Pachulia joined Bob Fitzgerald and Rod Brooks on KNBR 680.
One thing became clear in 2015-16: NBA teams sought out making contact with Steph Curry, and the point guard took a punishing. His MCL sprain came from a wet spot on the floor in the first round against Houston, but part of the reason Curry skipped the Olympics is because the toll the season took on his body.
Pachulia, alongside David West, wants to put and end to that. And if that means being scrappy, the 6-foot-11 center will take matters into his own hands.
“We’re going to protect our guy,” Pachulia said. “We’re not here to fight or to be dirty, but we’re going to protect our guys. That’s one of our jobs.”
Fitzgerald says sources have told him Pachulia and West have made practice more intense this season. The Warriors are still a goofy bunch, but both members of the 2003 draft class have no qualms speaking up and getting everyone back on track.
“Communication is the key. That’s how you have to get one the same page,” Pachulia said. “That’s how you get the chemistry going.”
